Birth Control
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Lyon Primary Care
Primary Care Physician located in Midtown, New York, NY
Thanks to modern medicine, there is a multitude of reliable birth control options available, so many options that you may find it overwhelming to pick just one. At Lyon Primary Care in Midtown, New York, NY, we can help you sort through the confusion and select the birth control method that best fits your lifestyle. Call today to schedule your appointment with our team leader and primary care specialist, Valerie Lyon, M.D.
Birth Control Q&A
How does birth control work?
Temporary birth control methods generally fall into three categories:
- The barrier method that prevents sperm cells from reaching the egg
- Hormonal methods that prevent ovulation
- Birth control methods that prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus
Condoms are used for barrier birth control.
Examples of hormonal birth control include pills and small devices or implants that are placed just under the surface of your skin. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) stop a fertilized egg from implanting in your uterus.
A vasectomy for men and tubal ligation for women are examples of permanent birth control methods. You should only consider these procedures when you’re sure you do not want children in the future because these procedures are rarely reversible.
Which birth control method is best?
Identifying the best method of birth control often depends on your expectations.
When used appropriately, condoms are about 98% effective. Unfortunately, most people don’t use condoms the right way every time, so they’re typically only about 80% effective.
The effectiveness of birth control pills also relies on your ability to take them exactly as prescribed. When you do, they’re considered 99.9% effective.
Implants and IUDs are likely the most convenient since you don’t have to remember to take a daily pill. It’s 99% effective for preventing pregnancy and lasts for up to ten years.
When you come to Lyon Primary Care, we’ll take the time to discuss your expectations, as well as your birth control options, before making recommendations about which methods best fit your needs.
How do implants work?
The implant is inserted just under the skin of your inner upper arm and secretes hormones that prevent your ovaries from producing an egg. It also thickens the mucus in your cervix and blocks sperm from reaching an egg.
When you’re ready to become pregnant, the implant is easy to remove and you can become pregnant within a week. Also, many women find implants very convenient because you don’t have to remember to take a pill every day.
If you decide with Dr. Lyon that an implant is the right choice for you, she will refer you to a specialist who can do this for you.
Call our office today to schedule an appointment.
