At Austin Regional Clinic, Gynecology doctors and Advanced Practice Clinicians are primary care specialists who focus on women's health issues, including pregnancy, fertility, birth control, mammograms, menopause, STD testing, ultrasounds and more.

“I dedicate my career to helping my patients,” Guy V. Blumhagen, MD, Gynecologist at ARC Far West Medical Tower in Austin, said. “It is a privilege and an honor to earn their trust, and I work hard to live up to their trust.”

When considering the best birth control method, patients can visit a Gynecologist and discuss their concerns. Depending on a patient’s choice of birth control and the length of time the birth control method requires, ARC physicians or APCs may have different recommendations.

Types of birth control

Over the counter: Some birth control methods are available over the counter. The contraceptive methods that are available over the counter are mainly condoms and spermicide. Condoms are a very effective method of preventing sexually transmitted diseases but are not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. With real-time use, that efficacy can decrease to 70%, so it is highly encouraged to consider a more effective method, such as a prescription contraceptive.

Prescription: The birth control pill has been around since the ‘60s and is the most common method because patients can control how they take it.

There is also the Nexplanon implant, a capsule containing the synthetic hormone etonogestrel that prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg for up to three years, and the intrauterine device, which is a device placed in the uterus through the cervix by a healthcare provider.

There are two types of IUDs available in the United States. One contains a hormone, and the other contains copper. Both types work the same way to prevent pregnancy, though their mechanisms are different from other forms of birth control.

Side effects of an IUD

Side effects include changes in menstrual flow and cramping for the first couple of months. There are rare instances when an IUD can dislodge or migrate. If this happens, it may be less effective as a contraceptive device and will need to be removed and replaced. Pelvic inflammatory disease has also been linked to IUD use.

What can an IUD do and not do?

IUDs protect against pregnancy but not against sexually transmitted infections. While users will be protected from pregnancy as long as they have the IUD, they should use a barrier method, such as a condom, to prevent STIs.

Questions to ask your Gynecologist about the IUD:

• How long does an IUD last?
• Why are IUDs so effective at preventing pregnancy?
• Who is a good candidate for an IUD?
• Is IUD insertion painful?

Other options:

• Injection: a progesterone-like drug given by injection that stops ovulation. Needs to be repeated every three months.
• Patch: a skin patch worn on the body that releases the hormones estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream.
• Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring: a ring that is placed inside the vagina around the cervix. The ring releases the hormones estrogen and progestin.
• Birth control pills (oral contraceptives): daily medicine that prevents ovulation. Usually, oral contraceptives contain the hormones estrogen and progestin.
• Mini pill: daily medicine that prevents ovulation that has only the hormone progestin.
• Diaphragm or cervical cap: a dome-shaped rubber cup with a flexible rim that is inserted through the vagina to cover the cervix.

In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration approved Opill as a nonprescription, over-the-counter, oral birth control pill. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists called it "a critically important advancement in the accessibility of reproductive health care."

Opill contains the hormone norgestrel and belongs to the class of medications known as progestins. Opill is a progestin-only birth control pill, unlike other combination birth control pills that contain both progesterone and estrogen. Because it doesn't have as much progestin as the combination pill and it lacks estrogen, a progestin-only birth control pill may produce fewer side effects.

The progestin-only pill may be a safer choice for:

• Those older than 35
• Smokers
• People who have high blood pressure
• People who are overweight
• Those with a history of blood clots

Opill thickens mucus in the cervix, and this change may keep sperm from reaching the egg. Opill also thins the lining of the uterus and may prevent the release of an egg from the ovary. Opill is already available with a prescription and has been approved for contraceptive use for half a century.

Surgical birth control options

Surgical birth control, also called sterilization, is considered permanent contraception.

The permanent methods to prevent pregnancy include:

• Hysterectomy: removal of the uterus and usually the ovaries and fallopian tubes
• Tubal ligation or tubal occlusion: surgery to cut, cauterize, or band the fallopian tubes to prevent the egg from being transported to the uterus
• Salpingectomies: surgery to remove both fallopian tubes
• Vasectomy: cutting or clamping the vas deferens in men

Effects of birth control

Birth control can also have other effects in addition to preventing pregnancy. It can improve acne, regulate cycles and stabilize moods. Some of the negative side effects can include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood changes. If a patient is having negative side effects, they should make an appointment with their gynecologist to discuss if there are any other contraceptive methods that would be better suited for them.

Before starting any kind of contraceptive, even one that is sold over the counter, patients should first consult with their gynecologist to make sure that it is right for them. Patients can make an appointment online with an ARC Gynecologist, on MyChart or by calling the clinic most convenient for them.

The above story was produced by Community Impact's Senior Multi Platform Journalist Sierra Rozen with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.