Birth Control
Women have never before had so many safe and effective options when it comes to birth control. At The Women's Group, located in Pensacola, Florida, our team of expertly trained doctors can help you choose the option that's right for your body, your lifestyle, and your future family planning goals. Whether you're looking for a long-term solution, a low-maintenance option, or something you can start and stop as your needs change, we're here to walk you through every choice available so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
How do I choose the right method of birth control for me?
At The Women's Group, our team is highly knowledgeable about the vast array of choices in contraception available. They can assist you in choosing the one that best fits your health needs and lifestyle. Many women today use nonpermanent, hormonal methods of birth control, including the pill, patch, Nexplanon® implant, injectable hormones, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and the vaginal ring. Factors to consider when choosing which method of birth control is best for you include your sensitivity to hormones, your desire to become pregnant in the near future, and whether you will remember to take a pill at the same time on a daily basis.
What are the pros and cons of taking birth control pills?
The pill has provided protection for countless women since the 1960s. It's up to 99% effective with perfect use, doesn't interrupt sexual activity, and offers additional benefits, such as regulating menstrual cycles, reducing menstrual cramping, and lowering the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. Among the potential drawbacks are having to remember to take the pill daily, as well as possible side effects such as breast tenderness, nausea, and spotting for some women. The pill may also increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack in certain patients, particularly smokers, women over 35, and those with a history of certain health conditions.
What should I know before considering the IUD?
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have become increasingly popular. They are small T-shaped devices that are inserted by a provider in a quick and simple office visit. At a later time, when you wish to become pregnant, the IUD is easily removed in a similar procedure. There are two types of IUDs. One releases a progestin hormone to thicken cervical mucus and prevent sperm from reaching an egg. The other, a copper IUD, is actually a plastic device that's wrapped with a thin copper wire. The copper ions inhibit sperm movement and prevent pregnancy. The Women's Group offers multiple choices in IUDs, including the leading brands Mirena®, Kyleena®, Paragard®, and Liletta®.
It's important to know that IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so an additional barrier method, such as condoms, is recommended for STI prevention. As with any medical device, there are also potential risks to be aware of, including discomfort during insertion, irregular bleeding or spotting (especially in the first few months), and, in rare cases, the device shifting out of place or being expelled. Your provider can walk you through these risks in detail and help determine whether an IUD is the right choice for you.
Does The Women's Group offer permanent birth control?
Yes. For patients who have decided they do not want to become pregnant in the future, our doctors can perform tubal ligation, a permanent form of birth control, at several local outpatient surgery centers. During the procedure, the fallopian tubes are closed off so that eggs can no longer reach the uterus, permanently preventing pregnancy. Because this procedure is permanent, our providers take time to talk through your options, answer any questions, and make sure it's the right decision for you and your future family planning goals.
Have a question about a service?
Our team would be happy to assist you. Call us or request an appointment and we’ll guide you from there.