Birth Control

Birth Control

Deciding if and when to have children is a very personal process, and it entails taking both informed and planned steps to implement. Birth control, no matter the method used, empowers you to be in control of your reproductive health and get pregnant only if the time is right for you.

The benefits of some birth control methods even expand beyond preventing pregnancy; women who struggle with painful symptoms from their menstrual cycle or other medical conditions often find relief through hormonal contraception.

Birth Control is more than just the pill. You have choices.

Axia Women’s Health understands that your choice isn’t just about the effectiveness of a particular method but about the way it may impact your body; the level of privacy it affords; the costs; and/or whether you can stop and start it on your own.

Our providers listen and walk you through the process of finding the method that feels most comfortable to you.

Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal methods use estrogen and/or progestin to prevent pregnancy. They can be highly effective but also come with some potential side effects and risks.

These same methods are also often prescribed to help ease symptoms of painful periods, PMDD, endometriosis, PCOS, and other conditions. Your provider will be able to guide you to the most effective method for your individual symptoms.

• Patches are worn on the stomach and deliver hormones directly through the skin.
• Pills contain various hormonal combinations and are taken once daily.
• Injectables are hormone containing shots given every 3 months by your provider.
• Vaginal rings are placed inside the vagina for 3 weeks out of the month.
• Copper IUDs are long-lasting, plastic devices that are wrapped in copper; the copper deters the sperm from reaching the egg.
• Hormonal IUDs are long-lasting, plastic devices inserted vaginally by your provider. They release tiny amounts of progestin over time.

Barrier Birth Control

These methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Many don’t require a prescription and some even help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Male condoms prevent sperm from entering your vagina and protect against STIs.
• Female condoms, or internal condoms, prevent sperm from entering your vagina and also protect against STIs. They can be inserted into the vagina up to eight hours before having sex and don’t require an erection for use.
• A diaphragm is a shallow latex cup that’s combined with spermicide and inserted vaginally before sex. It can be left in place up to 24 hours.
• A cervical cap is a silicone cup that’s combined with spermicide and inserted vaginally. It can be left in place up to 48 hours.
• A sponge is a soft foam, disposable device that contains spermicide. It’s inserted vaginally and must be left in for 6 hours after having sex.

Natural Family Planning

One of the oldest and least invasive ways to control pregnancy, natural family planning doesn’t use any drugs or devices.

Methods include:

• The calendar/rhythm method
• The basal body temperature method
• The ovulation method

Each one requires diligence and self-control, so it’s crucial you consult with a provider to ensure you have the tools for success.