Birth Control Options

We provide appropriate counseling and initiation of all available types of contraception. The doctors and providers at Women's Health and Surgery Center do not perform abortions. You will find a listing and overview of options including hormone medications, contraceptive devices, and sterilization. Emergency contraceptives are also available in case of a "method failure" (i.e.-"the condom broke"). Please call us immediately for a consultation to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

The choice of an appropriate contraceptive is personal and varies with each patient. Appropriate selection should be based on the risk of the method failing, the risk of the method itself and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. Be sure to look at the chart for the effectiveness of different forms of birth control.

Contraception (birth control) is the term used for the prevention of pregnancy. There are many ways to try to prevent pregnancy while having intercourse. Some are more effective than others. Different types of birth control include use of hormone medications, barrier contraceptive devices, avoiding sexual intercourse completely, and surgery.

Remember that you need to consider whether the method you choose will also protect you from getting sexually transmitted diseases. Sometimes you may need to use more than one method to prevent pregnancy AND disease. The latex male condom is the best protection currently available to protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. It is the only way to reduce your risk of getting HIV/AIDS during sex. Birth control methods such as hormones, withdrawal, and natural family planning do not give any protection against disease.

Contraception takes three primary forms: 1. Hormone medications like birth control pills 2. Contraceptive devices like the male condom 3. Sterilization procedures