Birth control is an important part of healthcare. While we traditionally think of birth control being used to prevent pregnancy, there are many other benefits to birth control use. Birth control can help with heavy periods, acne, mood stabilization, PCOS, PMDD and perimenopause too!
Types of birth control include pills, patch, ring, injection, implant, IUD, barrier options, natural family planning, and permanent sterilization.
While using any form of birth control for any reason, it is important to still use condoms or a barrier method to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
There are two types of hormonal birth control, estrogen containing and progesterone only methods.
Condom (Barrier Method)
Condoms are a barrier method of birth control that help prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. They are about 80% effective at preventing pregnancy with typical use and are available in several forms, including external (penis), internal (vagina), dental dams, and finger condoms. Condoms are affordable, easy to access, and can be used alongside other birth control methods for dual protection.
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
An IUD is a small device placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types: hormonal IUDs, which contain progesterone and can lighten or stop periods, and the copper IUD (Paragard), which is hormone-free. IUDs are considered long-acting reversible contraception, meaning they provide years of protection and fertility returns immediately after removal.
Nexplanon (Arm Implant)
Nexplanon is a small, rod-shaped implant placed in the upper arm that provides up to 5 years of pregnancy prevention. It is a long-acting reversible contraceptive, meaning fertility returns immediately after removal. Placement and removal are done in the office with local numbing, and most patients find it to be a low-maintenance option.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills come in two types: combined oral contraceptives (containing both estrogen and progesterone) and progesterone-only pills, also called the mini pill. Pills are about 93% effective with typical use and can also help with acne, heavy or painful periods, PMDD, and perimenopause symptoms. They are taken daily and your provider can help you find the right pill for your body and lifestyle.
Spermicide
Spermicide is a non-hormonal birth control option that comes as a gel placed inside the vagina before sex. It can be used as needed and combined with condoms for added protection. Spermicide is a discreet, hormone-free method with few restrictions, making it a flexible choice for patients who want a use-as-needed approach.
Depo Provera Injection
Depo Provera is an injectable form of birth control that lasts 3 months per dose and is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It can even be done at home once you are comfortable with the process. Depo Provera can also help with irregular bleeding, heavy periods, and in some cases may stop your period altogether.
Birth Control Patch
The birth control patch is a weekly patch placed on the skin that contains both estrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy. It is about 93% effective with typical use and is changed once a week for three weeks, with the fourth week off for a period. The patch is a non-daily option that many patients find convenient and discreet.
Birth Control Ring
The birth control ring is a flexible ring placed in the vagina and left in for 3 weeks at a time, followed by one week off for a period. There are two options available: NuvaRing (replaced monthly) and Annovera (reusable for a full year). The ring is about 93% effective with typical use and is another non-daily, discreet birth control method.
Natural Family Planning (FAM / NFP)
Natural Family Planning, also called the Fertility Awareness Method, is one of the oldest forms of birth control. It involves tracking your menstrual cycle, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus to identify when you are most likely to ovulate, and then avoiding unprotected sex during that window. When used perfectly, NFP can be up to 98% effective, though typical use effectiveness is closer to 76-88%.
Sterilization (Permanent Birth Control)
Sterilization refers to permanent birth control options and is considered 99% effective. For people with a penis, a vasectomy is an in-office procedure that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. For people with a uterus, a bilateral tubal salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes) is the most common approach today. Both options are considered permanent, so it is important to be sure that childbearing is complete before choosing this method.
Lactational Amenorrhea (LAM)
Lactational Amenorrhea is a temporary form of birth control that can be used during the first 6 months postpartum by a person who is exclusively breastfeeding. LAM works by suppressing ovulation through frequent nursing and is considered 98% effective when all conditions are met. Once any of the conditions change, another birth control method should be started.
Emergency Contraception with IUDs
Both the Mirena and Paragard IUDs can be used for emergency contraception up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse. They are both 99% effective as emergency contraception. It is important to talk with your provider about which device would best fit your future goals as well as emergency contraception needs.
Learn More About Birth Control Options
This article is part of Haven Health Education, where we explain birth control options so you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Birth Control Care Available Across North Carolina by Telehealth
Haven Health also provides birth control counseling and prescriptions by telehealth for patients anywhere in North Carolina.
If you live outside of Greensboro or cannot come into the office, you can still meet with a Haven Health provider virtually to discuss your birth control options, review your medical history, and receive prescriptions for pills, patch, ring, Depo Provera, or guidance on natural family planning and barrier methods.
For patients who choose long-acting methods like IUDs or Nexplanon, we can complete your counseling visit by telehealth and schedule a simple in-office visit in Greensboro for placement.
Patients across Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Asheville, Wilmington, and all surrounding North Carolina communities can access Haven Health birth control services from home.