Birth Control Specialist
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GYN-CARE Women's Healthcare Center
Women's Health Center located in Atlanta, GA
Birth control is a very personal decision, but it’s hard to make that choice without knowing the facts about all the different birth control options. Eric Brown, MD and the experienced OB/GYN team at Gyn-Care in Atlantic Station, Atlanta offers a wide range of choices including implants, IUDs, hormonal methods, and natural family planning guidance. Schedule your appointment through the online appointment maker or by phone today.
Birth Control Q & A
What are the options for oral contraception?
Oral contraception includes both combination and mini pills. The combination pill contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. It prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs, thins out the uterine lining to prevent implantation, and thickens cervical mucus to deter sperm.
The mini pill contains progestin. It thins uterine lining and thickens cervical mucus. With perfect use oral contraceptives are 99% effective. With typical use, which includes the occasional missed or skipped dose, they're 91% effective.
What are the options for long-acting reversible contraception?
Long-acting reversible contraception options work for years at a time. Your OB/GYN places these devices, and then monitors them during your wellness visits.
IUD
The IUD has two forms, copper and hormonal. Your OB/GYN places the IUD inside your uterus, and it prevents pregnancy for as long as 12 years depending on type. Copper IUDs kill sperm to prevent pregnancy, while hormonal ones release hormones to prevent egg release. The IUD is over 99% effective.
Implant
The birth control implant is a small flexible plastic piece, around the size of a match. Your OB/GYN implants it inside your upper arm. Birth control implants release hormones to prevent egg release and thicken cervical mucus to prevent pregnancy. They work for around 3 years, and are 99% effective.
Both the IUD and the birth control implant can be removed anytime you wish, but only your OB/GYN can do so.
Do barrier methods of birth control work?
Barrier birth control methods such as condoms, sponges, and diaphragms can prevent pregnancy but they're not as successful as oral contraception or long-acting reversible contraception methods. Another drawback to barrier methods is that you have to use them every time you have sexual intercourse.
What about natural family planning?
Natural family planning can work, but it’s not an exact science since you don’t ovulate at the same time each month. For natural family planning to be successful, you need to keep meticulous records of your cycle and avoid sex during your fertile days. Still, it’s far from foolproof.
Can I get permanent birth control?
Talk to your Gyn-Care OB/GYN about your birth control options to make the right choice for you. Make an appointment online or by phone today.
