With the many different types of birth control methods available, it can be overwhelming for many women to determine which type is best for them. We at the Center for Women’s Health can assist you in selecting the best birth control to meet your individual needs. Please contact our staff if you have questions or wish to discuss the different forms of contraception with our providers.
Definition of contraception
Contraception is the use of a drug, device, or other agent to prevent pregnancy.
What you should know about contraceptive methods
New choices in birth control are continually arriving in the United States. Many of these birth control methods are already available in Europe and South America.
New birth control methods experience a delay in coming to the United States for two reasons: first, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a more lengthy approval process than in Europe. Second, since many American women are already satisfied with birth control pills, start-up costs for a new method of birth control can easily exceed 150 million dollars. American women may benefit from the delay, however: other countries test new birth control methods and discover potential adverse effects before they become available here.
New methods of birth control make highly effective contraceptive methods available to women who:
- Are over 35, and still smoke cigarettes
- Have tried other methods of birth control without success
- Want to change their method of birth control
- Are not yet ready for permanent sterilization.
Birth control types
The different types of birth control can be categorized in one of three ways: short-term, long-term, and permanent.
Short-term birth control includes birth control pills and other temporary contraceptive methods that can be discontinued at any time. These methods must be used regularly and often require commitment and diligence on the part of the patient. Short-term birth control can offer many other benefits, such as reducing the frequency and duration of your menstrual periods.
Long-term birth control includes options such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and other types of hormonal implants. Long-term birth control is ideal for women who desire a convenient form of contraception with no daily or weekly routines, but who may want to have more children in the future.
Permanent birth control is for women whose families are complete and who desire a simple and convenient method of avoiding an unwanted pregnancy. Because permanent forms of birth control cannot be reversed, you should be certain that you are finished having children.
When you need our help
Dr. Nauser and Kelsey Sellers, DNP, APRN are known for their dedication in helping women find suitable contraceptive methods. Because of their research association with major pharmaceutical companies, the office has access to new developments that are not yet widely available. They have been involved with the research protocols necessary for U.S. approval of some of the methods mentioned above. To discover whether these new methods — or traditional ones — are appropriate for you, call our office for an appointment. We are eager to provide care for you, and your friends, or family.