Family Planning Specialist

How do I plan my pregnancies?

Contraception allows you to decide when and if you want to become pregnant. Birth control methods rang from temporary, reversible contraception that allows you to have a baby at a later date to permanent, surgical contraception that ends your ability to have children.

During your family planning consultation with a specialist at Martin, Lee & Page OBGYN, you discuss lifestyle factors that may influence the type of contraception that’s best for you. These factors include:

• Your age
• How often you have sex
• How many sexual partners you have
• Whether you want to have children later in life
• Your health and family history

What methods of birth control are available?

The most common birth control methods fall into one of two categories: barrier and hormonal. Barrier methods, such as condoms and diaphragms, physically prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. Hormonal birth control, including the pill, influence your hormone levels, controlling your ovulation.

Some people also use behavioral methods, such as abstinence or withdrawal, to prevent pregnancy. Abstinence is the only way to guarantee that you will not get pregnant; however, other behavioral methods are not reliable.

In some cases, you may opt for a medical birth control procedure, including the the placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) or surgery. These are the most effective methods of birth control. IUDs can last up to 10 years and are easily removed, but some surgeries, such as vasectomy and tubal ligation, are permanent.

Most contraceptives do not protect against STDs; however, condoms can be combined with other methods of contraception to ensure safer sex.

How effective is barrier birth control?

There are a number of barrier contraception methods with varying rates of efficacy, including:

• Male condom: 82% effective
• Female condom: 79%
• Diaphragm and spermicide: 88%
• Cervical cap: 90%
• Vaginal ring: 91%
• Birth control sponge: 76% for women with previous pregnancies; 88% for women who have never been pregnant

How effective is hormonal birth control?

As with all birth control, hormonal methods must be used correctly to be as effective as possible. The typical efficacy rates are:

• Birth control pill: 91% effective
• Injections: 94%  
• Implants: 99%  
• Patches: 91%

Your doctor at Martin, Lee & Page OBGYN will help you determine the best birth control method for you and your lifestyle during an initial consultation. Call today or schedule an appointment online.