Contraception Specialist

What is contraception?

Contraception is a great way to prevent pregnancy, and the different birth control methods have varying levels of effectiveness. You can discuss your contraception options with Dr. Simmons or Dr. Trench-Simmons during your consultation to help you decide what’s best for you.

What are the different types of contraception?

Prestige Healthcare OBGYN provides different forms of contraception to prevent pregnancy, including skin patches, pills, and contraceptive injections:

The pill

The birth control pill is a popular choice that uses estrogen and progestin hormones. For the pill to work best, you should take it at the same time every day.

IUDs

Intrauterine devices are implanted into your uterus. There are different types of these small devices, such as hormonal and copper IUDs. This type of contraception can protect against pregnancy anywhere from 3-12 years and may be removed in-office at any time.

Vaginal rings

Vaginal rings usually have the same hormones found in birth control pills. A vaginal ring is a special ring that’s placed in your vagina and releases a continuous low dose of hormones. Some vaginal rings involve a four-week cycle where the ring stays in your vagina for three weeks before you remove it for one week.

You can usually place and remove the ring conveniently yourself, just like a tampon. Most rings should stay in your vagina before and after intercourse to ensure you’re protected from pregnancy.

Nexplanon

Nexplanon is an effective birth control implant that secretes hormones and lasts up to three years. Dr. Simmons or Dr. Trench-Simmons places a small, flexible implant discreetly under the skin of the inner portion of your upper arm during a quick in-office process. Your Nexplanon implant can be removed at any time.

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent method of birth control where your fallopian tubes are tied, cut, or blocked to prevent pregnancy. Tubal ligation works by preventing an egg from traveling from your ovaries through the fallopian tubes, and also blocks sperm from traveling up your fallopian tubes to the egg.

It doesn’t affect menstruation, but tubal ligation is difficult to reverse. In some cases, it can’t be reversed.

What are the different types of STD testing?

Contraception can also protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Prestige Healthcare OBGYN offers a number of STD testing methods, including:

• Swabs
• Urine samples
• Biopsies
• Blood tests

Some STD tests can be taken at home. However, professional in-office testing is more reliable and accurate.

Call Prestige Healthcare OBGYN or schedule a  consultation online today to learn more about your contraception options or inquire about STD testing.