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Planned Parenthood is Birth Control. Birth Control is Freedom.

At Planned Parenthood, our providers are experts in birth control. From the pill to a low maintenance method like the IUD or Nexplanon, we've got you covered.

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Schedule an appointment today to speak with a health care provider about your birth control options.

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Your birth control options

Explore the birth control methods we offer below. You can expand each method to learn more about it.

IUD (ParaGard and Liletta)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, flexible, t-shaped device that is implanted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

Effectiveness: More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

 

Advantages

  • Nothing to put in place before sex or take daily
  • Long lasting - lasts 5-10 years
  • Hormonal IUDs may reduce period cramps and make your period lighter
  • Can be used while breastfeeding
  • The ability to get pregnant returns quickly once the device is removed

Possible Problems

  • Mild to moderate pain when the IUD is inserted
  • Cramping or backache for a few days
  • Spotting between periods in the first 3-6 months. ParaGard may cause heavier periods and worse menstrual cramps
Implant (Nexplanon)

The birth control implant is a flexible match-sized rod that is implanted in the upper arm, under the skin.

Effectiveness: More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

 

Advantages

  • Nothing to put in place before sex or take daily
  • Women who can't take the pill may be able to use Nexplanon
  • Can be use while breastfeeding
  • The ability to get pregnant returns quickly once removed

Possible Problems

  • Irregular periods, or no periods, possible
  • Infection or bleeding at the insertion site
  • Weight gain
  • Headache
Shot (Depo Provera)

A hormone injection that is given once every three months.

Effectiveness: Up to 99.7% effective at preventing pregnancy is used properly. The shot is about 94% effective with typical use.

 

Advantages

  • Nothing to put in place before sex or take daily
  • Can be used while breastfeeding
  • Shorter and lighter periods possible
  • Can be used by women who can't take estrogen

Possible Problems

  • Irregular periods, or no periods, possible
  • There may be a temporary delay in the ability to get pregnant after stopping the shot
  • Side effects can continue until the shot wears off (12 weeks or more)
  • Weight gain
  • Headache
Ring (NuvaRing)

The birth control ring is a hormonal birth control method that is replaced once per month.

Effectiveness: Up to 99.7% effective at preventing pregnancy if used properly. The ring is about 92% effective with typical use.

 

Advantages

  • Northing to put in place before sex or take daily
  • Does not require "fitting" by a clinician
  • Ability to become pregnancy returns quickly after use is stopped
  • Can clear up acne, reduce cramps and reduce symptoms of PMS

Possible Problems

  • Irregular periods, or no periods, possible
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal irritation or infection
  • Cannot use oil-based medicines to treat vaginal infections while the ring is in place
Patch (Ortho Evra)

The birth control patch is a small, adhesive patch worn on the skin.

Effectiveness: Up to 99.7% effective at preventing pregnancy if used properly. The patch is about 92% effective with typical use.

 

Advantages

  • Nothing to put in place before sex or take daily
  • Ability to become pregnant returns quickly when use is stopped
  • Can clear up acne, reduce cramps and reduce symptoms of PMS

Possible Problems

  • Irregular periods, or no periods, possible
  • Skin irritation
  • May not be as effective for women who weigh more than 198 pounds
Pills

Birth control pills are an oral contraceptive that is taken everyday.

Effectiveness: Up to 99.7% effective at preventing pregnancy is used properly. Pills are about 92% effective with typical use.

 

Advantages

  • Nothing to put in place before sex
  • Regular period with fewer cramps
  • Can clear up acne, reduce cramps and reduce symptoms of PMS

Possible Problems

  • Irregular periods, or no periods, possible
  • Pills must be taken daily - missing pills increases risk of pregnancy
  • Side effects include irregular spotting, nausea and other minor discomforts