Birth Control

If you feel that your family is complete or if you want to delay the start of your family, the following information provides basic information on the various birth control methods, the pros, the cons and the effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.  Schedule an appointment and our team of providers can help you decide which approach is best for you.  Many of the procedures to install birth control devices can be performed on an outpatient basis at either of our office locations.

Birth Control Options

A breakdown of available birth control types, with their pros, cons and effectiveness.
MethodProsConsEffectiveness
Natural Family PlanningSafe as it is hormone-free; inexpensive; compatible with certain religious beliefsReliability of the method varies greatly; requires training and good follow-up; must have a partner who is willing to respect abstinence days; more difficult to use in women with irregular periods, breastfeeding mothers or teensFor many couples, about 75% effective but can be slightly more effective with perfect use
Diaphragm and spermicidal jellySafe for most women unless latex or other allergyNot the most reliable method available; some consider this method to be messy; may cause UTI or irritation; must be fitted in the office and after weight gain/lossApproximately 84% effective; costs about $200 for the fitting and device combined (so about $8/month if used for 2 years
Condoms and spermicidal foam or jellySafe for almost all women (except those with allergies to this method); protects against sexually transmitted diseaseNot very reliable; partner must be willing to useApproximately 92% effective; price varies, but about $1 per condom
The Pill-and oral contraceptive pill containing estrogen and progesteroneReliable method if taken correctly; lighter and more regular periods; well-tolerated by most womenNot a good method for breastfeeding mothers as can decrease milk supply; not best choice for older women or smokers or women with serious medical problems; must remember to take same time dailyApproximately 92% effective; price varies, but about $20-$50/month
The NuvaRing vaginal ring which contains estrogen and progesteroneReliable method if used correctly; lighter more regular periods; well-tolerated by most women; easy to use in a continuous cycle regimen (to minimize the number of periods per year).Not a good method for breastfeeding mothers or smokers or women with serious medical problems; must be comfortable with inserting a vaginal ringAbout 92% effective; cost is less than $50/month
The OrthoEvra Patch, which contains estrogen and progesteroneReliable method if used correctly; lighter and more regular periods; well-tolerated by most womenNot a good method for breastfeeding mothers as can decrease milk supply; has a slightly higher risk of blood clots than other combined hormone methodsApproximately 92% effective but varies; less than $50/month
EssureHormone-free, surgery-free (in-office procedure) permanent; Not all women have successful placement of both inserts; mild discomfort during procedure Over 99% effective; covered by many insurance companies
Depo ProveraVery reliable if you come back in for the injections as scheduled; safe for most women; many women have very light or no periods on this method May cause weight gain, acne, decreased sex drive, and depression in some women Approximately 97% effective; covered by most insurances price varies, but less than $100 every 3 months ($33/month)
NexplanonVery reliable method; safe for breastfeeding; lasts for 3 years Some women have side effects from the hormone such as extremely long periods; expensive up front cost if no insurance Approximately 99% effective; costs about $950 (which works out to about $25/month)
Paraguard intrauterine device Very reliable method; safe for breastfeeding; lasts up to ten years (but can be removed before then); no hormones High up-front cost without insurance; must be placed by provider in the office; many women report heavier periods and increased cramping pain with menses, particularly in the first year of useOver 99% effective; typically covered by most insurances; price varies, about $750 (works out to be about $6/month if used for entire 10 years)
Mirena intrauterine systemVery reliable method; safe for breastfeeding; lasts up to 5 years (but can be removed before then); causes very light periods in most women, with some women reporting no periods at allHigh up-front cost; must be placed by provider in the office; causes irregular spotting and bleeding in most women for the first 3 to 6 months of useOver 99% effective; typically covered by insurance; price varies, about $850 (works out to approx. $14/month if used for the entire five years)