lexible rim that is inserted through the vagina to cover the cervix. This type of birth control must be inserted prior to having sexual intercourse.
hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring – a ring that is placed inside the vagina around the cervix. The ring releases the hormones estrogen and progestin.
intrauterine device (IUD) – devices placed in the uterus through the cervix by a physician. The IUD works by preventing an egg from being fertilized in the tubes or from attaching to the wall of the uterus. IUDs containing hormones must be replaced annually, while copper IUDs can last up to 10 years.
intrauterine system (IUS) – the IUS is a small T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a physician. It releases a small amount of hormone each day to prevent pregnancy.
Essure- a thin tube is used to thread a tiny, spring-like device through the vagina to the uterus into each fallopian tube. A material in the device causes scar tissue to develop and permanently plug the tubes.
Surgery that results in the inability to become pregnant includes the following:
hysterectomy – removal of the uterus and usually the ovaries and fallopian tube. This is a permanent form of birth control.
tubal ligation or tubal occlusion (“tying the tubes”) – surgery to cut, cauterize, or band the fallopian tubes to prevent the egg from being transported to the uterus. Tubal ligation is designed to be a permanent method of birth control. Although certain types of tubal ligations can be reversed, the reversal procedure may not be successful.
vasectomy – cutting or clamping the vas deferens, the tubes that carry the sperm from the testes – are blocked. The testes still produce sperm, but the sperm die and are absorbed by the body. This is a permanent male birth control measure.
Methods that have been suggested as preventive, but may actually present a high risk for pregnancy include the following:
-withdrawal before ejaculation
-sexual intercourse during menstruation
-standing up immediately after sexual intercourse
-douching after sexual intercourse
Can’t remember to take the pill or need something longer term?
1. Intrauterine Device (IUD)
The intrauterine device, also know as “IUD”, is the most popular form of reversible birth control in the world with more than 85 million women users. An IUD is a soft flexible “T-shaped” plastic device that is inserted into the uterus to be used for contraception. The device is inserted and removed at separate office visits. The IUD is one of the safest, most effective and private methods of birth control.
Effectiveness: IUDs offer a very effective, safe, and hassle free contraception option and they last for a very long time.
Pregnancy: The ability to become pregnant returns quickly when IUD use is stopped.
There are two IUDs currently on the market in the USA:
a) The Mirena® IUD
Offers 99.9% effective birth control for up to 5 years. This device has a small amount of progestin hormone on it that usually makes your period lighter, and in some cases stops your period. Women tend to like these lighter periods on this IUD. Some women may experience irregular and/or heavier periods for the first 3 to 6 months after insertion but this usually resolves with ongoing use.
b) The ParaGard® IUD
Offers 97%-99% effective birth control for up to 10 years. The device is non-hormonal and has a small amount of copper on it. Occasionally women may have heavier periods on this IUD.
NuvaRing® is a once a month contraception. It is a comfortable, flexible contraceptive ring that prevents pregnancy by releasing a low dose of hormones. The ring need only be replaced once every four weeks – it is left in place for three weeks and taken out for the remaining week each month. Many women who use the vaginal ring have more regular, lighter, and shorter periods.
Effectiveness: Less than 1% of women will get pregnant each year if they always use NuvaRing® as directed and less than 8% will get pregnant each year if they don’t always use NuvaRing® as directed.
Pregnancy: If you decide you want to become pregnant, stop using NuvaRing®.
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