At Columbus Women’s Care, our Gynecologists will discuss all forms of contraception methods during your visit.
Types Of Contraceptive Methods
- Condoms
- Oral Contraceptives
- Vaginal Ring
- The Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Benefits Of Birth Control
There are many benefits to birth control. These include:
- Pregnancy prevention
- Decrease menstrual bleeding
- Minimize menstrual cramps
Patient Testimonial
"I had the BEST experience here at this office. Everyone was very polite and Dr. Richie was so nice and she listened to me and my concerns and figured out a solution. I will be going back to this office from here on out. I wish I could give more than 5 stars."
- samantha f.
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The Most Effective Birth Control Methods
IUDs, Subdermal Implants, and Surgical Tubal Sterilization are some of the most effective birth control methods.
- Laparoscopic tubal ligation – Laparoscopic tubal ligation is a surgical sterilization procedure in which we surgically block, seal or remove a woman’s fallopian tubes. Both methods prevent the fertilization of eggs. Tubal ligation is a permanent method of birth control.
- Nexplanon – The implant is a very small rod, about the size of a matchstick that we insert under the skin of a woman’s upper arm to provide birth control. It releases hormones just as the pill does, however it prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years. If you decide to get pregnant, you simply have it removed. It has a 99% effectiveness rating.
- IUDs- or Intrauterine Contraceptive Device is a small t-shaped device that is made of soft plastic that is inserted into the uterus. There are multiple versions of an IUD that are highly effective, long lasting, and FDA approved.
- Vasectomy- a minor surgery that involves cutting and sealing of each vas deferens. This is a medical procedure for men who are sure they don't want a future pregnancy.
What Is An IUD?
An IUD or an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device, are tiny devices that are inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. Once inserted, it can last anywhere from 3-10 years depending on the specific device. Hormonal IUDs alleviate many period symptoms that patients commonly complain of (decreases bleeding frequency and amount typically).
How Do They Work?
IUDs change the way sperm cells move so that they can’t get to the egg to fertilize it. The ParaGard IUD uses copper. Sperm avoids copper, so they can’t get to the egg. Hormonal IUDs work two ways to prevent pregnancy. They thicken the mucus that lives on the cervix (much like the pill and other hormonal contraceptives do), so the sperm gets stuck trying to get through. And, secondly, they sometimes stop the eggs from leaving the ovaries and no egg equals nothing for the sperm to fertilize.
Types Of IUDs
At Columbus Women's Care, we offer both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs. These include:
Mirena®
Mirena® is a hormone-releasing IUD that is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for as long as you want, for up to 5 years. Mirena can be used whether or not you have had a child. It also treats heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception.
Liletta®
LILETTA® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 52 mg is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for as long as you want for up to 4 years.
Paragard
PARAGARD is an intrauterine copper contraceptive device that is placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. This is the non-hormonal IUD.
Kyleena
Kyleena is the smallest 5 year IUD that gives a continuous low dose of progestin - a hormone that acts primarily in the uterus. Kyleena is estrogen-free.
Skyla
Skyla is a hormone-releasing IUD that is over 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 3 years. Skyla is estrogen-free and FDA approved.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects will depend on the IUD that you choose. Hormonal IUDs have side effects including decreased menses, decreased cramping, and possibly absence of menses. The non-hormonal IUD has side effects of heavier bleeding and increased cramping.
How Are IUDs Removed?
IUD removal is simple in most cases. If we can see strings when we insert a speculum, we simply pull to remove the device. This is quick and causes very little discomfort.
Schedule An Appointment
If you are interested in contraception and would like to learn more about your options, call 614-755-4200 to schedule an appointment. Columbus Women’s Care serves Columbus, OH, and surrounding areas.
