It’s important to plan when you want to have a family. In order to keep from getting pregnant, you need to find a contraceptive that is right for you. Your OBGYN can help with contraceptive management.

Birth control options are one of the most important services provided by an OBGYN. Thanks to advances in birth control, you now have several convenient options, including:

Birth control pills, which are convenient, portable, and effective. They work by releasing hormones to prevent pregnancy.

Contraceptive skin patches, which are convenient and don’t require remembering to take a pill. They release hormones gradually and consistently to prevent pregnancy.

Vaginal rings, which are portable and are inserted into your vagina. They release hormones when inserted, to prevent pregnancy.

Birth control injections, which are administered at 3-to-6-month intervals. The injections release hormones gradually to prevent pregnancy.

Birth control implants, which are small rod-like devices that release hormones to prevent pregnancy. An implant is placed into your upper arm and can be effective for up to 3 years.

Intrauterine devices, commonly known as IUDs, which either contain hormones or copper; the IUD is placed inside your uterus and can be effective for up to 3 to 5 years if it contains hormones, and up to 10 years if it contains copper.

Other common birth control methods include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, sponges, and spermicide. Condoms have an advantage over other birth control methods because they can protect you against sexually transmitted diseases, in addition to pregnancy.

Contraception management is just one of the important services your OBGYN can provide. Other services provided by your OBGYN include:

• Routine reproductive health examinations, including pap smears
• Routine breast examinations, including mammograms and breast MRI
• Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
• Fertility counseling and treatment
• Prenatal counseling and prenatal care

To find out more about contraception management and available birth control options, you need the help of an expert. Call your OBGYN doctor today.