Please read through the important information below to get an idea of what methods of birth control are currently available to you. When you come in for your office visit, we'll sit down and discuss your needs, lifestyle, the risks, the costs, your medical history and other factors that will help us figure out the very best method of contraception that works for you.

How Effective Is Contraception (Birth Control)?
The majority of birth control methods available today are very effective. However, there is always a chance a pill, device or prescribed method will fail. The key factor is that you do your part to stick with the plan shown to you by your doctor.

Oral contraceptives, condoms, diaphragms and spermicides can be very effective in birth control, but they've been associated with a higher risk of pregnancy because women have used these methods incorrectly or inconsistently. Other methods of birth control like intrauterine devices or IUDs have show less risk for pregnancy because women have not had to keep up with a regular routine. We'll make sure you get the best birth control for your unique situation, but either way, it is always best to listen to your doctor when it comes to contraception.

How Do I Choose A Birth Control Plan That Works For Me?
It's always best to talk to your doctor to ensure you are getting the best contraception plan for you and your partner.

When considering a method of birth control, be sure to ask your doctor the following questions:

• How effective is it?
• How long does it last?
• How do I use it? If it's a pill, how often do I have to take it?
• What are the side effects?
• How much does it cost?
• Will it protect me from STDs?
• If I want to become pregnant later on, how long will it take to become fertile again once I stop using it?

There are no 100% effective contraceptive options. So it is very important to weigh the pros and cons of each method, and get your doctor's advice before you make your decision.

TYPES OF CONTRACEPTIVES:

"The Pill"
The most common type of birth control pill prescribed by doctors contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin.

What Does "The Pill" Do?

• prevents the release of eggs by "fooling" the body into thinking you are pregnant
• thickens the mucus in your cervix making it tough for sperm to travel
• thins the uterine lining making it hard for an egg (if released accidentally) to implant itself in the uterine wall

Additional Benefits Of "The Pill"

• reduces the risk of ovarian cancer
• reduces the risk of uterine cancer
• reduces menstrual cramps
• reduces Iron Defeciency Anemia
• less acne

Side Effects of "The Pill"

• bloating
• mood changes
• nausea
• breast tenderness
• breakthrough bleeding or spotting

"The pill" is a very effective means of birth control when taken as directed, but be sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor before you make your final decision.

"The Mini-Pill"
The mini-pill is a progestin-only version of the oral contraceptive. The mini-pill is specifically formulated for women who cannot take estrogen. The mini-pill is prescribed for women who are breastfeeding, suffer from migraine headaches or encounter high blood pressure as a result of taking the combination pill.

The mini-pill is also very effective, but shows a higher risk of pregnancy if you wind up taking your pill more than three hours late. It is recommended that you use a backup contraceptive for a week if you miss your dose by three hours or more.

Injectable Birth Control
Depo-Provera® or DMPA is currently the only injectable contraceptive available in the U.S. Depo-Provera, also known as medroxyprogesterone acetate, is injected into a muscle every three months. The DMPA has similar effects to the pill in that it prevents the releasing of eggs, thickens the cervical mucus to stop the movement of sperm and causes a thinning of the uterine lining. It is recommended that you use an additional form of contraceptive for the first week if you get a DMPA injection shortly after your period.

Side Effects of Injectable Birth Control

• irregular or prolonged bleeding
• many women stop having periods after one year of using DMPA (periods usually begin again within six months after your last injection)
  
  For more information on the risks and benefits of Depo-Provera visit: www.depoprovera.com

Transdermal Patches
The transdermal patch is yet another effective means of birth control. Each patch contains both estrogen and progestin and works in a similar fashion to the pill without the need for a daily dose. The patch can be worn on the hip, shoulder, upper arm or upper back.

You will need to change the patch once a week for three weeks. The fourth week does not require a patch, as your regular period should occur. Ortho Evra® is currently the only transdermal contraceptive patch available in the U.S.
The risks are similar to those of the pill, with the main difference being the higher level of estrogen delivered by the patch. The increased level of estrogen carries some concern that it may cause blood clotting, but that has yet to be proven in clinical trials.

For more information on the risks and benefits of the transdermal patch visit, www.orthoevra.com

Vaginal Ring
A vaginal implant in the form of a plastic ring can be worn inside the vagina for three weeks, and then the ring is removed on the fourth week allowing your normal period to occur. The vaginal ring, sold under the brand name, Nuvaring®, contains estrogen and progestin that the vaginal tissues absorb slowly over time.

