What do I need to consider when choosing a form of birth control?
When selecting a form of contraception, women need to consider their plans to have or add to their families, their lifestyle, general health, and their previous experience with birth control. Dr. Jehangir will discuss with you your needs and lifestyle as well as the wide variety of birth control options from which you can choose. After an appointment with Dr. Jehangir, you will be empowered to make the best decision for your health and family planning needs.
What kind of birth control does Dr. Jehangir offer?
Dr. Jehangir offers her patients a wide range of contraceptive options to ensure that each patient is able to access the best option for her needs.
Birth control pills are available in a wide range of compositions that provide effective protection against pregnancy when used correctly. Women need to commit to taking the pill at the same time every day and need to use an additional form of contraception if they take antibiotics, cold medicine, or experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Implants including Implanon® and Nexplanon® are also available. These small, matchstick-sized devices are implanted on the inside of a patient’s bicep and slowly release hormones similar to those found in birth control pills. Implants last for three years, at which point the patient can choose to replace the implant, use a different form of birth control, or stop using it altogether.
Some women opt for the birth control patch Ortho Evra, which is a hormonal patch that the patient replaces each week. Similarly, NuvaRing® is a hormonal ring inserted into the vagina for three weeks of every month. The patient will remove and replace the Nuvaring on her own each month.
The Depo Provera shot provides a woman with hormonal contraception for 90 days. She will need to return to Lotus Gynecology Health and Wellness for follow-up injections.
Mirena® and Paragard® IUDs are small T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus. Mirena provides a slow release of hormones to prevent pregnancy and lasts for three years. Paragard is a non-hormonal option that uses copper to prevent pregnancy and can provide protection against pregnancy for 10 years.
All of these forms of contraception are effective in preventing pregnancy but do not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Patients are encouraged to use additional forms of protection, such as condoms, to prevent the spread of infections.
What permanent forms of contraception are available?
Dr. Jehangir offers laparoscopic tubal ligation and Essure® as permanent forms of birth control. These options are permanent and cannot be reversed, so women must be certain that they do not want to have any more children before choosing these options. Essure works by inserting small copper coils into the fallopian tubes. The coils cause scarring, which prevents eggs from descending from the ovaries into the uterus. Tubal ligation blocks or severs the fallopian tubes. Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure, which is usually performed in a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.
Take control of your reproductive rights: birth control in Austin
There are a plethora of options available to you at Lotus, where we help women become in control of their bodies. To get on the birth control that’s right for you, contact Lotus at (512) 716-0971 or use the form below to connect with us regarding birth control today.
