Contraception Specialist

Contraception Q & A

How do birth control pills prevent pregnancy?

Birth control pills typically contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. They prevent pregnancy in a few different ways.

• Suppress ovulation
• Thin the lining of your uterus
• Thicken the mucus in your cervix

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.

What are IUDs and how do they work?

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

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.

Copper IUDs

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.

How does the birth control implant work?

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.

What are other contraception management options?

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.

• Birth control patch: changed once a month (three weeks on, one week off)
• Birth control ring: changed once a month
• Birth control injections: shots every three months

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. Contact us today to schedule your appointment at the office nearest you.