Contraception Q & A

What is contraception?

Contraception is a way to prevent becoming pregnant when you’re sexually active. The team at Sunstate Medical Associates offers birth control pills to put you in control of your own body.

Which form of birth control is best for me?

To find birth control pills that match your needs, your Sunstate Medical Associates specialist reviews your medical history, completes a physical exam, and asks about your lifestyle and preferences. They might screen you for certain diseases if you’re at risk.

Which types of birth control are available?

If you and your doctor determine you’re a good candidate for birth control pills, they discuss the different types to find one you’re comfortable with. Examples include:

Combination birth control pills

Combination birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin. Both of these hormones work together to prevent pregnancy.

Mini pills

Mini birth control pills contain progestin only. Each dose of progestin in mini pills is lower than the amount in combination pills.

Extended-cycle pills

To reduce the number of periods you have while taking birth control pills, your doctor might recommend extended-cycle pills to make you have just four periods yearly.

Low-dose pills

If you’re sensitive to hormones, low-dose birth control pills containing less estrogen per active pill might be a good option for you.

How do birth control pills work?

Combination pills prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs or slowing an egg’s progression through the fallopian tube. Combination pills can make cervical mucus thicker or thin your uterine lining. All of these actions can prevent sperm from reaching your egg to prevent pregnancy.

Mini birth control pills can slow an egg’s progression through the fallopian tube, thin your endometrium, thicken cervical mucus, and sometimes suppress ovulation to prevent sperm from fertilizing your egg.

What are the benefits of birth control pills?

Birth control pills are a noninvasive form of contraception that’s highly effective for pregnancy prevention. It’s important to take the pills as instructed to ensure maximum effectiveness. Remember to use another form of protection, such as condoms, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

If you’re sexually active and want to avoid pregnancy, schedule a contraception consultation with Sunstate Medical Associates over the phone or online today.