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What is Birth Control?
Birth control is used to prevent pregnancy and can be used by both women and men. There are a large variety of different types of birth control available today. If you are sexually active and do not want to become pregnant, you should educate yourself on the many different options so that you and your partner can decide which method is right for both of you.
“I highly recommend Dr. Tepper!He is highly professional, experienced, and calming. My pregnancy and birth were such a positive experience thanks to him and his lovely staff at the clinic.”
SEE MOREBefore choosing a birth control method, be sure to discuss your options with your partner and your doctor. Remember, birth control is only effective if it is used properly, so be sure you fully understand how to correctly use the method of your choice. There are many different methods of birth control, with some of the most common being:
- Abstinence: Abstaining, or choosing not to have sex is the only method of birth control that is 100% effective.
- Combined hormonal contraception: This includes methods containing estrogen such as birth control pills, vaginal rings, or estrogen patches. The pill is taken daily, the vaginal ring is used once a month, and the patch should be changed weekly. When used correctly, these methods can be 99% effective.
- Depo-provera®: This is an injection of the hormone progestin that provides protection from pregnancy for 12-15 weeks.
- IUD: An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that is placed into the uterus to prevent the fertilization of an egg. IUDs can be made of copper or plastic and are almost 100% effective.
- Nexplanon®: This is a small rod that contains hormones and is placed under the skin of the upper arm. It works by delivering a progestin hormone over a period of three years. This is the most effective form of reversible contraception available.
- Mini pills: These are birth control pills that contain only progestin. They work by thickening the cervical mucus so that sperm can’t reach the egg.
- Male condoms: Male condoms are a thin covering consisting of plastic, latex, or animal membrane that is used to prevent semen from entering the vagina. Latex condoms may provide some protection from STDs.
- Female condoms: A female condom is a lubricated plastic tube with a flexible ring at each end. It is inserted into the vagina so that the closed end of the tube covers the cervix, and the other endslightly covers the labia. This blocks sperm from entering the womb.
- Diaphragm: This is a round piece of rubber that is placed into the vagina, against the cervix. It works by stopping semen from entering the womb. Spermicide must be used along with a diaphragm.
- Male sterilization: A vasectomy is a sterilization procedure for men. It involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens, which are the tubes that carry sperm. This prevents the sperm from leaving the testes. While this procedure is nearly 100% effective against pregnancy, it does not protect against STDs.
- Female sterilization: Also known as “having your tubes tied”, this causes permanent sterility by preventing an egg from moving to the uterus. It also blocks sperm from entering the ovulating ovary where fertilization occurs. This method does not protect against STDs.
MEET DR. ALEX TEPPER
Welcome to my practice. Let me introduce myself and my practice philosophy. I am a board certified OB/GYN in practice for over 20 years and have been a solo-practitioner on the Upper East Side of Manhattan since 2000. All deliveries are performed at The Mount Sinai Medical Center where I went to medical school and at Lenox Hill Hospital.
The above list contains many forms of birth control, but not all. If you are interested in a form of contraception that is not listed, please do not hesitate to ask Dr. Tepper about it during your appointment.
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Whether you are a new or returning patient, Dr. Tepper can assess your concerns and discuss your options to find the most comfortable and convenient care for you. To get started, call our office to set up an appointment.
CALL FOR APPOINTMENTContact Us to Learn More
If you have any questions concerning birth control, are seeking birth control, or would like to speak with a professional regarding your options, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tepper. We believe that it is important that our patients are educated on their birth control options so that they can make healthy life choices that are right for them.
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