Birth Control Options and Family Planning

Birth Control

Women decide to use birth control for many reasons; some people find it helpful for relieving symptoms of gynecological conditions, while others don’t want to get pregnant right now. If you’re considering birth control, your provider at UWH of the Carolinas can help you choose the best option for your lifestyle.

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How to Choose the Right Birth Control for Me

Your provider can help you select the right birth control option for you. When choosing a birth control method, it’s important to consider a variety of factors like lifestyle, ease of use, your medical history, and any other concerns you might have.

We want you to feel comfortable discussing your reproductive health and sexual wellness. If you have questions or concerns about birth control, don’t hesitate to ask your provider.

Short-Term Birth Control

Short-term birth control options refer to methods you use daily or every time you have sex, such as a condom. Barrier methods like internal condoms prevent pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted infections.

Condoms and internal condoms are the only birth control methods that prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections and HIV. You should use a barrier method in addition to other birth control methods when having sex to practice safer sex.

Birth control pills are the most well-known short-term birth control option. You take a pill daily in order to prevent pregnancy. The birth control patch is another short-term birth control option that you need to use repeatedly for continued pregnancy prevention.

Longer-Lasting Birth Control

If you prefer a birth control method that needs minimum maintenance, consider a long-term birth control option, like:

  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  • Birth control implant
  • Birth control shot

IUDs are a long-lasting birth control method that is inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are hormonal and nonhormonal IUD options so that you can select the right choice for your body. On average, IUDs can last up to ten years but can be removed by your provider at any time.

The birth control implant is a hormonal birth control method that goes into the skin of your arm and can prevent pregnancy for several years.

The birth control shot is an injection given to you by your provider once every three months to prevent pregnancy.

Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Birth Control

When choosing a birth control method, one key consideration is whether to use a hormonal or non-hormonal option.

  • Hormonal Birth Control
    Hormonal birth control works by releasing hormones (such as estrogen or progestin) into your body to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, or thin the uterine lining.

    These methods are highly effective in preventing pregnancy and can also offer additional benefits, such as regulating menstrual cycles or reducing acne. Common hormonal options include birth control pills, the patch, IUDs (hormonal), and implants.
  • Non-Hormonal Birth Control
    Non-hormonal birth control methods do not contain hormones. Instead, they work by physically preventing sperm from reaching the egg or by creating a barrier that prevents pregnancy. Some women choose non-hormonal options if they have certain medical conditions that make hormones unsuitable or want to avoid hormonal side effects.

Non-hormonal options include:

• Copper IUD
• Condoms
• Spermicide
• Diaphragm

Your provider can help you explore the benefits and risks of both hormonal and non-hormonal options, ensuring you find a birth control method that aligns with your health needs and lifestyle.

Permanent Birth Control

If you are not interested in having children, or it would be unsafe for you to become pregnant, permanent birth control is available. The most common permanent birth control method is a surgery called a tubal ligation. This procedure cuts or removes your fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization.

Tubal ligations are often performed laparoscopically. This procedure involves small incisions, minimal scarring, and less recovery time than traditional open surgery.

You can also talk to your provider about a salpingectomy or a vasectomy as a permanent birth control method.

Talk to Your Provider About Birth Control

Whether you’ve used a birth control method before or are new to exploring your options, your UWH of the Carolinas provider can help you select an option that’s right for you. Schedule an appointment to discuss birth control with your provider today.

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Family Planning/Contraception

In your postpartum care, you might also want to discuss options for contraception. Even if you know you want more children, the time between your delivery and getting pregnant again should be about 24 months for your health and the health of your babies. Your UWH of The Carolinas OB/GYN will go over your options for contraception so you can choose the method that will work best for you.

Some contraception considerations will include:

  • Timing of the particular birth control method. Some options can be started immediately after you give birth, while others should wait a few weeks after delivery.
  • Whether you decide to breastfeed. While most birth control options are safe to use while you are breastfeeding, some can have a small chance of affecting your milk supply during the first few weeks.
  • The effectiveness of the method after you have experienced pregnancy. Some options for contraception do not work as well in women who have given birth.

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating for UWH of The Carolinas:

Breast Exam

I was given an appointment quickly.

Pap Smear

I very much appreciate having the mammogram the same place and time as my yearly physical. I would be less inclined to schedule those separately if I had to go to two locations

Candidiasis / Yeast Infection

I was able to get an appointment quickly. Dr. Fogleman was very attentive and extremely thorough.

IUD Insertion / Removal

Everything was good and quick

Follow-up Visit (Problem / Complication)

Dr. Moore is kind, compassionate and easy to talk to. She’s thorough and takes times to answer all questions and concerns.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr. Allison is the Best!

Gynecological Problem Visit

Dr. Gilmer is the best! She listened to me. Didn’t downplay what I was telling her. She is an excellent physician and you can tell she truly cares about her patients.

Office Visit / Follow-up

Dr. Hunter is very kind, very genuine. She’s just amazing! Her presence reflects professionalism but warmness.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Great experience.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Excellent communication, patient with questions and talking out findings. Kind and caring.

Breast Exam

Jessica is awesome! She is so easy to talk to and she genuinely cares about my wellbeing.

Colposcopy

Professional, kind, quick. I love Dr Wind

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr Highland is very professional. Great personality, a very caring and knowledgeable dr.

Pap Smear

The professionalism of Dr. Pak and staff. I felt heard and cared for. Love that Dr. Pak didn’t rush through the appointment, but took her time to address my questions and any concerns that I had. She was also thorough and gentle.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr Clark listens to my concerns and never rushes. Explains my options and always answers all my questions.

Gynecological Problem Visit

Seen very quickly. Good care

Prescription Medication / Rx Refill

All the staff was friendly. I did not have to wait very long. They checked to be sure all my information was up to date

Mammogram

Dr. Thompson takes his time with the patient. He knows his patients and relates with them well. He is easy to talk to and understands each patient is an individual, not a number. That is important to me.

Routine Pregnancy / Prenatal Appointment

Arbor Obgyn operates like a well oiled machine. Fast, professional, personable. Gold standard care. Dr. A delivered my first baby, was there to support me through a miscarriage and on my most recent visit, told me I am 7 weeks 4 days pregnant, an absolute blessing. Through some of the most vulnerable times of my life I’ve felt loved and supported by Dr. A & the Arbor team and I am SO incredibly grateful to be a patient at this practice.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Very thorough provider!