Birth Control Specialist

What are my birth control options?

There are so many different birth control options that it can sometimes be hard to know which one is right for you. The team at Alecia Giovinazzo, MD has the expertise to help you understand these options.

Barrier methods

Barrier methods include tried-and-true birth control such as condoms and the diaphragm. These methods block the sperm from ever reaching the egg.

Hormonal options

Hormonal options are quite varied. They halt ovulation and/or thicken your cervical mucus so sperm can’t swim to the egg. A more traditional method of hormonal birth control is the pill. Other alternatives include implants such as Nexplanon®, injections such as Depo-Provera®, vaginal rings such as NuvaRing®, and birth control patches.

Intrauterine devices

Intrauterine devices (IUDs), use hormones or copper to prevent pregnancy. An IUD is a small, T-shaped device placed into your uterus to provide years of safe birth control.

Fertility awareness methods

Fertility awareness methods of birth control involve self-monitoring your cycle and cervical mucus quality to determine your most fertile days. You avoid intercourse, and thus pregnancy, on these days. However, fertility awareness can be unreliable in preventing pregnancy.

What is tubal ligation?

Tubal ligation, often called “tying your tubes,” is a permanent form of birth control. You should be sure your family is complete before undergoing tubal ligation, because the procedure is not easily reversed, if it can be at all. The procedure involves surgically blocking off the fallopian tubes, the channels through which eggs travel from each ovary to the uterus.

How do I decide which birth control method is right for me?

Every woman has different needs when it comes to birth control. The team at Alecia Giovinazzo, MD can help you ask the right questions so you can decide which birth control method is right for you. You’ll learn the pros and cons of each method in terms of possible side effects and implications for your health. Plus, the doctor reviews the reliability and reversibility of each method.

You should also think about convenience and your lifestyle. If you’re unlikely to remember a daily pill, the birth control pill may not be the best choice, for example.

If you have multiple partners, you’re best off choosing two forms of birth control – a long-term method such as the pill or IUD as well as a condom. The condom is the only form of birth control that offers some protection from sexually transmitted diseases, but it’s not as reliable as other methods when it comes to preventing pregnancy.

If you have questions about birth control, contact the office of Alecia Giovinazzo, MD. Call the office today or book an appointment online.