00:01Welcome to Women's Health.
00:03We're here to help you find which contraception method is right for you.
00:07Our team can help you navigate this complex decision
00:10by providing you the most up-to-date information.
00:13There are multiple hormonal and non-hormonal birth control options.
00:17We will explain how they work, cover possible side effects, and more.
00:22Let's get started.
00:24There are two categories of hormonal contraception.
00:27Combined methods, which have an estrogen and progestin component,
00:31and progestin-only birth control.
00:33Let's start with hormonal contraception methods.
00:36First, birth control pills.
00:38This method offers a great amount of flexibility
00:41as there are several different dosages and brands.
00:44They are 99% effective when taken correctly and daily
00:48and may reduce risks of endometrial and ovarian cancers.
00:53Additionally, they can help in regulating menstrual cycles
00:56by reducing cramping and bleeding.
00:58Birth control pills work by suppressing ovulation
01:01and changing cervical mucus, inhibiting sperm migration.
01:05Risk factors with combined hormonal birth control include,
01:08but are not limited to, increases in blood pressure,
01:12and risk of venous thromboembolism.
01:14Some common side effects include irritability, irregular bleeding,
01:18and shortened menses.
01:19If you want to avoid pills but still desire to have a regular menstrual cycle,
01:25transdermal patches are a great option.
01:27Patches are applied weekly with hormones being released daily.
01:31The most important mechanism of action is ovulation suppression.
01:35Patches are highly effective and can be applied to the lower abdomen,
01:39upper torso, on the back, and arms.
01:42A different site must be used weekly as a common side effect is irritation at the patch location.
01:49Vaginal rings are another form of combined hormonal contraception.
01:53They have similar benefits and risks to other combined contraception methods.
01:57However, they provide extended duration of action without daily or weekly use.
02:03Vaginal rings are inserted by you into your vaginal canal for three weeks.
02:07Then you remove it on the fourth week to allow menses to occur.
02:11Common side effects include vaginal irritation and increased discharge.
02:16We've discussed the combined birth control methods,
02:19pills, patches, and vaginal rings.
02:22Now let's talk about your progestin-only options.
02:26These methods are ideal for those who prefer not to use estrogen-containing contraception,
02:31such as patients who have contraindications to estrogen-containing birth control
02:35due to blood clotting disorders or migraines with auras.
02:39Progestin-only pills are effective with daily use.
02:43Common side effects include irregular bleeding and spotting and menstrual changes.
02:48Another progestin-only option, commonly called the Depo shot,
02:52is an intramuscular injection given every 12 weeks.
02:55This method is 99% effective when you receive injections as scheduled.
03:00Common side effects include weight gain, delayed fertility, and bone loss.
03:06Next, let's look at contraceptive implants.
03:10One commonly known brand, Nexplanon, is an implant that we insert into your upper arm under local anesthesia,
03:17meaning we numb your arm prior to insertion.
03:20Implants are very effective, with less than a 0.2% failure rate,
03:24and lasts for 3 to 5 years after we insert it.
03:28Another long-term birth control option is an intrauterine device, or IUD.
03:33An IUD is highly effective, with less than a 1% pregnancy rate,
03:37and lasts for 3 to 12 years depending on the brand, and are reversible.
03:42Risks include uterine perforation, malpositioning, or expulsion.
03:47The methods we have discussed up to this point are all hormonal methods,
03:51and are not recommended for patients with a history of breast cancer, undiagnosed uterine bleeding,
03:56benign or malignant liver tumors, severe cirrhosis, smokers over the age of 35,
04:03history of ischemic heart disease, migraines with auras with certain birth controls,
04:07and or acute liver disease.
04:10If any of those conditions apply to you, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
04:16However, there are non-hormonal birth control options for patients who should not use hormonal methods.
04:23Let's start with the copper IUD.
04:25A copper IUD can last for up to 12 years, and it works by causing an inflammatory response in the
04:31uterus,
04:32impacting the ability for fertilization to occur.
04:35Side effects may include heavier bleeding than usual, and cramping.
04:40Other non-hormonal forms of contraception include diaphragms, tubal ligation,
04:45and, of course, condoms.
04:47Latex and latex-free condoms protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases,
04:54and are 98% effective when used properly.
04:57We recommend using condoms in combination with other methods.
05:01We hope this information helps you decide about your contraception.
05:06Your healthcare provider team can assist with any questions you may have.
05:11And again, welcome to women's health.
05:19And again, welcome to Women's Health.
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