The obstetrics and gynecology team at Cary OB/GYN in Morrisville and Cary, North Carolina, understands how important contraception management is for your health and wellness. That’s why the OB/GYNs and nurse practitioner offer all types of contraception, along with the guidance you need to make the right choice for you. Use the online scheduler or call the Cary OB/GYN office nearest you for an appointment now.
Birth control pills typically contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. They prevent pregnancy in a few different ways.
Mini-pills (progestin only), an option if you have a bad reaction to estrogen, don’t always suppress your ovulation but do work in the other two ways.
With typical use, birth control pills are 91% effective. To get the full benefit from oral contraceptives, consistency is crucial. You must take them every day (no missed days) like clockwork. If you take birth control pills perfectly, they’re 99% effective.
IUDs are small t-shaped devices that your OB/GYN implants in your uterus for pregnancy prevention. There are two kinds of IUDs and they work very differently.
Hormone IUDs, including Liletta®, Mirena®, Kyleena®, and Skyla®, deliver the hormone progestin steadily into your body. The progestin thickens your cervical mucus and thins your uterine lining. Sometimes, hormone IUDs also prevent ovulation. Hormone IUDs work for three (Skyla) to five (Liletta, Mirena, Kyleena) years with no maintenance needed.
The copper IUD, ParaGard®, has a copper wire wrapping that repels sperm to prevent pregnancy. It doesn’t contain any hormones. ParaGard works for 10 years with no maintenance needed. It’s also effective as emergency contraception.
Both hormone and copper IUDs are over 99% effective. If you want to get pregnant, your OB/GYN can remove your IUD at any time.
The birth control implant, Nexplanon®, is a tiny plastic rod that your OB/GYN implants in your arm. The implant releases progestin steadily into your body to thicken cervical mucus, thin uterine lining, and prevent ovulation. Nexplanon is over 99% effective and lasts for three years.
If birth control pills or an IUD isn’t right for you, one of the following hormone birth control options might be a good option.
All three of the methods above are 91% effective with typical use or 99% with perfect use.
The Cary OB/GYN team offers a wide range of contraceptive options for your needs. Call to book your appointment now or use the convenient online scheduler for contraception management help anytime.