Birth Control Specialist

What is birth control?

Birth control, also known as contraception, includes a broad range of medications, methods, and devices that prevent pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and don’t want to get pregnant, you need to use birth control.

There are many types of birth control to choose from, some of which are more effective than others. It’s important to remember that latex condoms are the only form of birth control that also protects you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

What types of birth control are available?

The doctors at Women's Health of Manhattan offer a variety of birth control methods, including:

Short-acting hormonal methods

Short-acting hormonal birth control includes the pill, patch, shot, or vaginal ring. You need to remember to take a pill every day or replace a patch weekly or ring monthly. The birth control shot requires a visit to your doctor’s office every three months.

With proper use, the pill, patch, and ring are typically about 91% effective. The shot is about 94% effective.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) include hormonal implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Both of these options require a quick, in-office procedure for insertion. After that, you don’t have to remember anything for several years.

LARCs are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for 3-10 years, depending on the type you get. They’re also reversible, which means you can have a baby when you’re ready.

Permanent birth control

If you know you don’t want children in the future, a permanent procedure like tubal ligation provides irreversible pregnancy prevention in women. For men, permanent birth control involves a simple vasectomy procedure.

Other methods

Birth control options that don’t require a prescription or doctor’s visit include barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms.

How do I know what birth control method is right for me?

No one type of birth control is best for everyone. Your doctor at Women's Health of Manhattan considers your overall health, personal preferences, and desire to have children in the future when recommending contraception methods. They explain your options and help you choose the optimal approach for your needs.

To learn more about birth control, call Women's Health of Manhattan, or book an appointment online today.