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.
Find A ProviderHow 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.
