You have big plans for your future, and maybe they don't include having children right now. At Capital Women’s Care in Rockville, Maryland, the warm and caring OB-GYNs help every woman take control of her reproductive needs and choices with safe and effective birth control. Whether you are putting off parenting for a few months, years, or maybe forever, there’s a birth control method that’s right for you. To learn more about all the contraception options available to you, call or click to schedule an appointment today.
Birth control, or contraception, is any device, medication, or method used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control comes in many different forms and works by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.
Some birth control methods are used daily, while others are used every time you have intercourse. Long-term and permanent methods are available for women who don’t want to think about remembering their birth control.
Birth control methods fall into a few different categories:
Barrier methods create a physical obstacle to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Cervical caps, diaphragms, condoms, and sponges are all barrier method forms of birth control. Barrier methods are used every time you have sex.
Hormonal birth control methods mimic female hormones to prevent ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. Hormonal birth control comes in pills, implants, patches, and vaginal rings.
LARC birth control methods offer the convenience of a long-term solution that's removable when you’re ready to become pregnant. The most common LARCs are intrauterine devices (IUDs) and hormonal implants like NexplanonⓇ.
This isn't a device or medicine, but the practice of avoiding intercourse on the days you're most fertile. Ovulation kits or temperature monitoring can be used to determine when you’re fertile.
Women who do not want to have children in the future may consider permanent birth control options such as tubal ligation where your doctor cuts or ties your fallopian tubes.
Birth control is a very personal choice. Your doctor explains all of your options including the risks and benefits of each, but ultimately it’s your decision.
To help you decide which birth control method is right for you, consider the following:
Think about your lifestyle and if you’re going to remember to take a birth control pill every day or use a barrier method every time you have intercourse. If that doesn’t sound like you, a long-term method may a better choice.
There is a birth control method for every woman’s busy lifestyle. For the peace of mind that comes with safe, effective birth control, call or click to schedule an appointment today.