Female Birth Control in South Detroit

Today, there are many options as it relates to birth control. To select the one that is best suited to your needs and those of your partner, you should consult with your healthcare provider.

The board-certified gynecologists at Downriver Obstetrics & Gynecology help women throughout south Detroit with birth control decisions. Learn more and call (734) 671-2110 to schedule your appointment in Trenton, MI today!

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills, commonly referred to as “the pill”, are a form of oral contraception that generally contains two hormones- estrogen and progestin- and taken daily to prevent a woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs. They also help to prevent pregnancy by causing the cervical mucus to thicken. This blocks sperm from fertilizing an egg. Birth Control pills are safe, effective, and convenient. For women who are very overweight, the pill may be less effective. Additionally, vomiting and/or diarrhea may keep the pill from working properly to prevent pregnancy. If a woman is concerned about this, a backup method of birth control should be used.

IUDs

IUDs (Intrauterine Device) is a contraceptive device that delivers small amounts of hormone (levonorgestrel) directly to the uterus. It is a form of birth control that remains in the uterus and can last for up to 5 years. It is a small “T” shaped plastic device that is both soft and flexible and is put into place by a gynecologist or healthcare provider during an office visit. The Mirena® IUD works continuously and eliminates the need for pills and is over 99% effective. When a patient wants to become pregnant, a healthcare provider can remove the device and the patient can try to become pregnant immediately. It works through several different actions that include thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus, inhibiting the sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg, and making the lining of the uterus thin.

NuvaRing®

NuvaRing® is a soft and flexible ring that is worn in the vagina. The key benefit of the NuvaRing is that a patient does not need to take it daily to get a complete month’s protection. In a given 1-month period, NuvaRing® must be inserted into the vagina, removed after 3 weeks, and a new ring inserted no more than 7 days later. While the hormones it contains (estrogen and progestin) are similar to those used in birth control pills, unlike birth control pills, they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the vaginal wall, delivering a consistent level of medication improving effectiveness, and limiting side effects. Oral contraceptives on the other hand, differ in that they take time to be absorbed into the bloodstream causing peaks and valleys in the hormone blood levels.