Contraception

Methods of Contraception

Many ineffective birth control methods are out on the market, and their ineffectiveness can damage a woman’s freedom to pursue education, careers, and relationships. That is why it’s important to seek more effective contraception methods to take better control of your life along with your reproductive and sexual health.

VIVAA’s medical professionals understand the need for effective contraceptive devices and have made them readily available for those who seek it. Most seek common contraceptives like condoms, diaphragms, fertility awareness, and birth control sponges. However, many medical professionals can attest that some of these are less efficient than other methods. The efficacy of many methods often depends on whether couples use their method the way it was designed to be used versus typical use, which often means that contraception is not used consistently. Even less useful are spermicides and the male withdrawing before ejaculating.

Even less useful than those are spermicides and the male withdrawing before ejaculating.

Most Effective Methods

More effective than all of these are hormone-based methods such as oral pills, vaginal rings, injections, and patches. Of course, the best ways to ensure long-lasting birth control is through vasectomy, tubal ligation, implantable birth control [Nexplanon], and intrauterine devices. When deciding on contraception, surgical methods are usually considered permanent, although success rates in reversing these procedures have increased in recent years.

Nexplanon also has positive side effects, including reducing the incidence of period cramps and can lighten heavy periods. In fact, about one-third of women who use the implant stop getting their periods after one year. Another plus is that it is estrogen-free so women who have certain health problems and can’t take estrogen are able to use it.

An IUD is a small, t-shaped device inserted into the uterus that consistently prevents pregnancy. These are less drastic than other birth control procedures, so it’s easy to see why these are preferable to other methods. While names differ depending on location, there are two main types of intrauterine devices available. Both serve the same purpose by not allowing sperm to pass through to an egg, they have different ways of doing so:

• Nonhormonal copper IUD (ParaGard and others): These do not have hormones, are wrapped in a small amount of copper. Sperm are sensitive to the copper ions released by the device, which makes it impossible for sperm to get to an egg. These IUDs also cause the uterus and fallopian tubes to produce a fluid with white blood cells, enzymes, prostaglandins and copper ions that are toxic to sperm. A ParaGard IUD
• IUD with progestogen (Mirena Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla): These IUDs are usually made of plastic, use a synthetic progestogen called progestin for hormonal birth control acting upon endocrine system. They thicken the mucus in the cervix, trapping sperm and prevent eggs from leaving the ovaries.  Some also thin the lining of the uterus. The lasting effects of all of these differ. Mirena can last up to six years. Kyleena can last five years, Liletta four, and Skyla three.

The major benefit of IUDs is that they’re reversible, so if you decide to have children, a contraception expert at VIVAA can easily remove the device. Your fertility will return soon after we remove the device. IUDs are by far the most effective way of preventing pregnancy all while retaining reproductive and sexual health.

Reversible Methods of Contraception

VIVAA can help women looking for intrauterine devices, which are proven to be long-acting yet reversible birth control methods. By taking your reproductive and sexual health seriously and investing in IUDs, you’ll feel more empowered and in control of your life’s path. Call or stop by our center in Issaquah or Bellevue, WA, today to see just how we can help. For your convenience, you can use our site to schedule a consultation. We have compassionate and highly attentive medical professionals on our staff to help you with all your contraception needs.

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