Oral Contraception

Oral contraceptive pills were designed with three weeks of the hormones estrogen and progesterone and one week of placebo pills. This was thought to closely mimic a normal menstrual cycle. There are both combined oral contraceptive pills with estrogen and progesterone and progesterone only pills. Combined oral contraceptive pills work by suppressing the follicle stimulating hormone and the luteinizing hormone, thus inhibiting ovulation and altering the thickness of cervical mucous and the lining of the uterus. Progesterone only contraception inhibits the build up of the uterine lining and thickens cervical mucous. In a normal menstrual cycle ovulation occurs, cervical mucous thins out and the lining of the uterus thickens.
In the past ten years, the formulation of birth control pills has changed to include extended regimen, and 24/4 dosing instead of 21/7. Some pills even include estrogen or iron during the period week.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Intrauterine contraception consists of a copper IUD and an intrauterine system that secretes progesterone. The copper IUD lasts for 10 years and the progesterone IUD lasts for 5 years. IUD’s are placed in the uterus by your healthcare provider. Even though the IUD’s are effective for 5 and 10 years, they can be removed at anytime when fertility is desired.
Women's Health Specialists offers Mirena and Paraguard IUD options. Talk with your provider if you are interested.

NuvaRing

The NuvaRing is a monthly birth control option. The ring is placed once for 21 days and then removed for 7 days. It contains two types of hormones: estrogen and progestin which work together to prevent your ovaries from producing mature eggs. These are the same found in oral contraceptives. To obtain the ring, you must have a prescription. Talk to your provider if you are interested.

Patch

The Patch is applied every week for three weeks and no patch on the week menses occurs. To obtain the patch, you must have a prescription. Talk to your provider if you are interested.

Implanon

The implantable rod is also a form of contraception with progesterone that is placed in the inner upper arm by your health care provider. The rod is the size of a matchstick. Implanon contains a hormone called etonogestrel and does not contain estrogen. You can use a single rod for up to three years. Alejandrina (Alex) Orpineda, NP at Women's Health Specialists offers Implanon. If interested, make an appointment with Alex today.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is designed to be used in the event of unprotected intercourse. This type of contraception contains a hormone similar to those found in birth control that prevents ovulation. It does not harm a pregnancy if it has already occurred. A woman 18 or older may ask the pharmacist for the medication without a prescription. It works most effectively if taken within 72 hours after the event.

Permanent Sterilization

For more information about the Essure procedure that is offered at our clinic, click here.