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Contraception Management 

Contraception management involves making informed decisions about preventing pregnancy based on your individual health, lifestyle and reproductive goals. Effective contraception management helps ensure individuals and couples can control when or if they want to have children while also considering factors like ease of use and protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

At Nacogdoches Medical Partners, our healthcare professionals are dedicated to helping you navigate these choices. We offer personalized consultations to ensure you understand all your options and find the birth control method that aligns with your health and future plans.

What Is Birth Control?

Birth control, also known as contraception, refers to the use of methods, medicines or procedures to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control, ranging from reversible options like pills and devices to permanent solutions such as surgery. Some forms of birth control can also help prevent STIs, but not all methods may provide this protection.

The right type of birth control for you depends on several factors, including your health, lifestyle and future plans for having children. Talk with your healthcare provider to understand your options and find the method that fits your needs. By using birth control, individuals and couples can take control of their reproductive choices in a way that aligns with their personal goals and circumstances.

How Does Birth Control Work?

Birth control works by preventing pregnancy through different mechanisms, depending on the method used. Generally, these methods either stop the sperm from reaching the egg, prevent the release of an egg or make it harder for the egg to implant in the uterus.

Some methods create a physical barrier that blocks sperm from entering the uterus, while others involve hormones that regulate or stop ovulation—the release of an egg from the ovaries. In some cases, birth control methods thicken cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to swim through the cervix and reach an egg. Others thin the lining of the uterus, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.

There are also permanent methods that surgically block the pathways for sperm or eggs, preventing pregnancy altogether. No matter the method, the main goal of birth control is to allow individuals to manage their reproductive health based on their personal needs and circumstances.

What Birth Control Options Are Available?

There are several types of birth control available, each with its own method of use and effectiveness. Below is a list of all the birth control options:

Barrier Methods

  • Male Condom: A thin sheath worn on the penis to prevent sperm from entering the partner’s body. Latex and polyurethane condoms can help protect against STIs.
  • Female Condom: A thin, flexible pouch inserted into the vagina before intercourse, preventing sperm from reaching the uterus. Female condoms also offer some protection against STIs.
  • Diaphragm: A shallow, flexible cup placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix. It is used with spermicide to block and kill sperm.
  • Cervical cap: A small silicone cup that fits tightly over the cervix. Like the diaphragm, it is used with spermicide.
  • Contraceptive sponge: A small sponge that contains spermicide and is placed over the cervix to block sperm and kill it.
  • Spermicide: A substance that kills sperm and is available in various forms like foam, gel, cream or suppository. It can be used alone or with other barrier methods.

Hormonal Methods

  • Birth control pills ("The Pill"): Taken daily, the pill contains hormones (progestin or a combination of progestin and estrogen) that help prevent ovulation.
  • Contraceptive patch: A small patch worn on the skin, releasing hormones into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. A new patch is applied weekly for three weeks, with a break in the fourth week.
  • Vaginal ring: A thin, flexible ring placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for three weeks. After removing it for one week, a new ring is inserted.
  • Injectable birth control ("The Shot"): A hormone injection given every three months to prevent pregnancy.
  • Implant: A small, flexible rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to three to five years, depending on the type.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

  • Intrauterine device (IUD): A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. There are two types of IUDs:
    • Hormonal IUD: Releases progestin to prevent pregnancy and can last three to 8 years.
    • Copper IUD: Prevents sperm from fertilizing the egg and can last up to 10 years.

Permanent Methods

  • Tubal ligation ("Tying Tubes"): A surgical procedure that permanently blocks or cuts the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.
  • Vasectomy: A surgical procedure for men that cuts or blocks the vas deferens, preventing sperm from reaching the semen.

Natural Methods

  • Fertility awareness methods: Involves tracking the woman’s menstrual cycle to determine the days when she is most fertile. During those days, sexual activity is avoided, or a barrier method is used.
  • Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM): A temporary method of birth control used by breastfeeding mothers. It relies on exclusive breastfeeding and the absence of menstruation, effective for up to six months after childbirth.

What Is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception is a backup option used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if another birth control method fails, such as a condom breaking. Emergency contraception is not intended for regular use and should only be used in situations where regular birth control wasn’t used or didn’t work as expected. Here are the available types of emergency contraception:

Copper IUD (Intrauterine Device)

The copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception. It can be inserted by a healthcare provider up to five days after unprotected sex. The copper IUD works by preventing sperm from fertilizing the egg and can also serve as a long-term birth control method for up to 10 years after insertion.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)

Levonorgestrel

These pills can be taken up to three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex, but the sooner they are taken, the more effective they are. It works by delaying ovulation and preventing the release of an egg for fertilization.

Ulipristal Acetate

This pill can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex and is more effective the sooner it’s taken. Ulipristal acetate requires a prescription.

Emergency contraception is not meant to replace a regular birth control method. It does not protect against STIs. If you’ve used emergency contraception, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider about ongoing birth control options.