Abstinence truly is the only method that is 100 percent
effective in preventing pregnancy. However, women who are sexually active
but do not want to become pregnant have several options to choose from
to cater to individual preferences and needs.
the pill
The birth control pill is comprised of a combination of estrogen and
progesterone. These high hormone levels prevent eggs from being released.
Doctors also prescribe the pill to alleviate painful periods or to help
women get on a regular cycle. There are several potential side effects
to the pill you need to discuss with your Ob/Gyn if you desire this
method of contraception, including increased blood pressure, weight
gain and headaches.
| top |
depo-provera
Depo-Provera is a shot of progesterone that helps to prevent pregnancy
for three months at a time. The level of protection is the greatest
at the beginning, when the shot is administered, and levels of the hormone
fade by the end of three months. It can take up to three months to get
pregnant after you stop taking Depo-Provera. As with many methods of
birth control, the side effects of Depo-Provera vary from person to
person. Some women cease to have their periods all together, while some
women may experience constant bleeding. Two-thirds of women who use
Depo-Provera report weight gain. Side effects should be discussed with
a physician before deciding to use this form of birth control.
| top |
intrauterine device
(IUD)
IUD is a small device that is inserted in the uterus by a trained professional
and must be changed every five to ten years. The device begins to work
as soon as it is inserted and stops when it is removed. IUD can be expelled
from the uterus during menstruation so women need to check to make sure
it is still there after each period. Side effects can include heavy
bleeding during periods and can increase risk of ectopic pregnancies
or pelvic infections.
| top |
emergency contraceptive
pills
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP), often referred to as the "morning-after
pill," are emergency contraceptives used primarily for rape victims,
for women who have experienced a one-time, unprotected sexual episode,
or for those whose method of contraception failed (such as a broken
condom). Two doses of two pills with large doses of progesterone and
estrogen are taken within 72 hours of the sexual encounter. ECPs can
cause nausea and vomiting for one to two days and are usually taken
with an anti-nausea pill. ECPs do not induce abortions, rather they
prevent conception before a fetus is formed. The morning-after pill
must be prescribed by a physician and should not be used regularly as
a form of birth control.
| top |
barrier methods
Barrier devices such as the condom, sponge, diaphragm and cervical cap
all serve as mechanical barriers during intercourse. They help to prevent
conception as well as cervical cancer and certain STDs. The diaphragm
is provided by a healthcare professional who will fit for proper size.
It can be as low as 80 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, so
it should always be used with spermicide.
The sponge is smaller than a diaphragm and is available
over the counter. It is inserted up to 6 hours before intercourse and
should stay in for 12 hours after intercourse. It is 85 percent effective
in preventing pregnancy. However, it does not prevent against HIV/AIDS
and, in some cases, has been known to cause toxic shock syndrome.
The cervical cap is a latex cup that is prescribed by
a doctor. They can last up to two years. The cervical cap is always
used with spermicide and should be left in for at least 8 hours following
intercourse. The cervical cap is not widely used, as it only comes in
four sizes.
| top |
sterilization
For women who do not wish to have any more children, sterilization is
an option. The procedure is called tubal sterilization and is highly
effective, as the fallopian tubes are blocked from the ovaries, preventing
the possibility of sperm fertilizing the eggs. Laparascopy is the most
common procedure for female sterilization. This surgery takes 20 to
30 minutes and causes minimal scarring. Side effects after the surgery
can include nausea, abdominal pain and headache, dizziness, gas and
bloating.
| top |
vasectomy
One of the most common and popular means for contraception around the
world is vasectomy - a brief, surgical procedure used for male sterilization.
It is a popular means of birth control that have decided their family
is complete. It is nearly 100% effective and is intended to be permanent.
Click here to
learn more about vasectomies from their educational web site.
| top |
nuvaring®
NuvaRing® is bringing women everywhere who don't want to rely on
taking a pill daily to prevent pregnancy. The NuvaRing® is a small
contraceptive ring that measures just two inches in diameter that is
inserted into the vagina once a month. The ring releases a low dosage
of hormones necessary to prevent pregnancy. After three weeks of having
the ring, simply remove the ring in order to allow your menstrual cycle.
After a week you will insert a new ring in and begin the cycle again.
Click here to
learn more about NuvaRing®.
| top |
ortho evra patch
If you're looking for weekly birth control, ORTHO EVRA could be the
answer. Each week you put on a new patch for three weeks each month.
The fourth week, when you get your period, you go patch-free. For more
information about ORTHO EVRA, click
here.
| top |
about us
| our doctors | contact
us | philosophy | women's
health | checkup calendar
| our privacy notice |
new patient forms |
Need more information
on health and wellness?
Click here for information on diet, nutrition and health resource books. Learn when to see the doctor and what causes symptoms.
Practice management services
provided by The
Health Group, Dallas, Texas.
Web design & Copyright 2003 © Prizm Development, Inc.
All rights reserved.
www.prizmdevelopment.com
|
|
|
