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:

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr. Fitchett was patient and thoughtful through the whole appointment. She answered my questions and suggested follow up.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr. Fogleman is very knowledgeable

Gynecological Exams

Dr Masciello is thorough and takes the time to answer all of my questions.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Everyone is friendly. Dr. Thornton answers my questions and never makes me feel rushed.

Annual Well Woman Exam

I felt heard and responded to.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Everyone was friendly and courteous

Annual Well Woman Exam

Chelsea is amazing! She made me feel so welcome and very comfortable during all my visits

Annual Well Woman Exam

I was called back for my mammogram at my appointment time. Dawn was very welcoming and nice which was extremely comforting for a procedure that is not the most pleasant. She was great during the exam always asking if I was ok. Then I was called back for my appointment with Dr Conway. Her assistant was again very warm and welcoming which was great. This was my first visit with dr Conway who was also very warm and welcoming. She sat down and talked with me about so issues that I was having. She was knowledgeable about what I was needing and I could tell she had read the notes in my chart which was nice that she had taken the time before she came in. She took her time with me and made sure she answered any questions that I had and told me some things that I would need to watch and to call her if anything came up. One of the best experiences that I have had from a woman’s view

Annual Well Woman Exam

Michelle and the rest of the staff are friendly, professional and care about their patients!

Gynecological Exams

I always receive the best care from Dr. Strickland.

Annual Well Woman Exam

The wait was a bit long - 30 mins in the waiting room; 15 mins on the exam table.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Great bedside manner and took time to listen and answer questions!

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr. Hunt is caring, kind and professional. She has a very gentle communication style and makes me feel very comfortable during the visit.

Annual Well Woman Exam

I absolutely adore Dr.Richardson. She never rushes and you always feel like you have 10000% of her attention.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Process very organized so in and out in a reasonable time. Dr Marinone is always very professional and pleasant. She’s the best!

Annual Well Woman Exam

Prompt, professional and curious

Annual Well Woman Exam

I saw FNP Rachel Thomasson for the first time. She is very knowledgeable and I felt completely at ease with her.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Jessica answered my questions and provided excellent care.

Gynecological Problem Visit

Came in worried, left feeling great! Dr. Shivaji is a wonderful person and the best doctor.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr. Strickland was very informative with the questions and concerns that I had.