Pill? IUD? Implant? Today, you have so many choices of contraception that it can feel overwhelming. As experts in women’s health, Lynette W. Tsai, MD at Oahu OB/GYN in Honolulu and Kapolei, Hawaii, help you choose the method that’s right for your family planning goals. To find the method of contraception that’s right for you, call today or book a consultation online.
Contraception helps you take charge of your fertility, freeing you to pursue your goals. With the right contraception, you can decide when to start a family, how to space your children or avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
There are so many forms of birth control today, the choices may feel overwhelming. The team at Oahu OB/GYN are experts in contraception. They help you select the right method of contraception, depending on your:
You want to think about these factors and others when you choose a contraceptive method. Your provider at Oahu OB/GYN is here to answer any questions you have about contraception.
There are many choices of hormonal birth control methods, ranging from daily pills to long-lasting intrauterine devices (IUD). These methods allow you to avoid pregnancy in a variety of ways, including preventing ovulation and thickening your cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching an egg.
Your options for hormonal contraception include:
Birth control pills typically contain estrogen and progestin. A pill with just progestin is known as a “mini pill.”
Contraceptive injections contain progestin and the team at Oahu OB/GYN administers them once every three months. For the implant, your practitioner inserts it into your upper arm where it releases hormones over three years.
IUDs are close to 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Hormonal IUDs last for 3-5 years.
A vaginal ring is a circle of flexible plastic that remains in your vagina for three weeks at a time. The ring has a failure rate of less than 2% with perfect use.
Non-hormonal methods include copper IUDs, which are effective for up to 10 years. Other options include:
Male and female condoms are the only birth control methods that offer protection against STDs.
Tubal ligation is a permanent sterilization surgery for women that works by cutting or closing off their fallopian tubes. Sterilization is highly effective and is the most popular method of contraception globally. The team at Oahu OB/GYN may recommend performing tubal ligation through laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that requires just one or two tiny incisions.
For help with your contraceptive choices, call or book an appointment online with Oahu OB/GYN.