Regardless of what your family planning goals are, we make sure you are aware of all of your options. We understand that it can feel overwhelming when faced with the myriad of choices but rest assured that you will receive the guidance you need to make
the best decision possible. Carolina OB/GYN in Rock Hill, SC, offers both temporary and permanent birth control options to align with your reproductive goals. What is right for you may not be right for others, and your preferences may change over
time, so keeping this in mind is necessary when choosing the birth control for you.
Temporary Birth Control
Whether single, in a relationship, or married, women have many options available to them to control their fertility. These forms of temporary birth control include:
Hormonal Methods
These methods release the hormones estrogen and/or progestin that impede pregnancy. It may take about a month or so for these hormones to cycle out of the body if you wish to become pregnant.
- The Pill – It is important to take your pill at the same time every day.
- The Patch – a thing, flexible patch is placed on the exterior of your skin.
- Vaginal Ring – A small, flexible ring-shaped device is placed in your vagina once a month.
- Hormone Injections – Your health care provider administers this once every three months.
- Implant – A thin rod is placed under the skin of your upper arm.
Barrier Methods
The barrier method is easy to use and to stop using, but it is not as effective as other methods of birth control. Condoms do have the added benefit of protecting against STDs and are recommended to use in tandem with other forms of birth control depending
on your lifestyle.
- Condoms
- Diaphragm
- Cervical cap
- Sponges
IUD
An intrauterine device or IUD can be hormonal or nonhormonal. These thin, t-shaped devices are inserted into the cervix during a visit to your doctor and can be removed at any time if you decide to become pregnant in the future. They can last anywhere
from 5 to 10 years.
Emergency Contraception
This is more commonly known as the morning after pill or backup birth control. If you have unprotected vaginal sex and are concerned about the possibility of becoming pregnant, this option may be beneficial. This does not cause an abortion and it does
not prevent a pregnancy that has already occurred. Instead, emergency contraception prevents ovulation from occurring so that an egg is not released and can’t be fertilized by sperm.
Permanent Birth Control
This is a big decision and it is important to clearly understand what permanent birth control entails. Women who may one day want to become pregnant should not consider permanent birth control. These methods are intended for women who:
- Are certain they do not want to have children
- Could undergo a major health risk by becoming pregnant
- Have a genetic disorder they do not want to pass down
Permanent birth control for women has the benefit of being nonhormonal which means it will not affect your menstrual cycle.
Tubal Ligation
This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that results in permanent sterilization of women. It prevents an egg from traveling to the uterus, which is a necessary reproductive action. It also blocks sperm from entering the fallopian tube where they
might fertilize an egg. You will be placed under anesthesia and receive one or two small incisions in your abdomen. Your fallopian tubes will either be clipped, tied, or sealed with cauterization and then stitches will be used to close the incision.
If you are considering permanent birth control, speak with us about your options.
Schedule an Appointment
When it comes to birth control, you have options. Contact us to schedule an appointment to receive the contraceptive counseling you need to choose the best form of birth control for you.
