Anthem Contraception Specialists
Contraception allows you to choose when to create your family. Anthem OBGYN offers birth control pills and IUDs to help put you in control of your reproductive life. If you’re a woman living in Henderson, NV, make an appointment today to determine which form of contraception is best for you.
CONTRACEPTION Q & A
How do I decide what’s the right type of contraception for me?
The right type of contraception depends on your frequency of sexual activity and where you are in your family planning process. Birth control pills offer reliable protection but must be taken consistently to be effective. The IUD, or intrauterine device, provides long-term birth control. As long as the implant is in your body, you’re protected against pregnancy. Most devices last between three and six years.
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The doctors at Anthem OB GYN can thoroughly educate you on your options and help you decide whether the pill or an IUD best fits your needs.
Is contraception reversible?
Both birth control pills and the IUD are completely reversible. Stop taking the pill and you will return to a normal ovulation cycle so you can try to get pregnant. The IUD is an implant, but can be removed at any time for a full return of your reproductive function.
What are the different types of birth control pills?
The pill is derived from synthetic hormones, similar to those naturally occurring in your body. Two primary types of pill are available: the combination pill and the mini pill.
The combination pill contains estrogen and progestin. It suppresses ovulation, so you are less likely to release an egg for fertilization. It also thickens cervical mucus, so it’s harder for sperm to travel. The combination pill also thins the lining of the uterus, so implantation is more difficult.
For many women, the combination pill results in lighter periods, less acne, and reduced risk of certain cancers. But, women who are sensitive to estrogen’s effects and experience breast tenderness and nausea may not like the combination pill’s effects.
The mini pill contains just progestin, so it only thickens your cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus. It’s an option for women who are sensitive to estrogen.
Both types of the pill have a failure rate of about 9%.
What are the benefits of an IUD?
The tiny IUD device is implanted in your uterus. It’s highly effective, long-term, convenient, and reversible. The IUD interferes with a sperm’s mobility so it can’t get to an egg to fertilize it. An IUD does require a minor medical procedure for insertion and removal. But, it’s very reliable and up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.