Family Planning

Hormonal Contraception

Reversible contraception can take a variety of forms including pills, injections, vaginal rings, skin patches and arm implants.  Our doctors and nurse practitioners can review each of them with you to make the right choice for you.

• Birth control pills that you take daily and options that allow you to go up to three months without a period. 
• Injections that provide protection for up to three months and are convenient for those who find daily birth control difficult to remember.
• The vaginal ring, a flexible plastic ring that is placed in the upper vagina, worn for 21 days, then removed for 7 days.
• The contraceptive skin patch, a small adhesive patch that is placed on the skin each week and then removed for one week per month. 
• The arm implant called Nexplanon, which is easily inserted in the office and stays in place for 3 years.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

The Intrauterine Device, the IUD, is a birth control device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.  

There are currently two types of IUDs approved for use in the United States:

• The hormonal IUD, Mirena®  and Liletta®, there are two choices effective for 5 years and 3 years
• The copper IUD that can remain in your body for as long as 10 years

An IUD is inserted during an office visit. Before inserting the IUD, your doctor will review your medical history, examine your vagina and uterus to be sure you show no signs of infection and give you a pregnancy test. 


Permanent Contraception

If you are sure you no longer want to have children and will not want to change your mind in the future, sterilization is an effective choice. Traditional sterilization removes or seals both fallopian tubes, so the egg can no longer move down the tube to reach the sperm. There are a number of ways to accomplish this: the tubes may cut, clipped or sealed by an electrical current during a laparoscopic procedure. Our doctors are experienced in the latest methods of sterilization and will be happy to discuss your situation and your options.