Birth Control Specialist

Whether you want to wait to get pregnant, aren’t planning on having children, or are happy with the number of children you currently have, you can find the right contraception option with the help of the compassionate team at Elite Gynecology. At the New York City office, Dr. Guichard, Dr. Molly McBride, Barbara Sztukowski, NP, and Sarah Weld, NP, listen to your concerns and answers any questions you have about birth control, ensuring you understand the available methods and the pros and cons of each. To find the right birth control for you, call the office today or use the online scheduling tool to book your initial consultation.

What are the different types of birth control?

Birth control, which when used correctly prevents pregnancy, comes in many forms. Some of the most common types of birth control include:

• Condoms
• Diaphragms
• Cervical caps
• Hormonal birth control pills, patches, shots, and rings
• Intrauterine device (IUD)
• Sterilization
• Emergency contraceptive pills

Although all of these methods can protect you from pregnancy, only condoms can prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and few are 100% effective, other than abstinence. Yet, when used correctly, most contraceptives are 99% effective or more.

How does birth control work?

Birth control works in different ways. Barrier methods, which includes male and female condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, physically prevent sperm from coming in contact with your egg. Spermicides and contraceptive sponges are also considered barrier methods, but instead of a physical barrier (like latex or rubber), they create a chemical barrier that kills the sperm.

Hormonal birth control, like the pill, patch, or shot, stop ovulation. With no ovulation, you don’t release an egg, and with no egg, no fertilization can occur. These prescription birth control options use hormones to control your menstrual cycle.

IUDs are implanted in your uterus where they stop any eggs from implanting on the uterine wall. Many of these devices also release a hormone that stops you from releasing an egg.

Permanent birth control, also called sterilization, takes away a person’s ability to have children.

In women, sterilization often occurs via tubal ligation. Your doctor cuts or cauterizes your fallopian tubes, blocking your egg from traveling down and blocking sperm from traveling up the tubes, ensuring they don’t meet.

Which birth control is right for me?

To determine which birth control is right for you, Dr. McBride considers multiple factors, including:

• Your age
• The number of sexual partners you have
• Frequency of intercourse
• If you have children
• If and when you want children in the future
• Medical problems

To find out what birth control best meets your needs, call Elite Gynecology today. You can even use the online booking tool and be one step closer to keeping yourself protected from an unplanned pregnancy.