Contraception

At Dr. Kakani’s office, we believe in empowering our patients to make informed choices about their reproductive health. Let’s explore various methods that offer effective and safe options for preventing unplanned pregnancies. By understanding the available choices and their accessibility, you can select the contraception method that aligns with your lifestyle, preferences, and health needs.

Types of Birth Control That Do Not Require a Prescription or Office Visit

There are several contraceptive options you can incorporate into your sex life to prevent unplanned pregnancies, without the need for a prescription or consultation with your healthcare provider:

  • Abstinence. Choosing not to have sex is the only guaranteed way to avoid an unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

  • Fertility Awareness Methods. Keeping track of your cycle can keep you informed of your risk at any given moment for conception. There are numerous phone applications, timing tools, and other resources like ovulation predictor kits to help a woman use this method for both getting pregnant and avoiding pregnancy. We recommend utilizing many of the great tracking apps available today, like Flo.

  • Condoms. These trusty protectors not only prevent unwanted pregnancies but also provide a barrier against STIs. Available for both males and females, condoms are easily accessible, affordable, and highly effective when used correctly.

  • Lubrication. Used with condoms, incorporating lubrication into sexual activities can enhance comfort and reduce the risk of condom breakage. Water-based or silicone-based lubricants can be used with condoms to maintain safety.

  • Over-the-counter spermicides. Spermicides are foams, films, gels, and creams that are placed in the vagina to kill sperm. Spermicides can also be combined with other birth control methods such as condoms or diaphrams to improve effectiveness.

    NOTE: The following are NOT reliable methods of birth control:

    • withdrawing the penis before ejaculation

    • having sex during your menstrual period

    • douching after sex

  • Emergency Contraception. Sometimes referred to as the “Morning-After Pill,” emergency contraceptives can be used after sex to stop a pregnancy before it begins, and many are available over-the-counter at drugstores.

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal methods, including birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections, employ hormones to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, or alter the uterine lining. There are several hormonal birth control options to meet your needs:

  1. Birth control pills (BCP). These tiny powerhouses, taken orally every day, prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and alter the uterine lining. They provide flexibility and are available in different formulations, allowing our patients to find the right fit for their unique needs! There are pills that use only progestin, which are a great option for patients who cannot or prefer not to use estrogen.

  2. Birth Control Patches. Convenient and discreet, these small patches are applied to the skin once weekly, releasing hormones that work similarly to birth control pills. They are perfect for those who prefer not taking pills daily and offer a steady hormone release for effective contraception. We do not recommend this option for patients with a BMI >30 or patients who weigh more than 198 lbs.

  3. Birth control rings. Designed to be inserted into the vagina, these flexible rings release the combined hormones. They are worn for three weeks and then removed for a week to allow for menstruation. Rings offer a hassle-free option for those seeking long-lasting protection.

  4. Birth control shot (Depo-Provera). Commonly referred to as the birth control shot, Depo-Provera® (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) is an injectable form of birth control. This contraceptive option is a shot that’s given on a regular schedule (every three months). It doesn’t require any daily action and is very effective when taken according to the schedule.

  5. Non-Hormonal Barrier. (Diaphragm, Caya, FemCap) – Typically referred to as a diaphragm, this contraceptive method is a flexible dome-shaped device that is placed by the woman into the vagina before sex. The diaphragm works by covering the cervix and preventing sperm from entering the uterus. Diaphragms can also be combined with spermicides to improve effectiveness.

  6. Non-hormonal spermicides. While you can get many spermicides without a prescription, our clinic also prescribes Phexxi, a vaginal gel birth control tool that’s hormone-free!

Types of Birth Control That Require a
Prescription or Office Visit

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

LARCs, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants, provide long-lasting contraception with high effectiveness rates. 

  1. Hormonal IUD. The hormonal IUD is a T-shaped device that releases progestin when placed in the uterus through the cervix by a healthcare provider. Most common brands of the hormonal IUD are Liletta, Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, and more. The hormonal IUD is highly effective and can last up to 3 to 8 years, depending on which device you choose. Some progesterone IUDs are also FDA approved and useful in treating heavy menstrual bleeding because of the effect they have on the lining of the uterus.

  2. Non-Hormonal (Copper) IUD. Similar to the hormonal IUD, this T-shaped device is placed in the uterus through the cervix by a healthcare provider. When placed, the non-hormonal IUD releases small amounts of copper, making it an ideal option for patients who want to avoid any hormonal side effects from their contraception. This method is 99% effective and can also be used as emergency contraception if placed in the uterus within 5 days of having unprotected sex. The copper IUD can last up to 12 years.

  3. Implant (Nexplanon). This hormonal implant is placed just under the skin of a woman’s arm and provides 3 years of continuous pregnancy prevention. The implant is about the size of a matchstick, and it serves as the most effective contraceptive method on the market. However, it does cause unscheduled bleeding for some women.

Permanent Contraceptive Options

Although some permanent contraceptive options are considered reversible, these procedures are not always 100% effective. We recommend having a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your circumstances and receive counseling on your decision.

  1. Sterilization. For women, tubal ligation is a permanent contraceptive option, where the fallopian tubes are cut, sealed, or tied off, preventing unplanned pregnancies. This is a minor outpatient surgery that requires minimal recovery time.

  2. Vasectomy. For men, your gynecologist can offer a referral to a urologist to have a vasectomy. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that prevents sperm from leaving the body, preventing unplanned pregnancies. This is a minor outpatient surgery that requires minimal recovery time. 

Making the right contraceptive choices is an essential aspect of reproductive health. At Dr. Kakani’s office, we prioritize education, support, and personalized care to help you navigate the vast array of contraceptive options. By understanding the various methods available, their benefits, and potential risks, you can confidently choose the contraceptive solution that suits your individual needs. Please browse our FAQ, and if you have any further questions or would like to discuss your unique needs, please reach out to our office and schedule a consultation!

  • Every single day, at the same time!

  • Usually, ovulation begins a few weeks after discontinuing birth control pills. As soon as you ovulate again, you can get pregnant.

  • If you don’t have a period for several months after discontinuing the pill, you may have what’s known as amenorrhea - that is typically an absence due to the lack of the hormones involved with ovulation and menstruation. Your period should return within three months of stopping use, but it is a good idea to take a pregnancy test and/or notify your doctor if you have been sexually active.

  • Always check first with our office to ensure you’re able to do so safe and healthily.

  • With certain methods of birth control, a BMI of 30 or more leads to lessened effectiveness. IUDs are not affected by body weight.

  • That’s best discussed and agreed upon with your doctor! Both have benefits and drawbacks that you should consider with a medical professional.

  • No - the only 100% effective way to prevent transmission is abstinence, however, condoms greatly reduce the risk of transmission.

FAQ