Birth Control Options

It is important to us that you get the care you need while you are here and once you go home. That’s why we’re proud to offer you individual birth control counseling to help you find the best birth control method for you. We can provide birth control services on the day of your appointment so you can leave our center with a plan to stay protected from pregnancy.
We offer a wide range of birth control methods including: emergency contraceptive pills, hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs, the birth control implant, birth control pills, the vaginal ring, the birth control shot and male condoms. For more information about these (and other) methods, complete with pictures, filters, and a comparison tool, we encourage you to visit Bedsider.org.

Emergency Contraception Pills (ECPs) are a method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex and can be purchased at our center without a prescription. ECPs are most effective when taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex but can be effective taken up to five days later. It has been found that if the ECP is taken with 72 hours after having unprotected sex the risk of pregnancy is reduced by 89%. You may call to set up a convenient time to purchase or purchase on the day of your appointment.

ECPs contain higher doses of hormones than are found in regular birth control pills. They work by preventing the egg from leaving the ovary and the sperm from joining the egg. ECPs are not effective if taken after a woman is already pregnant.

An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped object that is inserted through the cervix and placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The IUD is easily and quickly inserted in the uterus in the office by a trained healthcare provider.

There are currently four types of IUDs available: ParaGard, Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta. ParaGard is an IUD made with copper that does not contain hormones. It is a good choice for women who do not want to use a hormone-containing birth control method. Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta contain hormones that prevent pregnancy. ParaGard is approved to be used for 10 years, but it has been shown to be effective for up to 12 years. Mirena is approved for use for 5 years, but has been shown to be effective for 7 years, as has Skyla, which is approved for use for 3 years. Skyla can be used for up to 3 years. All IUDs can be removed sooner by a provider if you decide you want to become pregnant.

The IUD is more than 99% effective. The IUD can be inserted in many of our offices the same day as your abortion appointment. Ask your center for more information.

The implant, called Nexplanon is a small, plastic rod (about the size of a matchstick) that is placed under the skin of your arm.  The implant contains a progesterone-like hormone called etonogestrel that prevents pregnancy.  The implant works by preventing ovulation and by thickening the mucus around the cervix, making it hard for sperm to enter the uterus and reach an unfertilized egg.  It can also work by changing the lining of the uterus so that an egg cannot attach to the lining of the uterus. The implant is effective for up to 3 years from the time of insertion and can be removed by a trained healthcare provider at any time.

The implant is more than 99% effective.

The birth control shot also known as Depo-Provera or “Depo” is a hormone  injection that lasts for 3 months to prevent pregnancy.  It contains progestin and no estrogen.  It is usually given in the arm or buttocks. Depo-Provera keeps your ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens your cervical mucus to block sperm from getting into the uterus.

Depo-Provera is 99.7% effective when used correctly.

As you can see there are many birth control options available to you and our goal is to help you choose the one that best meets your needs.  If you are having sex, it is important to remember that the only birth control method that reduces the risk of the transmission of sexually transmitted infections is condoms.

Birth control pills are a medication you take every day to prevent pregnancy. They are sometimes called “the pill” or oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). Most people using the pill take “combination pills”. These contain two hormones – estrogen and progestin. Some birth control pills contain only one hormone – progestin. These are sometimes called “mini-pills” or progestin only pills (POPs). Progestin-only pills are an option for people who cannot use estrogen.

With typical use, the pill prevents pregnancy about 93% of the time.

The vaginal ring, called NuvaRing, is a small, flexible ring that contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. It is inserted in the vagina, and each ring provides contraception for three to four weeks. Then you immediately insert a new ring if you would like to use this method without having a scheduled period, or you can remove it for a week to have your period before inserting a new ring.

With typical use, the ring prevents pregnancy about 91% of the time.

The contraceptive patch is a small skin patch that contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. A new patch is applied to the arm, abdomen, buttocks or back each week for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week when you have your period.

With typical use, the patch prevents pregnancy about 91% of the time.

Condoms are latex or plastic barriers worn over the penis during sex to prevent contact between the skin and bodily fluids of two people. They protect against pregnancy and are one of the few birth control methods that prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can buy them at the store without a prescription, and can get them for free many places. Condoms can be used with any of the forms of birth control listed above to get extra protection.
With typical use, condoms prevent pregnancy about 87% of the time.

There is also another type of condom that is worn inside the vagina or anus during sex that we can tell you more about at your visit.

For more information about these and other methods, visit Bedsider.org
To locate a Georgia Medicaid provider who could offer you birth control,
click here.