Birth Control

Being sexually active in your childbearing years means a chance of getting pregnant, unless you have a birth control plan in place. At Progressive Women's Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia, board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physician Lathan Overstreet, MD, and his exceptional midwifery team offer an array of birth control options for women. Schedule an evaluation by phone or online today to learn more.

What is birth control?

Birth control consists of strategies or treatments that reduce or eliminate your risk of becoming pregnant while sexually active. Progressive Women's Healthcare provides various birth control methods to match your lifestyle, preferences, and needs.

How does birth control work?

Birth control works to prevent pregnancy in several ways. It might make it more difficult for sperm to reach your egg or prevent your body from releasing an egg at all. Birth control can also make it more challenging for a fertilized egg to implant into your uterine wall. 

Which birth control options are available?

Progressive Women's Healthcare offers the following birth control methods:

Birth control pills

Taking birth control pills alters hormone levels within your body. Some pills contain progestin and estrogen, while others only provide progestin. Birth control pills prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs or reduce the chance of sperm reaching an egg. 

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

IUDs are long-term reversible birth control methods, which are more than 99% effective for preventing pregnancies. They’re T-shaped devices that are implanted in your uterus. Your provider can remove the IUD if you decide to get pregnant. 

Implants

Implants are birth control options that can last up to three years. Your specialist places a tiny rod under the skin of your arm, where it releases hormones to prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. 

Skin patches

You can place a birth control patch on the surface of your skin on your buttocks, upper arm, or lower abdomen. The patch contains hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs.

Injectables 

Birth control injections (shots) available at Progressive Women’s Healthcare contain hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs.

Vaginal rings

You can place a vaginal ring in your vagina for three weeks to reduce the risk of a pregnancy. Simply remove it during the fourth week when you have a period. 

Permanent sterilization

Permanent sterilization procedures for women include a hysterectomy (removing the uterus), tubal ligation, and tubal occlusion. Men can undergo a vasectomy. 

Other birth control methods

Other birth control options that reduce the chance of pregnancy include condoms, diaphragms, and the withdrawal method. However, these methods are less effective. Emergency birth control pills are also available. 

Your provider discusses the pros and cons of each birth control method to help you determine which is the best option. 

Schedule a birth control consultation at Progressive Women's Healthcare by phone or online today.