Birth Control Specialist

What is birth control?

Birth control, also known as contraception, includes any method or tool you use to prevent unintended pregnancy. 

When it comes to pregnancy prevention, you have many options. However, you may not know what method is best for you. The OB/GYNs at Pacifica Health provide birth control consultations to help you decide what type of contraception best meets your needs. 

What types of birth control are available?

The types of birth control vary. You can only get certain types from your health care provider, while you can buy others at the store.

Common types of birth control include:

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)

LARCs include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and hormonal implants. Your provider at Pacifica Health places the device, which prevents pregnancy from 3-10 years, depending on the type of device. LARCs are an effective form of birth control.

Short-acting hormonal birth control

Short-acting hormonal birth control options include birth control pills, patches, shots, and the vaginal ring. You must use these methods of birth control as prescribed to prevent unintended pregnancy. Missing a pill or patch may increase your chances of getting pregnant.

In addition to pregnancy prevention, short-acting hormonal birth control methods may also be recommended to manage gynecological conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis. 

Barrier methods

Condoms, cervical caps, and diaphragms are barrier methods of birth control. Condoms also offer some protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

Sterilization

Sterilization is one of the most effective forms of birth control. It includes vasectomy for men and tubal ligation for women.

With a vasectomy, a surgeon cuts or blocks the tubes that carry sperm to semen. During a tubal ligation, a surgeon cuts or blocks the fallopian tubes to prevent an egg from meeting up with sperm for fertilization.

Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control and only recommended to those with no future pregnancy plans. In some cases, however, these surgical procedures can be successfully reversed. 

What happens during a birth control consultation?

When you visit Pacifica Health for a birth control consultation, your doctor conducts a thorough evaluation to fully understand your current and future pregnancy plans. They also review your medical, gynecological, sexual, and family history.

Your provider also performs a physical and pelvic exam and may perform STD testing to assess sexual health and wellness. 

Based on the information gathered, your physician discusses your birth control options, and together, you decide what method makes the best choice for you.

To schedule your birth control consultation, call Pacifica Health or book an appointment online today.