Birth Control

What is birth control?

Birth control, or contraceptives, are a way to prevent pregnancy.

The experienced healthcare team at Gallatin Women’s Center offers several types of birth control. Some contraceptives are more effective than others while others can offer more protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

There are birth controls that are permanent like sterilization, longer-term solutions like contraceptive shots, and those that are temporary like condoms.

How does birth control work?

There are different ways that birth control prevents pregnancy depending on the form being used. Some birth controls use hormones, like oral contraceptives, that either keep your ovaries from releasing an egg or prevent sperm from reaching it. This might be accomplished with uterine lining thinning or thickening of your cervical mucus.

Spermicides and barriers are other types of a birth control method. These approaches either kill the sperm or block the path to your egg so they can’t reach it.

Natural approaches to contraceptives involve tracking your menstrual cycle. This method attempts to identify high-risk times for pregnancy and you then abstain from sexual activity during those times.

Permanent forms of birth control are referred to as sterilization.

Are there different kinds of birth control?

Nonprescription forms of birth control include male and female condoms, spermicides, and the sponge. Gallatin Women’s Center offers a full range of contraceptive options, including:

• Oral contraceptives
• Contraceptive patch
• Nexplanon® implants
• Depo-Provera® injection
• Contraceptive vaginal ring
• Tubal ligation or Essure® sterilization
• Mirena® and Paragard® intrauterine devices (IUD)

Implanted birth control options like IUDs and Nexplanon are inserted on-site at Gallatin Women’s Center.

What to expect during my birth control appointment?

Each birth control method comes with varying risks, side effects, and effectivity. In order for your provider at Gallatin Women’s Center to help you select the most effective contraceptive for your health and lifestyle, they conduct a full physical examination including Pap smear and STD testing. They also discuss your sexual activity and reproductive goals.

In addition to birth control counseling, your provider at Gallatin Women’s Center also offers family planning services as well as infertility testing.

To find the best birth control method that matches your unique needs, call Gallatin Women’s Center or schedule an appointment online today.