Contraception

At Northside Northpoint Ob/Gyn, we offer a wide variety of contraceptive options which may be hormonal versus non-hormonal and permanent versus non-permanent.  We would love the opportunity to discuss the following options in greater detail in the office.

Oral Contraceptives – Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) can be combined estrogen-progesterone contraceptive pills or progesterone-only pills. They both require daily, consistent use.

• Combined Estrogen-Progesterone Hormonal Contraceptive Pills are not only good for contraception, but may also help with menstrual bleeding, cramping, ovarian cysts, acne, hirsutism, and help protect against certain types of cancer.  These daily pills do have side effects and risks and are contraindicated in certain patient populations.
• Progesterone Only Contraceptive Pills are another oral option for women who choose to avoid estrogen, for women who are breastfeeding, or for women who have elevated blood pressures.  These daily pills do have side effects and risks and are contraindicated in certain patient populations.

Estrogen-Progesterone Vaginal Rings – Estrogen-progesterone vaginal rings are similar to combined estrogen-progesterone OCPs in that they are not only good for contraception, but may also help with menstrual bleeding, cramping, ovarian cysts, acne, hirsutism, and help protect against certain types of cancer.  However, they have the benefit of once monthly non-oral dosing.  Contraceptive rings do have side effects and risks and are contraindicated in certain patient populations.

Estrogen-Progesterone Transdermal Contraceptive Patches – Transdermal contraceptive patches are similar to combined estrogen-progesterone OCPs and vaginal rings in that they are not only good for contraception, but may also help with menstrual bleeding, cramping, ovarian cysts, acne, hirsutism, & help protect against certain types of cancer.  However, they have the benefit of weekly non-oral dosing versus daily oral dosing.  Contraceptive patches do have side effects and risks and are contraindicated in certain patient populations.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) – Intrauterine devices can be hormonal (containing progesterone) or non-hormonal (containing copper).  During an office visit, the IUDs are inserted through the cervix into the uterus.  They serve as an alternative for patients who prefer long term, reversible contraception.  IUDs have side effects and risks and are contraindicated in certain patient populations.

• Progesterone IUDs come in two sizes, 32 X 32 mm and 28 X 30 mm.  In addition to providing contraception, these may help with heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, dysmenorrhea (pain with menstrual cycles), endometriosis related pain, and endometrial hyperplasia.  These IUDs are effective for five to seven years.
• Copper IUDs serve as an option for women who want long term, reversible contraception that are hormone free.  These IUDs are effective for ten years and can be used for emergency contraception.

Progesterone Contraceptive Implant – The progesterone contraceptive implant is a single 40 mm X 2 mm semi-rigid progestin contraceptive rod placed under the skin in the inner upper non-dominant arm.  The progesterone contraceptive implants are effective for three years and serve as an option for women who want long term, reversible contraception.  These devices do have side effects and risks and are contraindicated in certain patient populations.

Progesterone Contraceptive Shot – The injectable progesterone only contraceptive provides three month long reversible contraception and is administered every three months in our office.  In addition to providing contraception, these shots in the gluteal or deltoid muscles may help with heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and endometriosis related pain.  These shots do have side effects and risks and are contraindicated in certain patient populations.

Single Size Contraceptive Diaphragm – The single size contraceptive diaphragm is a 75 X 67mm silicone reusable device that fits “most” patients and requires a prescription. When used with spermicidal jelly, the efficacy is increased, but is still considered inferior to other hormonal options or the non-hormonal IUD.

Non-Hormonal Contraceptive Vaginal Gels – Non-hormonal contraceptive vaginal gels containing lactic acid, citric acid, & potassium bicarbonate maintain vaginal pH to immobilize sperm and are inserted into the vagina with an applicator.  They last up to one hour after application.  The effectiveness is considered inferior to other hormonal options or the non-hormonal IUD.

Female Permanent Contraception – We perform female permanent contraception or sterilizations immediately at the time of delivery during cesareans or at other intervals using laparoscopy under general anesthesia. These procedures may involve partial or complete removal of the tubes, electrosurgical desiccation, or placing clips which occlude the tube.  Once again, these procedures are considered permanent and are not without risks.