Family planning is vital to women’s health, helping prevent unintended pregnancies that affect physical, emotional, and financial well-being. The all-female team of board-certified OB/GYNs at Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology in Ventura, California, provides contraception care, helping you find the best method of birth control to meet your health and wellness needs now and in the future. Call the office to arrange your contraception consultation or schedule an appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat is contraception?
Contraception, also known as birth control, is all the methods, medications, and devices people use to prevent pregnancy. There are many forms of contraception, some permanent and others temporary.
You can also use contraceptives to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or help you manage symptoms caused by a gynecological condition.
Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology is an all-female OB/GYN practice. The team understands the unique health challenges women face and provide the individualized care they need to improve and maintain excellent health.
Taking a collaborative approach, they spend time educating you about the various forms of contraception so you can make an informed decision about your care.
What are the types of contraception?
Many types of contraception work in different ways, and no single method works for all. Some of your contraception options include:
Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent form of contraception. Women who have their tubes tied (tubal ligation) are undergoing female sterilization to prevent future pregnancies.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)
LARCs are birth control devices that get placed at one time and prevent pregnancy for several years (3-10 years). Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control implants are LARCs.
Short-acting hormonal contraceptives
Short-acting hormone contraceptives are prescription medications that prevent pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) or preventing sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization.
The birth control pill, shot, and patch are examples of short-acting hormonal contraception.
Barrier methods
Barrier methods are forms of contraception that stop sperm from reaching the egg, like condoms, diaphragms, and spermicide.
Emergency contraception (EC)
EC is an emergency form of birth control. Women may need EC if they have sex without having other forms of birth control, their birth control method failed, or they were sexually assaulted.
What should I consider when choosing contraception?
When choosing a form of contraception, you need to consider how effective it is, how easy it is for you to use, and what steps you need to take to get it. Your sexual activity and future pregnancy plans are also things you need to consider when selecting a form of birth control.
But you don’t have to decide about contraception methods alone. The team at Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology can provide the expert guidance you need.
To arrange your contraception consultation, call Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology or schedule an appointment online today.