The vaginal ring is easy to insert and remove, and may be taken out during intercourse if desired. Your sexual partner will not feel the discreet plastic device. The vaginal ring carries the same risks as the pill, but may be a better option for you if you have trouble keeping up with a program of daily pill doses.

For more information on the risks and benefits of Nuvaring visit, www.nuvaring.com

Contraceptive Implant
You also have the option of getting a progestin implant known by the brand name of Implanon™. The implant consists of a tiny flexible plastic rod that is placed under your skin. The implant lasts for up to three years as the progestin is slowly secreted into the body. The implant starts working within 24 hours. Side effects include irregular bleeding.

For more information on the risks and benefits of Implanon visit, www.implanon.com

Condoms

• Male Condoms—Condoms worn by men are designed to cover the penis and stop sperm from entering the vagina during sex. It is critical for a male sexual partner to follow the instructions from the manufacturer when using condoms. To increase the effectiveness of the condom, you can also apply a spermicide to the vagina. The combination of condom and vaginal spermicide can be as effective as contraceptives containing hormones.
  
  Keep in mind that condoms with a pre-applied spermicide have been known to expire quicker than those condoms without spermicide, and the spermicidal condoms show no increased efficacy versus the standard male condom. Oil-based lubricants should never be used when condoms are being used for birth control. The oil has been known to damage latex and cause condoms to break.
  
  Condoms also help protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
• Female Condoms—The female condom is worn inside the vagina and lines the cavity to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The polyurethane condom contains a flexible ring at each end. When you insert the condom, you fold the ring at the closed end of the condom, and once inside the vagina, you release it to hold the condom in place. The ring on the open ends sits outside the vulva. The inside of the female condom contains a silicone-based lubricant, but does not contain spermicide.
  

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
IUDs are molded plastic devices inserted into the uterus via the cervix. These devices include a string that goes through the cervix and into the vagina enabling you to make sure the device is properly in place during sex. The IUD does not interfere with sexual intercourse. IUDs have been proven to be safe and effective in preventing pregnancy and last anywhere from 1 to 10 years. IUDs' do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

There are two main types of IUDs available:

• IUDs Containing Copper—These types of intrauterine devices stop the sperm from reaching the fallopian tubes. IUDs that contain copper can be effective for 10 years.
• IUDs Containing Levonorgestrel—These intrauterine devices prevent pregnancy by releasing levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone, which thickens the cervical mucus making it tough for sperm to travel, and causes a thinning of the uteran lining. These IUDs have been known to reduce the pain associated with your period and decrease menstrual bleeding by up to 90 percent. IUDs containing levongorgestrel are very effective and can last up to five years.

Sterilization
Birth control via sterilization is aimed to permanently prevent your chance of becoming pregnant. Sterilization is available for both men and women, but should be carefully considered and discussed with your doctor before you make the decision to have the procedure. Sterilization does not stop sexually transmitted diseases, and carries a 1%-2% chance of failing to prevent pregnancy.

Types of Sterilization:

• Tubal Ligation—During tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are clipped, or sealed preventing the sperm and egg from contacting each other. The surgery requires a single day visit to the hospital. You will be advised to avoid heavy lifting for at least a week after the surgery.
• Essure®—The Essure procedure is a permanent method of birth control where small coils—known as micro-inserts—are placed in your fallopian tubes. No surgery is required. The spring-like coils are inserted through the vagina, cervix and uterus. The process can be done in your doctor's office using local anesthesia.
  
  The first three months after having the Essure procedure, your body will begin its natural healing process and form a barrier of tissue with the coils to prevent any chance of sperm contacting the egg. An additional form of birth control is recommended during the first three months of using Essure. The Essure procedure is permanent and cannot be reversed.
  
  Visit, www.essure.com for more information.
• Vasectomy—Vasectomy is sterilization for men. The procedure includes the cutting or blocking of the vas deferens, the sperm's pathway from the testes. A vasectomy can be performed in a doctor's office using local anesthesia, and has proven to be a very effective means of birth control.
  
  An additional form of contraception is recommended for the first three months after a vasectomy, or until a doctor confirms there are no longer sperm present in the man.