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Contraception (Birth Control)

As a woman, you have a lot of choices about when – and if – you want to get pregnant.  The “best” method of birth control (contraception) is the one that fits your individual needs, health considerations, lifestyle and preferences.

Here at Women’s Health, we can provide information and guidance about all the options that are available to you – so you can make the choice that’s right for you.

How to Choose a Method of Birth Control

There are many things to think about before you choose a method of birth control, including:

  • If you want to have children someday
  • Your age and overall health
  • How often you have sex
  • How many sex partners you have
  • How effectively each type of birth control works to prevent pregnancy
  • Potential side effects
  • How comfortable you feel using a particular birth control method

What different types of birth control are available?
The various methods of birth control fall into categories based on how they work:

  • Abstinence (not having sex at all)
  • Natural family planning (also called the ‘rhythm method,’ when you avoid having sex at the times of your monthly cycle while you’re ovulating)
  • Barrier methods (blocking the sperm from reaching the uterus)

–  Contraceptive sponge (Today® Vaginal Contraceptive Sponge)
–  Diaphragm, cervical cap, cervical shield
–  Condoms
–  Spermicides (a substance that destroys sperm)

  • Hormonal methods (using hormones to regulate or stop ovulation)

–  Oral contraceptives (“the pill”)
–  The patch (Ortho Evra®)
–  Shot/injection (Depo-Provera®)
–  Vaginal ring (NuvaRing®)

  • Implantable Devices 

– Intrauterine device/IUD (a t-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy)
– Implantable rods (Implanon®, which is surgically inserted under the skin of the upper arm where it releases progestin to prevent eggs from leaving the ovaries)

  • Permanent birth control (sterilization)

– Sterilization implant (inserts are placed in the fallopian tubes and scar tissue forms, blocking the tubes so sperm cannot reach an egg)
– Surgical sterilization (tubal sterilization, or “having your tubes tied”)

  • Emergency contraceptive pills (the “morning-after pill”)

How Well Do Different Birth Control Methods Work?

Different birth control methods have varying levels of effectiveness, but your chances of getting pregnant are lowest if you always use the method you’ve chosen correctly and consistently.

We’ll take all the time necessary to make sure you fully understand the right way to use your birth control method of choice.

Questions About Birth Control Options at Women’s Health?

We’d be glad to answer any questions you have about birth control and the method that may be best for you. Simply contact us.

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WEBSTER LAKE

325 Thompson Road
Webster, MA 01570 

508-755-4861
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MARLBOROUGH

340 Maple Street, Suite 125
Marlborough, MA 01752 

508-755-4861
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WORCESTER

328 Shrewsbury Street, Suite 100
Worcester, MA 01604 

508-755-4861
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STURBRIDGE

118 Main Street, Suite 1
Sturbridge, MA 01566 

508-755-4861
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