Contraception

Your choice in contraception is extremely personal, and it’s important to find a method you know you can trust. At North Atlanta Ob/Gyn in Alpharetta, Marietta, and Atlanta, Georgia, the board-certified obstetrics and gynecology team can guide you through your options and help you select birth control that fits your preferences. Book your appointment by phone or online at the nearest North Atlanta Ob/Gyn location for contraception guidance today.

What is contraception?

Contraception is another word for birth control or a method of preventing pregnancy. There are many forms of contraception available, and it’s up to you and your provider to decide which method is best. Some contraception requires daily use while other types sit inside your body for months or years before you need a replacement.

When choosing your method of contraception, you should consider its effectiveness, the routine of using it, and whether or not it helps prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Your provider at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn answers your questions about each type and tells you what you can expect with its day-to-day use.

In some cases, your provider recommends hormonal contraceptives as a treatment for conditions causing pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding. 

What are my options for contraception?

There are many available options for contraception, some of which are permanent. North Atlanta Ob/Gyn offers:

Birth control pills

Birth control pills are a hormonal contraceptive. The pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, most often, and you must remember to take them every day. The average effectiveness is 91-95%.

Vaginal ring

The vaginal ring is a plastic loop that you place inside your vagina. It stays there for three weeks, releasing a steady dose of estrogen and progestin before you need to replace it. Between rings, you should allow one week of time during which you have your menstrual period. With proper use, it’s about 99% effective.

Nexplanon® Implant

The Nexplanon implant is a small bar-shaped device that sits under the skin on your arm for up to four years, preventing pregnancy with a 99% success rate. It works by steadily releasing progestin into your bloodstream.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

IUDs are T-shaped devices that your provider places inside your uterus. They come in hormonal varieties, which release progestin, and copper varieties that act as a form of spermicide. An IUD lasts for three, five, or 10 years and is over 99% effective. North Atlanta Ob/Gyn offers the Mirena®, Kyleena®, Skyla®, and Paragard® IUDs.

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent way to prevent pregnancy. Your provider at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn surgically cauterizes or cuts your fallopian tubes to prevent the sperm and egg from joining.

When should I consider changing my method of contraception?

It’s important to find a form of contraception that you can trust and use without complication. If you try one and find that it isn't right for you, don’t hesitate to let the North Atlanta Ob/Gyn care team know. With many options available, it shouldn't be a problem to find the right fit for you. 

You might consider changing your contraception method if:

• You get unwanted or unanticipated side effects
• You’re not confident about the effectiveness
• You can’t use it properly
• You have a life change, like a break-up or new relationship

If you’re uncertain about the effectiveness of your birth control or if you want added protection against STIs, you can use a condom in addition to your implant, ring, or pill. 

For more information about available contraceptive types and their effectiveness, call North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, or book an appointment online today.