Birth Control Specialist

What is birth control?

Also called contraception, birth control is any method you use to prevent pregnancy. Many types of birth control also help prevent sexually-transmitted diseases and relieve menstruation symptoms.

What are the different types of birth control?

The most common types of birth control include:

• Sterilization: Sterilization permanently prevents pregnancy. The most common type of sterilization for women is tubal ligation. While there’s some downtime required after the procedure, you don’t need to take any other steps to prevent pregnancy afterward.  
• Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC): LARCs include intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormonal implants, and injections. Some LARCs, like IUDs, can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. Should you decide you want to have a baby, Dr. Sharma can reverse or remove the birth control.
• Short-acting hormonal methods: If you opt for one of the short-acting hormonal birth control methods available, you need to remember to take it as prescribed by Dr. Sharma. Whether you choose the pill, mini pill, patch, shot, or vaginal ring, you must use it correctly for it to be effective.
• Barrier methods: Barrier-method birth control requires use prior to each sexual encounter. Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, sponges, and cervical caps. You don’t need a prescription from Dr. Sharma for all barrier birth control methods. You can purchase many over the counter.
  
  

What are the benefits of birth control?

Since many birth control methods include the use of hormones, these options have health benefits beyond preventing pregnancy. These include reducing or preventing:

• Acne
• Bone thinning
• Cysts, cancers, and severe infections
• Premenstrual syndrome

These benefits are due to the fact that hormones included in many forms of birth control make your period lighter or stop altogether. And barrier birth control methods often help reduce your exposure to sexually-transmitted diseases.

Dr. Sharma at Fremont OB/GYN can help you choose the best birth control method through her individualized approach in a small, private setting.