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Contraception Specialist

OB-GYN Associates of Marietta

Obstetrics and Gynecologist located in Marietta, GA & Woodstock, GA

Each woman has her own perspective when it comes to choosing birth control, which is why the team at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta offers the full range of birth control options. The providers take the time to answer your questions and thoroughly explain your preferred method. Their goal for contraception management is helping you choose the method that’s best for your family planning and health care needs. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking feature or call one of the offices in Marietta or Woodstock, Georgia.

Contraception Q & A

What birth control methods are available?

As part of your contraceptive care, your provider reviews your medical history and performs a pelvic exam to determine whether you have any health concerns that might affect your choice of birth control. Although most women don’t have problems that limit their choices, the providers at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta are experts in contraceptive management for women with health conditions that complicate their birth control options.

This list includes some of the most commonly used methods of birth control and their effectiveness:

  • Tubal ligation: nearly 100% effective
  • Intrauterine device (IUD): nearly 100% effective
  • Nexplanon® (hormone-containing implant): 99% effective
  • Depo-Provera® (hormone injection): 99% effective
  • NuvaRing® (hormone-containing vaginal ring): 98%
  • Birth control pills and patches: 91-94%

You may be surprised to see that birth control pills are only 91-94% effective. They have that rating because it’s easy to forget to take a pill, which reduces their effectiveness. Birth control pills are close to 100% effective when you take a pill around the same time every day.

How do hormone-containing birth control methods prevent pregnancy?

Hormone-containing contraceptives may contain estrogen, progestin, or both. Depending on the hormones in your method, they prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening mucus in your cervix, or thinning the uterine lining.

What are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)?

As their name suggests, LARCs have three benefits:

  • Long-lasting: they’re inserted once, then they continuously prevent pregnancy for years
  • Reversible: they can be easily removed at any time
  • Highly effective: LARCs are just as effective as getting your tubes tied, but you can still get pregnant after they’re removed

These birth control methods are LARCs:

Nexplanon

Nexplanon is a small device that’s about the size and shape of a matchstick. Your provider inserts it under your skin, where it slowly releases hormones. Nexplanon can prevent pregnancy for up to three years.

IUDs

An IUD is a flexible, T-shaped device that’s perfectly sized to fit inside your uterus. Hormone-containing IUDs can safely stay in your uterus for 3-5 years before they must be replaced. You can also get an IUD that’s made of copper rather than hormones. A copper IUD works much like a spermicide and effectively prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years.

If you’re interested in getting birth control, call OB-GYN Associates of Marietta or book an appointment online.