Your Birth Control, Your Choice

At Jefferson OBGYN, we know that choosing the right birth control can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s important to remember that the best method is the one that makes you feel most comfortable and that you can use consistently. Factors such as your age, future pregnancy plans, your current menstrual cycle, and any underlying health conditions also play an important role in finding the method that works best for you.

Desiree Neumann, our Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, breaks down non-hormonal and barrier methods of birth control in a multi-part video series. You can follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

Here’s a breakdown of the main categories of birth control we offer:

1. Non-Hormonal and Barrier Methods

These methods don’t involve hormones and are ideal for people who are considering pregnancy in the near future or who prefer not to use hormones.

• Examples: Condoms, female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and natural family planning.

• Effectiveness: Often paired with spermicidal gel for added protection, but failure rates can range from 17–30%.

• Benefits: No hormones, easy to start and stop.

• Considerations: Less reliable than other options if not used perfectly every time.

2. Short-Acting Hormonal Contraception

These methods use hormones — typically a combination of estrogen and progesterone, though some progesterone-only options exist.

• Examples: Birth control pills, the patch, the vaginal ring, and the Depo-Provera shot.

• Effectiveness: Failure rate is around 4–7%.

• Benefits: Can make periods lighter, more regular, and less painful.

• Considerations: Must be taken on a schedule (daily, weekly, or monthly) and may cause side effects like headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, or irregular bleeding.

3. Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

A provider places these methods and can stay in place for several years. No daily reminders needed.

• Examples: Arm implant (Nexplanon) and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

• Effectiveness: Less than 1% failure rate.

• Benefits: Long-lasting (3–10 years depending on the method), highly effective, and may dramatically decrease heavy periods.

• Considerations: Some users may experience irregular bleeding or mood changes. There’s also a small risk that the device may shift or become dislodged.

4. Permanent Sterilization

For individuals or couples who are certain they no longer want children, sterilization offers a permanent solution.

• Examples: Tubal ligation (commonly called “having your tubes tied”) or a vasectomy for male partners.

• Effectiveness: Less than 1% failure rate.

• Benefits: One-time procedure with lifelong results.

• Considerations: Permanent, not reversible in most cases, so it’s only appropriate for those confident about not wanting future pregnancies.

Finding the Right Option for You

Every patient is unique, and your birth control choice should reflect your lifestyle, health needs, and future plans. Whether you want something temporary, long-term, or permanent, our team at Jefferson OBGYN is here to help you navigate your options.

Schedule an appointment today to discuss which method may be right for you. Together, we’ll find a safe, effective option that fits your life.