Every woman has a different reason for choosing birth control. Some want long-term contraceptives, while others know they want to get pregnant sooner rather than later. The experienced team at Dr. Javid OB/GYN offers many contraceptive choices and takes the time to answer your questions and helps you choose the birth control method that’s best for you. To schedule an appointment, book an appointment online or call one of the offices in San Jose or Los Gatos.
Birth Control Q & A
What Birth Control Methods Should I Consider?
When you come to Dr. Javid OB/GYN for birth control, you have access to the full range of contraceptives. Your doctor reviews your medical history and performs a pelvic exam to be sure you don’t have any health concerns that would influence your choice of birth control. Your doctor takes time to talk with you about your options so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle.
These are some of the birth control methods frequently used by our patients and their effectiveness:
- Tubal ligation: nearly 100% effective
- Intrauterine device (IUD): nearly 100% effective
- Nexplanon® (hormone-containing implant): nearly 100% effective
- Depo-Provera® (hormone injection): 99% effective
- NuvaRing® (hormone-containing vaginal ring): 98%
- Birth control pills and patches: 91-94%
It’s important to know that birth control pills and patches are more effective when they’re consistently used. For example, birth control pills are more effective than indicated on this list when the pill is taken every day at the same time.
How Do Hormone-Containing Birth Control Methods Prevent Pregnancy?
The hormones in contraceptives cause changes in your body that ensure you don’t get pregnant. Depending on the hormones in the birth control method you use, they may stop ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, or change the uterine lining.
What are Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)?
LARCs are inserted once and stay in place a long time, continuously preventing pregnancy for years without worrying about taking pills or replacing rings or patches. With a LARC, you get birth control that’s just as effective as a tubal ligation, but you can still get pregnant any time. You only need to ask your doctor at Dr. Javid OB/GYN to remove the device.
These are the types of LARCs:
- Nexplanon: Nexplanon, a small device that’s about the size of a matchstick, is inserted under your skin. It slowly releases hormones and prevents pregnancy for up to three years.
- IUDs: An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that’s placed in your uterus. Hormone-containing IUDs can safely stay in place for 3-5 years before they must be replaced because the hormones run out. You can also get an IUD that doesn’t contain hormones. Instead, it’s made of copper that effectively prevents pregnancy for 10 years.
When you need birth control, the team at Dr. Javid OB/GYN gives you the information you need to make the choice that’s best for you. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking feature or call one of the offices in San Jose or Los Gatos.