Contraceptive Birth Control Choices
Choosing a method of contraception is an important decision that will impact a woman’s daily life. During your appointment discuss your options with Dr Erhard. Together you can decide which method is right for you is essential to successful protection for you and your partner. At Minnesota Gynecology and Aesthetics Dr Erhard will provide you with information about the different types of contraceptives, advantages and disadvantages of each option, and answer any questions or concerns you have.
Birth control methods have many different variable factors including frequency, convenience, permanence and effectiveness. It is important to take into consideration your life, age, health, and previous experiences. The decision is ultimately yours, but using our knowledge and experience can help you make the right choice.
Permanent Contraception Methods
Tubal ligation- A surgical procedure that cuts through the abdomen to reach the fallopian tubes, which are then sealed off to prevent pregnancy. Also known as “having your tubes tied” or “female sterilization”.
Tubal ligation:
One-time, permanent procedure
No need for temporary birth control
No hormones
Post surgical pain/discomfort, risk of infection
Risks associated with general anesthesia
Recovery time
Some risk of ectopic pregnancy
No protection from STDs
0.5% failure rate
Vasectomy- A surgical procedure for men where an incision is made into the scrotum, and then the tube that carries sperm out of the testes is sealed or blocked. Afterwards, a man can still achieve orgasm and ejaculate, but there is no sperm in the fluid, so it cannot fertilize a woman’s egg.
Vasectomy:
One-time, permanent procedure
No hormones
Post surgical pain/discomfort, risk of infection
No protection from STDs
0.15% failure rate
Temporary Contraception Methods
Oral Contraceptives (Birth control pills) Daily pill that either contains the hormones estrogen and progestin, or progestin only.
Oral Contraceptives:
More predictable menstrual cycle
Hormone side effects may include abdominal pain, acne, back pain, weight gain, breast tenderness, moodiness
Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Risks are increased in women over age 35 who smoke
Must be taken every day at a certain time
No protection from STDs
8% failure rate
Patch (OrthoEvra™) Skin patch that releases the hormones estrogen and progesterone. A new patch is applied once a week for 3 consecutive weeks, and left off for one week per month.
Patch:
Convenience
Applied only once a week
Visibility
May fall off, increasing risk of pregnancy
Forgetting to change patch on correct day requires use of backup contraception
Side effects may include nausea, skin irritation, breast tenderness, and mood swings
Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Risks are increased in women over age 35 who smoke
8% (less effective in women who weigh more than 198 pounds)failure rate
Read more about the OrthoEvra Patch
Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing™) A flexible plastic ring inserted into the vagina once a month, slowly releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin.
Vaginal Ring:
Inserted only once a month
Side effects of ring may include vaginal infections, irritation
Hormone side effects may include abdominal pain, acne, back pain, breast tenderness, moodiness
Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Risks are increased in women over age 35 who smoke
Risk of ring falling out. If it remains out for more than 3 hours, must use backup contraception
No protection from STDs
8% failure rate
Read more about the NuvaRing
Hormone shot (Depo-Provera™ injection) An injection of the hormone progestin given every 3 months.
Hormone shot:
Only needed once every 3 months
Hormone side effects may include irregular periods, spotting, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches
Prolonged use may result in bone loss – therefore not recommended for use for more than 2 years
Possible delayed return to fertility after stopping the injections
No protection from STDs
3% failure rate
Male condom (latex) Disposable latex sheath placed on penis.
Male condom:
Best protection from STDs
No hormones
May break
Can only be used once
Risk of allergic reactions
15% failure rate
Female condom Similar to a male condom, inserted into vagina with a flexible ring at the closed top.
Female condom:
Some protection from STDs
No hormones
Can only be used once
Risk of allergic reactions
May extend outside of
21% failure rate
Diaphragm w/ spermicide- Flexible, dome-shaped rubber disk used to cover the cervix each time a woman has intercourse. Spermicide is applied before insertion into the vagina. Must be fitted by a healthcare professional.
Diaphragm:
No hormones
Must be inserted correctly
Must be left in place at least 6 hours after intercourse
Additional spermicide must be used for repeated intercourse
Risk of toxic shock syndrome if not removed within 24 hours
16% failure rate
Spermicide alone A foam, cream, jelly, suppository, or film that contains nonoxynol-9, an ingredient that kills sperm.
Spermicide:
Only used when needed
Less effective
May cause irritation, allergic reactions, or urinary tract infections
No protection from STDs
29% failure rate
