Birth Control Pills (oral contraceptives)
Oral contraceptives are the most popular method of contraception. They contain estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation when taken daily. The birth control pill is more effective when taken at the same time every day and are more than 99% effective when taken correctly. During the fourth week most women will have their menstrual cycle. Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and irregular spotting. If these side effects occur, it is important to notify the physician.
Combination birth control pills are not recommended while breastfeeding. The nursing mom may take a progesterone-only birth control pill. This birth control pill is also known as the minipill. The minipill prevents ovulation and is about 95% effective when taken correctly. Once a nursing mom has discontinued breastfeeding, it is recommended to notify the physician and begin combination birth control pills.
Intrauterine Devices
The advantage of the IUD is that you don't have to think about it every day the way you do with the birth control pill or with barrier methods. Patient satisfaction with IUDs is among the highest of any reversible method. This is because it does not require daily attention and has a high degree of effectiveness as well as convenience.
Kyleena 19.5mg IUD
(levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) is also a smaller iud for those who have not given birth or want less hormones. The Kyleena can last up to 5 years
Read more about Kyleena here
Mirena IUD
(levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) Mirena is used to prevent pregnancy. Mirena does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Mirena is a hormone-releasing system containing a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel and does not contain estrogen. It is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years and is 99% effective. It can be removed at any time. Mirena releases the hormone into the uterus and only a small amount of the hormone enters your bloodstream. It can decrease menstrual flow, sometimes significantly, and has been used to control heavy periods.
Read more about Mirena here
Liletta 52mg IUD
(levonorgestrel-hormone releasing intrauterine device) is a hormone releasing system also placed in your uterus. It is used to prevent pregancy. The Liletta is less expensive than the Mirena and lasts about 4 years.
Read more about Liletta here
ParaGard IUD
The ParaGard IUD is intrauterine device that contains copper. ParaGard does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years and is 98.5% effective. It can be removed at any time. It works by reducing the sperm's ability to swim, preventing fertilization. There are no hormonal side effects.
Read more about ParaGard here
Skyla 13.5mg IUD
(levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) is a smaller flexible device that is normally the choice for those who have not given birth and for those looking for something with less hormones. This iud contains less hormones, less progesterone, than the Mirena. Up to 3 years of continuous pregnancy protection.
Learn more about Skyla here
Injectable Contraceptions
Depo-Provera
is an injectable contraception administered in the upper arm or hip. It consists of progesterone which is released into your system over a period of three months preventing ovulation and is 99% effective. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is a popular method of contraception among nursing moms because it is safe while breastfeeding and does not decrease the milk supply. Side effects vary by individual.
Learn more about Depo-Provera here
Barrier Contraceptions
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a soft rubber, latex, or silicone cup that is filled with contraceptive jelly or cream and inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. The diaphragm is about 82% - 94% effective when used with spermicide. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It provides a physical barrier to semen and holds the contraceptive jelly which kills the sperm before they can enter the uterus and fertilize an egg. The diaphragm should remain in place for six hours after intercourse, but should be removed within 24 hours. Diaphragms should be replaced every two years. Use of the diaphragm may increase a woman's risk of urinary tract infections.
Learn more about Diaphragm here
Condoms
The male condom is worn on the penis. Condoms are the best available protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It collects semen and prevents sperm from entering the uterus and is 88% effective. The female condom is a lubricated plastic sheath with the rings on each end. The ring on one end is open and remains outside the vagina, covering part of the labia. The ring on the other end is closed with the plastic and looks like a diaphragm. It is placed in the vagina so that it covers the cervix, preventing sperm from entering the uterus. The sheath between the two rings forms a pouch to line the entire vaginal area.
Learn more about Condoms here
Permanent Contraceptions
Essure (No-incision permanent sterilization)
Essure is gentle, permanent birth control procedure that works with your body to create a natural barrier against pregnancy. It is 99.8% effective. It is placed into each tube using a hysteroscope.
Learn more about Essure here
Tubal ligation
Tubal ligation is a permanent birth control procedure preformed outpatient. There is a 1 in 300 failure rate. It is sometimes done immediately after delivery, but more frequently involves laparoscope placement.
Learn more about Tubal ligation here
Post Partum Contraception
There are several options for post partum contraception, these include: Depo-Provera, the Mirena IUD, the ParaGard IUD, and Oral Contraceptives including Micronor (the "minipill"). Breastfeeding is not a reliable birth control option. Although nursing can in some cases delay or even prevent the return of your menstrual cycle, it does not necessarily prevent you from becoming pregnant. Other birth control options include the diaphragm, condoms, and permanent sterilization.
