Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are medications taken daily to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types: combination pills, which contain both estrogen and progestin, and Progestin-only pills, which only contains progestin. 

These hormones stop your body from ovulating and thicken your cervical mucus so sperm can not travel to the uterus. When taken correctly every day, the pill is 99.9% effective. 

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy. 

There are two types of IUDs available: hormonal and copper. 

Hormonal IUDs use progestin to thicken the uterine lining and make it difficult for the sperm to travel to the egg. It can effectively prevent pregnancy for up to five years.

The Copper IUD causes a reaction in your uterine lining that sperm cannot thrive in. This type of IUD also makes it difficult for your uterus to accept implantation of an embryo if the sperm ultimately fertilizes an egg. It may be effective for as long as 10 years. 

McDowell Mountain Gynecology performs an IUD insertion as an in-office procedure for your comfort and convenience. IUDs don’t provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases and you must use another method, such as condoms, to protect yourself.

Nexplanon is an implantable contraceptive that offers long-term birth control. The device is a small, thin implant that your provider at McDowell Mountain Gynecology places into your arm, just under the skin.

This birth control implant is highly effective at preventing pregnancy and can last for up to three years. Nexplanon delivers a steady stream of hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs while also keeping sperm from reaching the egg by thickening the mucus in your cervix.

NuvaRing is a small flexible ring that is placed in your vagina to prevent pregnancy. You replace it every three weeks, with a week in between each use. The ring releases hormones into your body, similarly to the pill, and it is 98% effective when used correctly. 

Learn more about available birth control options at McDowell Mountain Gynecology by scheduling a consultation online or by phone.