Birth Control Options In Rochester Hills & Troy, Michigan
At Oakland Macomb OBGYN, we offer women throughout Metro Detroit a number of birth control options with compassion and dignity. In order to keep services accessible to all women, our birth control clinic works with a number of insurance providers and can provide referrals to patients without insurance. To learn more about our offerings and our caring team, contact our office with any questions you may have.
Birth Control Pills
There are a few different types of birth control pills on the market, but the basic premise is the same: A pill is taken daily and regular use prevents ovulation. Birth control pills are a readily available and affordable hormonal birth control option that are covered by most insurance plans. Some women feel limited by the need to remember to take the pill daily. The pill must also be started at specific parts of the menstrual cycle or combined with a barrier method for a period of time in order to be effective.
Depo-Provera (The Shot)
This hormone injection is administered simply and comfortably at one of our locations easily accessed from the Detroit metro area. This method can be started at any time during your cycle, and is very effective at preventing pregnancy for 90 days. It usually takes about 3-4 months after the last shot is administered in order for women to become pregnant, though this can vary by individual.
Implants
This method, commonly called Nexplanon, is a unit about the size of a matchstick placed in the upper arm by the doctor in a quick and easy visit. This hormonal treatment provides protection from unwanted pregnancy for three years, but it can be removed at any time and fertility generally resumes immediately, making it a very flexible choice. Though usually covered by insurance, the costs can be higher than other methods if paid out-of-pocket, so it is important to check your healthcare coverage with our office before your appointment if cost is a factor.
IUDs
Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are placed inside the uterus to prevent the fertilization of eggs. IUDs are available in a hormonal form or a nonhormonal copper IUD, we offer several IUD types based on each patient's need. The implantation procedure for IUDs is more invasive than for implants or the shot, but anesthesia is available upon request. IUDs can be costly if not covered by insurance, but they can last up to 10 years, making it a cost-effective option in the long-term.
NuvaRing
Women who are looking for a hormonal birth control option, without the need to have the doctor place the device, often prefer the NuvaRing. Your Oakland Macomb OBGYN provider can write you a prescription for this small flexible ring that you can insert and replace as necessary in the comfort of your own home. The NuvaRing uses the same hormones that are found in birth control pills and many women have found that the side effects of using the NuvaRing are a welcome bonus, as patients report reduced cramping, lighter periods, and better overall mood.
Barrier Methods
While the above methods are very effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. If STIs are a concern, any of the above methods may be combined with barrier protection such as condoms, diaphragms, and spermicide. These methods are used each time you have sexual contact, so they can be relied on if you are not currently using another method or are unsure whether your other form of birth control is currently effective.
What to Expect:
These options, and their accompanying descriptions, are a very small portion of the information that the providers at Oakland Macomb can offer you when you enter the care of our practice. Let our team of doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and midwives help you sort through all of the pros and cons to select the option that is right for your lifestyle and family planning goals. We are proud to offer care during every phase of a woman’s life, and the trust our patients place in our expertise is the greatest compliment we receive.
Contact Oakland Macomb OBGYN today to see how reproductive care can be different.