What is birth control?

Birth control describes methods that prevent unintended pregnancies. Different birth controls work in different ways to prevent the fertilization of a woman’s egg by a man’s sperm.

Barrier methods 

Barrier methods, such as condoms, prevent sperm from traveling to the egg.  Older forms of barrier methods such as diaphragms and cervical caps are no longer very popular due to higher failure rates and less reliability. 

Natural Family Planning

Natural family planning (or "fertility awareness") is a method of preventing pregnancy where a woman monitors and records different fertility signs and symptoms during her menstrual cycle to determine when she is fertile or most likely to get pregnant. The couple then avoids intercourse during these fertile times. This method of tracking does not rely on any medications and can be used to prevent or to plan a pregnancy.  

Hormonal methods

Hormonal birth control prevents the release of an egg from the ovary(ovulation) from occurring. Hormones may also alter the uterine lining and cervical mucous to make pregnancy less likely. Common hormonal birth control options include pills, patches, rings, implants, and injections.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control that involves removing, tying off, or burning a woman’s fallopian tubes to prevent the sperm from being able to reach the egg. 

What birth control services are available?

Advanced Women’s Healthcare of Waxahachie offers comprehensive birth control counseling services to help you plan your family the way you want it. They offer popular birth control options like:

• Pills
• Patches
• Implants 
• Injections
• Rings
• Natural family planning

If your family plan is complete and you are interested in permanent sterilization, the providers can perform a minimally invasive sterilization procedure. 

Which birth control is right for me?

The choice of birth control you use is a highly personal one. The providers at Advanced Women’s Healthcare of Waxahachie can help you make the best decision for your health and your plans for a family.

During your initial consultation, the physicians take time to review your medical history, your desire for children, and your existing health before recommending birth control options.

If you’re planning to become pregnant soon, you may benefit from pills, patches, or a ring. If you’re looking for a long-term birth control solution, the providers may recommend birth control implants.

Regardless of the type of birth control you use, you must continue to use condoms to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) if you have sex with a new partner. Advanced Women’s Healthcare of Waxahachie offers and recommends regular STD testing if you have unprotected sex.

If you’re unhappy with your current birth control or need contraceptive counseling, call Advanced Women’s Healthcare of Waxahachie to book an appointment or request one online today.