Female Contraception

What is female contraception?

Female contraception refers to the medications and treatments women use to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Never before have there been so many wonderful options to choose from. In fact, there are so many choices that it can be challenging to know where to begin. 

Women deserve to choose when and whether to have a child, and female contraception offers various birth control methods. Whether you’ve never used birth control or are ready to try something new, the team at Elevate Health Group is here to help. 

What are some female contraception options?

Birth control can be categorized according to the way they work to prevent pregnancy. 

Some options, called barrier methods, reduce the risk of pregnancy by creating a physical barrier between egg and sperm. Some examples include:

• Condoms, both internal and external
• Sponges
• Cervical caps
• Diaphragm

Other options reduce the risk of pregnancy by altering your hormonal balance. These methods include:

• Birth control pills
• Patches
• Vaginal rings
• Injection (Depo-Provera®)
• Implant (Nexplanon®)
• Intrauterine device (IUD)

Each option has a distinct list of pros and cons, but your practitioner works closely with you to find the best fit for your needs. 

Which female contraception options are the most hands-free?

If you’re searching for a low-maintenance contraception option that is also highly effective, you might want to consider some of the more long-term options. Birth control injections (Depo-Provera) provide three months of coverage; all it takes is a quick office visit to get your injection. 

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are another great choice for lasting protection. Once your practitioner places the device within your uterus, it works for several years. 

The birth control implant (Nexplanon) is a popular option with a small, flexible implant that slowly releases hormones over time. You won’t have to worry about unwanted pregnancy for three years, and many women also find the implant reduces their menstrual bleeding.  

Are there female contraception options I should avoid? 

Not all birth control methods offer the same measure of protection. For example, women who rely on withdrawal, when the male partner withdraws from the vagina before ejaculation, have a relatively high risk of pregnancy. 

Fertility awareness (rhythm method) is also ineffective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. Tracking your cycle and attempting to predict your most fertile days is not an exact science. 

If you have additional questions or concerns about female contraception, call or book a visit online.