Birth Control & Family Planning

With so many options available, selecting the right birth control can feel overwhelming. During your consultation, your provider will discuss factors such as:

• Your overall health and medical history
• Future pregnancy plans
• Lifestyle and personal preferences
• Convenience and ease of use
• Hormonal versus non-hormonal options
• Potential benefits and side effects

Our goal is to help you make an informed decision and feel confident about your reproductive healthcare choices.

Short-term birth control methods require regular use and are effective when used consistently and correctly.

Birth Control Pills

Oral contraceptive pills are one of the most commonly used birth control methods. Taken daily, they work by preventing ovulation and helping reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Birth Control Patch

The birth control patch delivers hormones through the skin and is replaced on a regular schedule to maintain effectiveness.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods help prevent sperm from reaching the egg and include:

• External condoms
• Internal condoms
• Diaphragms
• Spermicides

Condoms and internal condoms are the only birth control methods that also help reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. For optimal protection, barrier methods may be used alongside other forms of birth control.

Many women prefer long-acting birth control methods because they are highly effective and require little ongoing maintenance.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

An IUD is a small device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Both hormonal and non-hormonal (copper) options are available.

Benefits include:

• Highly effective pregnancy prevention
• Long-term protection ranging from several years up to 10 years, depending on the device
• Reversible at any time if pregnancy is desired

Birth Control Implant

The contraceptive implant is a small device placed under the skin of the upper arm. It releases hormones to prevent pregnancy and provides protection for several years.

Birth Control Injection

The birth control shot is administered by your healthcare provider every three months and offers a convenient alternative for women who do not wish to take a daily pill.

Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal methods use estrogen, progestin, or a combination of both to prevent pregnancy.

These options may also help:

• Regulate menstrual cycles
• Reduce menstrual cramps
• Manage heavy bleeding
• Improve acne symptoms
• Treat certain gynecologic conditions

Hormonal options include:

• Birth control pills
• Birth control patch
• Hormonal IUDs
• Birth control implant
• Birth control injection

Non-Hormonal Birth Control

Non-hormonal methods prevent pregnancy without altering hormone levels.

Options include:

• Copper IUD
• Condoms
• Internal condoms
• Diaphragm
• Spermicides

These methods may be preferred by women who cannot use hormonal contraception or who prefer a hormone-free option.

For women who are certain they do not wish to become pregnant in the future, permanent birth control may be an option.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation, often referred to as “having your tubes tied,” is a surgical procedure that blocks, cuts, or removes the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.

Many procedures can be performed laparoscopically, using small incisions that typically result in less discomfort and faster recovery.

Salpingectomy

A salpingectomy involves complete removal of the fallopian tubes and may provide additional health benefits while offering permanent contraception.

Vasectomy

For couples seeking permanent birth control, a vasectomy is another effective option that can be discussed as part of family planning. CCOBGYN does not offer vasectomy.