Birth Control

With all of the birth control methods available these days, it’s normal to have questions or feel overwhelmed by your options. Each woman has unique needs, and the right birth control should support her health, lifestyle, and sexual practices.

At Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN, the expert team of OB/GYN physicians can help you make an informed, educated decision and start a contraception method that’s right for you.

Explore Birth Control Options at Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN

Newton-Wellesley OB/GYN offers individualized patient-centered care. Meet with one of our specialists for attentive medical support and to learn more about your birth control options. Give us a call at (617) 332-2345 in Newton or (508) 668-5555 in Walpole to schedule an appointment. For your convenience, you may also request an appointment online.

Birth Control FAQs

What are the benefits of birth control?

Some birth control offer benefits beyond preventing pregnancy, such as:

Treating acne
Protecting against sexually transmitted diseases
Reducing menstrual pain and related symptoms, such as fatigue

In certain cases, birth control can be used to treat medical conditions, such as:

Anemia
Endometriosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Polycystic ovarian syndrome

What are the most common birth control methods?

There are several birth control methods available, and each method varies in its effectiveness. Some of the most common methods include:

Oral contraception (the pill) – a daily pill that prevents pregnancy through the release of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, or both.
Condoms – a barrier method that prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg.
Diaphragm – a small cup-like device that sits over the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus; can be used with spermicide.
IUD (intrauterine device) – a small device your physician implants into your uterus that prevents egg fertilization. Learn More
Vaginal ring – a small, removable ring you insert into your vagina that delivers localized hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Hormone Injections
Nexplanon®, which is implanted into your arm

Typically, you might have to try a couple of different methods before you find the best choice for you and your partner.

What can you expect after you start a birth control method?

If you opt for a hormonal method of birth control, sometimes it can take a while for your body to get used to the influx of hormones. You may experience some side effects, like bloating, mood swings, or changes in your menstrual cycle. With hormonal birth control, you usually need to wait at least a week after starting it to have unprotected sex.

If you’re using a barrier method of birth control, these are effective right away. Barrier methods may be less effective than hormonal contraception, however, so it’s important to understand the risks and to use a backup method, if necessary.

If you decide you want to switch contraception methods at any time, just let your physician know, and they will be happy to help you find something that works better for you.