For women who are sexually active, birth control may be a concern to determine the best time to become pregnant. Whether you are not ready to start a family or you have already had children, there are many options for contraception. At FEM Women’s Wellness, we provide information and advice on birth control for women in various stages of their lives. We offer non-hormonal and hormonal contraception methods at our clinic in the Reno and Lake Tahoe, NV, area.
Birth control methods vary from hormonal contraceptives that impact ovulation to non-hormonal methods that prevent sperm from reaching eggs in the fallopian tubes. The contraceptive method you choose may be based on effectiveness, side effects, personal beliefs, pregnancy plans, convenience and much more.
Hormonal Birth Control Options
The most commonly used birth control methods use hormones to reduce or stop ovulation. These include the traditional oral birth control pills, as well as short-acting and long-acting hormonal methods. These include:
- Oral pills
- Vaginal rings
- Injections
- Patches
- IUDs
- Implants
Pills, rings and injections are considered short-acting hormonal methods as they require daily, weekly or monthly doses. These are excellent choices for those who can adhere to the medication schedule and want the option to stop taking birth control when they are ready to become pregnant.
For those who want a longer lasting hormonal birth control, IUDs and implants can provide contraceptive for 3-10 years. The devices are inserted into the body and removed or replaced as needed.
Non-Hormonal Birth Control
Some women do not want to take hormone birth control for a variety of reasons. They may have medical risk factors or bad reactions to hormonal contraceptives, or it may be against their personal beliefs. Non-hormonal birth control can include:
- Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap)
- Sterilization (tubal ligation)
- Spermicide or vaginal gel
- Fertility cycle monitoring
The contraceptive method you choose is very personal. You want the best method for your health, lifestyle and future family planning. Our GYNs at FEM Women’s Wellness can discuss all the various options with their pros and cons to determine the best method for your personal needs. Contact our clinic in Reno/Lake Tahoe, NV, to schedule a birth control consultation.