Low Maintenance, Yet Reversible, Birth Control Options

You envision having a family somewhere down the road, but between now and then, you’ve got some living to do, and you want to take the risk of an unplanned pregnancy out of the equation. If you’re looking for a birth control option that’s long on protection but short on maintenance, we’ve got two for your consideration — an intrauterine device (IUD) or a birth control implant.

Here at Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dr. Jack Tubbs and the team offer comprehensive family planning services and we take great pride in offering solutions for most every need and goal.

In the following, we take a closer look at why more than 10% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 in the United States are using IUDs or implants to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

Why IUDs are so effective

For women who don’t want the inconvenience of a daily pill or on-the-spot birth control methods, the IUD is a solid choice.

An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that we insert into your uterus, where it stays for 3, 5, or up to 12 years, providing an impressive 99% efficacy rate at preventing pregnancy.

There are two types of IUDs, including:

Hormonal IUDs

With hormonal IUDs, a small amount of progestin is released from the IUD, which thickens the mucus around your cervix to prevent sperm from reaching your eggs. The hormones can also prevent ovulation in the first place, which means there are no eggs to fertilize.

These IUDs last from 3 years to 8 years.

Copper IUD

If you’d prefer a nonhormonal approach, you can try an IUD that’s wrapped in copper. This metal repels sperm, so they won’t gain access to your eggs. Copper IUDs offer the longest protection — up to 12 years.

With both types of IUDs, should you change your mind and want to start a family, all you need to do is come see us so we can remove the birth control device during a quick office visit.

Birth control implants — one and done

Another low maintenance, and long-lasting, approach to birth control is the implant, which is also 99% effective. We insert the implant, which is about the size of a matchstick, under your skin in your arm, and there's nothing more that you need to do. 

The implant slowly releases progestin into your system, which thickens the mucus around your cervix and prevents ovulation.

The implant lasts for up to 5 years, but if you want to start your family sooner, all we need to do is remove the device.

As you can see, both IUDs and implants are fantastic solutions for women who want simple solutions that offer superior protection.

If you’d like to explore whether an IUD or implant is right for you, please contact our office in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to schedule an appointment.