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Birth Control

Birth Control
The type of birth control a woman chooses is a very personal decision that’s dependent on a number of issues, including health, sexual habits, and family plans. Michael Straker, MD, and Massiel De La Cruz, PA-C, at Bestcare OB/GYN provide birth control counseling to help you find just the right type. They can provide a prescription and/or place the device so you feel confident and protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of birth control are available?

Women have a variety of choices when it comes to birth control. The options can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Dr. Straker and Ms. De La Cruz can help you determine which ones are best for you.

Hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control prevents averts by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg) and/or by thickening your cervical mucus so much that the sperm can’t get to the egg.

  • Birth control pills
  • Patches
  • Vaginal rings
  • Injections
  • Several intrauterine devices (IUDs), such as Mirena®, Kyleena®, and Skyla®
  • Implants, such as Nexplanon®

As long as the hormonal methods are used correctly, they have a 99% effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy.

Barrier birth control

Barrier birth control prevents the sperm and egg from meeting. These types include the male and female condom, the diaphragm, and the cervical cap.

Copper IUD

ParaGard® is the only copper IUD available in the United States. It offers protection from pregnancy for up to 10 years. The T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus, and the copper disrupts the fertilization of the egg by sperm and thwarts implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.

Natural methods

Fertility awareness and cervical mucus monitoring are natural methods of birth control. You track your monthly cycle and avoid intercourse on your most fertile days. This form of birth control is the least reliable, but involves no hormones, implants, or devices.

The birth control that’s right for you depends on many factors, including your:

  • Health
  • Sexual habits
  • Family plans
  • Lifestyle
  • Partner’s needs
  • Moral, ethical, or religious beliefs

Dr. Straker and Ms. De La Cruz can help you evaluate your choices and make recommendations.

You must be honest as to whether you’ll remember to take a pill every day or schedule your monthly injections. Certain health conditions also preclude certain types of protection. For example, women who have a history of blood clots or heart attack should not take the birth control pill.

The only form of birth control that offers some protection from STDs are male and female condoms. Given that condoms are less effective in preventing pregnancy than certain other methods, it’s good to use dual protection – such as the pill plus a condom – if you have multiple partners or your partner has multiple partners.