Birth Control

These options work by presenting a physical barrier between your egg and your partner’s sperm. Some examples of barrier birth control include:

• Male and female condoms
• Birth control sponge
• Diaphragm
• Cervical cap

Incorporating spermicide into any of these methods can increase your protection. However, only male and female condoms reduce your risk of sexually transmitted disease.

These options work by altering your hormonal balance to make pregnancy less likely. Some work by preventing ovulation while others thicken your cervical mucus, making conception more difficult. Some examples of hormonal birth control include:

• Birth control pills
• Birth control patches
• Vaginal rings
• Birth control shots
• An intrauterine device, or IUD
• Birth control implant

There is also a non-hormonal IUD option that includes copper wire, which creates an inflammatory response that prevents fertilization. It may take your Women’s Health Center of Clarksville provider and you more time to find the birth control option that’s right for you.

The rhythm method, also called fertility awareness, involves tracking your menstrual cycle to estimate your most fertile days. You then avoid having sex on those dates to reduce your chances of pregnancy.

This approach is not an effective means of birth control. It should only be used by couples who are absolutely prepared for and willing to go through with an unplanned pregnancy.

If you live a busy lifestyle or don’t want the hassle of thinking about birth control on a daily basis, there are options that would be a great fit for you. Hormonal methods that last for weeks, months, or even years can all provide excellent protection with very little effort on your part.

Birth control patches provide protection for one week, then you simply peel it off and stick another one into place. Birth control rings prevent pregnancy for a month.

The birth control shot lasts for three months, and the appointments to have additional injections at Women’s Health Center of Clarksville are very brief. Birth control implants can last up to five years, and once in place require no upkeep. An IUD is another long-term option and can last from 3-12 years.

To explore these and other options in more depth, call to book an appointment at the Women’s Health Center of Clarksville today or use the online scheduler. Your doctor sits down with you to discuss your needs, then guides you toward the methods that are right for you.