There are birth control options to suit every woman’s needs

Our Grapevine and Alliance ObGyns explain and provide birth control options to help women – in every stage of life – choose when, or if, they want to start a family. We also help women sort through the various birth control options to find the method that best suits their current lifestyle.

Factors to consider when reviewing birth control options

When a woman visits our Grapevine and Alliance ObGyns for a birth control consultation, we recommend that she consider several factors before making her decision.

• Overall health, including any chronic or recurring issues
• Effectiveness
• Ease of use
• Number of sexual partners
• Frequency of sex
• Potential side effects and risks
• Plans for children in the future

How effective is each option?

Birth control options are ranked from most effective to least effective.

The most effective methods are permanent sterilization, IUDs and the birth control implant. During one year of use, less than 1% of women become pregnant.

Very effective methods include: the birth control injection, pill and patch, and the vaginal ring and diaphragm. With these methods, 6-12% of women will get pregnant each year.

The least effective birth control options, with 18% or more of women becoming pregnant in one year, include the male and female condom, cervical cap and the sponge. Fertility awareness based methods and spermicides are even less effective, with 24-28% of women who use it becoming pregnant in one year.

A summary of birth control options

Permanent sterilization is performed by our Grapevine and Alliance ObGyns in our offices as a same-day, minimally invasive surgery. Birth control options in this category include tubal ligation.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are often referred to as “set it and forget it” birth control options because they provide continuous protection once they are in place. IUDs are inserted into the uterus where they remain for 3-10 years. Today’s IUDs are safe and effective. The birth control implant is inserted under the skin, most often of the upper arm, and left in place for up to three years.

Hormonal contraceptives offer a wide variety of birth control options, including birth control pills, the patch, the injection and the vaginal ring.

Barrier methods include the only two birth control options that protect against sexually transmitted infections, or STIs – the male condom, and to a lesser extent, the female condom. Other barrier methods include the birth control sponge and spermicides.

Our Grapevine and Alliance ObGyns help women determine which option best suits their needs

With so many birth control options to choose from, it’s important for women to know they can rely on our experienced physicians and staff to provide guidance and answer questions. Contact us today for a birth control consultation.