Nearly half of all global pregnancies are unexpected. If you’re sexually active and you don’t want to get pregnant, visit skilled gynecologist Karroll Payne, MD, at her practice in Lafayette, Louisiana, where she provides birth control and family planning, including tubal ligation. To learn more, schedule your consultation at K. Payne MD online or over the phone today.
request an appointmentWhat types of birth control are available to me?
Dr. Payne offers a variety of birth control options to fit your lifestyle, health, and personal preferences. These include a variety of short-acting hormonal methods, long-acting reversible contraceptives, and female sterilization. Examples include:
- Birth control pills
- IUDs
- Tubal ligation
- Nexplanon® (an implant)
Short-acting hormonal birth control methods include “the pill.” Birth control pills are a form of oral contraception that, when taken properly, have around a 99% effectiveness rate at preventing pregnancy.
Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods include the IUD and Nexplanon, the implant.
IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are T-shaped birth control devices inserted into your uterus. Once inserted, the IUD works on its own until time to replace it, usually every 3-10 years. There are two main types of IUDs: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs.
Copper IUDs
Copper IUDs consist of a thin copper wire coiled around the stem of the “T,” naturally toxic to sperm and eggs. This is the only prescription non-hormonal birth control option available.
Hormonal IUDs
Hormonal IUDs use the progestin hormone levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy.
Nexplanon is an implant that goes under the skin on your inner arm and prevents pregnancy using etonogestrel, a progestin hormone. It is effective for up to three years.
Is tubal ligation a reversible form of birth control?
Tubal ligation, also known as getting your tubes tied, is a permanent birth control method that Dr. Payne achieves by cutting and tying or blocking the fallopian tubes. It also lowers your risk of ovarian cancer.
To undo tubal ligation, you must undergo a complicated procedure that may not work. Because it is so difficult to reverse tubal ligation, Dr. Payne only recommends this method if you’re sure you don’t want any children in the future.
Which birth control is right for me?
The right type of birth control for you depends on many factors, such as your lifestyle, your goals with birth control, your health history, and your history with birth control. For example, busy individuals with an on-the-go schedule might benefit from an IUD or Nexplanon.
Whether you want kids (but just not now), never want kids, or you feel that your family is complete, you deserve control over your own body. Invest in your future, whatever that means for you, by scheduling your birth control consultation with Dr. Payne online or over the phone today.