Lovejoy Surgicenter

IUD vs. Oral Contraceptives: Which Birth Control Method Is Right for You?

For those seeking to prevent unwanted pregnancies, there are a wealth of options available. Talk to a healthcare provider at a clinic to discuss which choice best suits your needs. Many women choose oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices (IUDs) for the effective prevention of pregnancy. Keep reading for an explanation of these two popular birth control methods and a comparison of their effectiveness and safety.

IUD Basics

An IUD is a small, plastic T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. Once inserted, a plastic string extends from the device into your vagina, which allows you to make sure it is still in place, and allows your doctor to remove the device when needed. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and copper. The hormonal device prevents pregnancy by interfering with fertilization, while the copper IUD prevents pregnancy by causing sperm death.

Oral Contraception Basics

Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, are among the most commonly used methods of preventing pregnancy. These pills are taken once daily, and work by preventing the eggs from leaving the ovaries and thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm mobility. Some birth control pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin, while others contain only progestin.

Effectiveness

Both of these methods are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Some estimates claim that the birth control pill is about 92% effective. Pills are more effective if you remember to take them at the same time every day. Fewer than eight women out of every 1,000 will become pregnant while using an IUD. The hormonal IUD is effective for five years, at which point you’ll need a replacement, and the copper IUD is effective for 12 years.

Safety

Pills and IUDs are considered to be quite safe for most women; however, you should talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you have and medications you may take. For example, if you have blood-clotting problems, you may be better off using the IUD instead of the pill. Similarly, those with a history of pelvic infections should choose the pill instead.

Learn more about preventing pregnancy with various birth control methods. Talk to a healthcare provider at Lovejoy Surgicenter today to discuss your unique needs. Schedule an appointment at our Portland practice by calling (503) 715-3509.

Common Questions about Birth Control Pills, Answered

If you’re just starting a round of birth control, or are switching over to the pill from another method, you probably have a lot of questions. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to use your birth control pills for pregnancy prevention. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s directions carefully to help prevent unwanted pregnancies. Here are some common questions:

What Are Active and Inactive Pills?
It might sound odd at first, but some of the pills in the case do not help prevent pregnancy. They’re placebo pills, or inactive pills, that are intended to help you remember to take a pill every single day. The active pills, on the other hand, do prevent pregnancy. You might have a 21-day pack or a 28-day pack, both of which have seven inactive pills. Take all of the pills as directed by your doctor—even the inactive ones.

When Should I Start Taking the Pill?
Your doctor will give you a date to start taking your pills. Even if you get your period on that day, begin the course of medication. This method of pregnancy prevention is most effective when the pills are taken at the same time every day.

What Happens After I Finish a Pill Pack?
If your doctor prescribes a 28-day pill pack, start the new pack on the day after you took the last inactive pill from the previous pack. If you use the 21-day pack, start the new one on the same day of the week as the previous pack, seven days after taking your last pill from the previous pack. If you began taking your first pill on a Sunday, do the same for the next pack.

How Quickly Do the Pills Work?
Birth control pills take effect during the first month of their usage. For at least the first month, use a barrier method of birth control in addition to the pills as an added protection against unwanted pregnancies.

At Lovejoy Surgicenter, we are happy to answer all of your questions regarding birth control pill usage. Portland-area residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling (503) 715-3509. We also offer abortions and other reproductive healthcare services.

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Understanding No-Period Birth Control Pills

For many women, menstruation brings a whole host of unwanted effects, from bleeding and bloating to mood swings and sluggishness. Traditional birth control pill packs contain a series of inactive pills so women can maintain their pill-taking routine during their period. However, women have other choices for preventing pregnancies—choices that involve preventing periods. The no-period birth control pill packs contain fewer inactive pills, or sometimes none at all. The hormones are formulated differently so women can avoid some of the other effects of menstruation, like bloating and mood swings. Some of these pregnancy prevention methods actually cause lighter, less frequent periods, rather than eliminating them altogether. Some examples of lighter period and no-period birth control pills include Lybrel, Seasonale, Seasonique, Yaz, and Yasmin. Carefully weigh all of your birth control options with the help of a reproductive healthcare provider.

At Lovejoy Surgicenter, we can help you explore your pregnancy prevention options to select the one that best suits your needs. Call our Portland clinic today at (503) 715-3509 to schedule your appointment.

How to Make Taking the Pill Part of Your Everyday Routine

While it can be difficult to remember to take your birth control pill every day at the same time, it’s important that you do so. These pills work by releasing hormones, and if these hormone levels are disrupted when you miss a pill, you’re at a greater risk for an unwanted pregnancy. To help you remember to take your pill at the same time every day, set the pills next to your toothbrush, coffeepot, or another object that you use at the same time daily.

For more helpful tips on getting into a routine for your birth control pills, watch this video. The expert in this video also explains why it’s important to take the inactive pills for pregnancy prevention.

Are you thinking of starting a new birth control method or switching to a new one? Call (503) 715-3509 to schedule an appointment with the caring doctors of Lovejoy Surgicenter in Portland.