Getting the Right Birth Control Plan for You

Contraceptive methods are a great way to prevent pregnancy but remain sexually active. Effective contraception facilitates family planning by reducing unwanted pregnancies and abortions. At Desert Star Family Planning, Dr. Taylor DeShawn offers personalized Phoenix birth control plans depending on your desired goal.

Different birth control options

Desert Star Family Planning offers the following birth control options:

1. Birth control pills

These are contraceptive methods that involve orally taking medications. The different types of birth control pills include:

• Combination pills: These pills contain synthetic estrogen and progestin. Combination pills prevent ovulation and cause thickening of cervical mucus preventing sperm entry.
• Progestin-only pills: These pills contain synthetic progestin, which thins endometrial lining and thickens cervical mucus preventing pregnancies.

2. Patches

Patches are transdermal hormonal contraceptive methods. The method involves sticking a small patch onto your skin. The patch releases a daily dose of the progestin norelgestromin, which stimulates progesterone receptors to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, implantation and sperms from meeting the egg.

3. Rings

This contraceptive method involves vaginally inserting a small transparent flexible copolymer ring into your reproductive system. You or your gynecologist will insert the ring once a month. Yourself or your care provider will also remove the ring for one week to allow withdrawal bleeding. The contraceptive ring works to prevent ovulation. The method also prevents implantation by thinning the endometrial lining and prevents the sperm from reaching the egg by thickening cervical mucus. Side effects of the contraceptive ring include vaginal discomfort, leucorrhea, and vaginitis.

4. Intrauterine Device

The IUD contraception method involves the vaginal insertion of a small T-shaped device. This intrauterine device releases synthetic progestin, which induces inflammatory reactions altering the endometrium and myometrium’s cellular components. Progestin signals progesterone receptors to prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the endometrial lining.

5. Contraceptive implant

This hormonal contraception method involves implanting a thin three-inch-long rod under the skin in your upper arm. Contraceptive implants release progestin into your bloodstream, preventing implantation by thinning the endometrial lining. The implant also prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus making it harder for sperm to reach a fertilized egg. The contraceptive implant brand used at Desert Star Family planning is Nexplanon. The effects of Nexplanon can last for up to three years but may cause irregular and longer periods.

6. Contraceptive injection

At Desert Star Family Planning, Dr. Taylor will inject the Depo-Provera every three months. The contraceptive injection releases progestin hormone, which signals progesterone receptors to thicken cervical mucus making it hard for the sperm to swim to the fertilized egg. Patients usually report a reduction in heavy and painful periods. However, your period may stop or be long and irregular.

Take time to learn about all types of contraceptive methods to choose one which is ideal for you. For more information, consult Desert Star Family Planning by booking an appointment with Dr. Taylor today.