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IUD or Pill for Birth Control?

4 mins read

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control pills are two of the most popular birth control methods for women. Both methods are highly effective contraceptives.

 

They work similarly. Birth control products deliver hormones to your body that help prevent pregnancy. By preventing ovulation IUDs cause the uterine lining to thin, and cause the cervical mucus to thicken. These effects help prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg and prevent an egg from implanting in the uterus.
There are several women’s health factors to consider when deciding on which forms of birth control might be right for you. No one option is better than the other. It all depends on your lifestyle and your unique medical situation.

 

It is best to make an appointment to talk to your primary care doctor or gynecologist for medical advice on your reproductive health, but here is some information to help you start thinking about whether an IUD or birth control pills might be the right choice for you.

 

Which is better IUD or birth control pills?

Both the IUD and birth control pills are highly effective birth control options.

 

When taken perfectly at the same time every day, birth control pills are about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, with average or “imperfect” use, birth control pills are closer to 91% effective. Both hormonal and copper IUDs are close to 100% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy.If you are someone who can be responsible to take a pill at the same time every day, birth control pills might work well for you. If you do not want the responsibility or cannot take a pill each day, an IUD might be a better method for you because it can last for years after IUD insertion is performed by a doctor.

 

Both methods can help regulate your menstrual cycle, lighten period flow, reduce painful cramping, and help manage the symptoms of conditions such as endometriosis.

 

Negative side effects are rare, but they are possible. Birth control pills can increase your risk of blood clots. This risk is lower with pills with low doses of estrogen. Birth control pills might not be safe for people with high blood pressure.

 

IUDs do not increase your risk of blood clots or complications from high blood pressure because they do not contain estrogen.
Neither of these contraceptive methods protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), so a secondary barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, should always be used to prevent the spread of disease.

 

Do IUDs have less hormones than the pill?

There are two main types of IUDs: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs.

 

Copper IUDs do not contain any hormones, and therefore are a non-hormonal method of birth control. The most common copper IUD is called Paragard. Once inserted by an Ob/GYN, copper IUDs can be effective for up to 10–12 years.

 

Hormonal IUDs are a type of hormonal birth control. They are a long-acting form of birth control that slowly releases low levels of the hormone progestin or levonorgestrel. There are several options for hormonal IUDs, including Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, and Liletta. Once inserted by an Ob/GYN, each IUD option lasts for 3–7 years, depending on which one you choose.

 

Combination pills usually contain a combination of low levels of estrogen and progesterone. The minipill only contains progesterone. There are many options for birth control pills. Some pills have higher doses of hormones while others have extremely low levels of hormones. Different levels of hormones will work better for different people and their unique medical situations.

 

The hormones from IUDs are delivered locally to the uterus and cervix, so there may be fewer side effects. The hormones from oral contraceptives are distributed in the bloodstream throughout the body so there is an increased risk of side effects from the hormones.

 

Is the IUD the safest form of birth control?

IUDs are one of the most effective birth control methods for preventing pregnancy. They are almost 100% effective in most cases. One of the reasons that they are so effective is because they are implanted by a doctor and then you are set for several years. No need to remember to take a pill every day!

 

Other forms of birth control, such as the pill, vaginal rings, birth control patches, implants or condoms rely more on perfect use to be effective.

 

So, if you are solely concerned about preventing unwanted pregnancy, IUDs might be considered the most effective birth control option for you. If you are concerned about the potential side effects of starting hormonal birth control, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor. Using a barrier method, such as condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps with spermicide is recommended in the meantime. These methods are not as effective as IUDs or birth control pills at preventing pregnancy, but they are generally effective when used as directed. Barrier methods can prevent unwanted pregnancy without delivering any hormones to the body. They also protect against STDs.

 

Talk to your doctor today

At Great City Medical in NYC, we have a team of Ob/GYNs who are ready to discuss your birth control options and figure out which is best for you. Call us to make an appointment today!

 

what people say about us

Testimonials

I had a great experience at Great City Medical. My appointment was scheduled right away, the staff is very nice and professional, communication was great and prompt. Highly recommend!
Stephany B.
Stephany B.
00:35 27 Sep 23
Great and fast service.. very friendly doctors and assistants..
Mohammed Y.
Mohammed Y.
19:40 26 Sep 23
Great place and Friendly staff .Dr. Tsyba is awesome
Elizabeth M.
Elizabeth M.
16:54 21 Sep 23
Muy buenas atenciones 👍🏽
Mateo Rosario H.
Mateo Rosario H.
16:22 21 Sep 23
The doctor and staff were truly amazing. They are friendly, caring and very professional. I was seen immediately and felt very comfortable in the calmenvironment.
Daysi P.
Daysi P.
00:31 15 Sep 23
helpful,quick response and communication
Cherry P.
Cherry P.
01:26 14 Sep 23
It was all smooth. They shared the information with me prior to the medical immigration test. I highly recommend great city. 5 stars for e-communication and responsiveness!
Mahy H.
Mahy H.
17:34 13 Sep 23
Th everyone is amazing! From the reception all the way to the doctors
Winnie G.
Winnie G.
16:54 06 Sep 23
The wait to be seen is short and everybody worked well together to give each patient a pleasant experience.
Sharon P.
Sharon P.
22:46 05 Sep 23
The staff was knowledgeable of my situation and took care of me properly.
Tyrone M.
Tyrone M.
18:26 30 Aug 23
Good service!
Leandro A.
Leandro A.
16:38 30 Aug 23
Dr yelena is great
Dayana R
Dayana R
16:20 30 Aug 23
Great service. The intake with the nurse was pleasant and fun. The time with the doctor was very comfortable, she listened very attentivet all my concerns, she was very gentle and professional.They have late afternoon appointments wich is a plus.The final step was the scheduling of the next appointment wich was fast!My mom was right to recommend her and I recommend them as well.
Juana G.
Juana G.
23:19 29 Aug 23
Muy profesional
Jose Joaquin Campos J.
Jose Joaquin Campos J.
18:25 22 Aug 23
Fun visit, everyone was super sweet and beautiful! From the front desk allllll the way up until I had my blood drawn at the end! Would recommend to any woman/person
Jasmine K.
Jasmine K.
00:01 15 Aug 23
From the front desk to the medical assistant, to the lab, and down to the doctor and whoever you passed by, it was excellent customer service. It was topnotch. I think the entire staff took extra customer service classes.
ibro D.
ibro D.
16:45 09 Aug 23
I finally have a great medical Dr.. She ordered blood work an gave me medical referrals.I love my GYN DR. at this office tooThe office is very nice n clean the front desk receptionists are all very nice a pleasant
Kyra W.
Kyra W.
17:53 07 Aug 23
I think Dr. Akselrud’s bedside manner is exceptional. It mimics the hospitality depicted in movie, s yet rarely experienced in actual life. As such, I appreciate his expertise and welcome his opinion regarding my health and well-being.I consider him to be a Grade A physician without question!
latia H.
latia H.
23:28 03 Aug 23
Great experience!
Yami
Yami
18:00 28 Jul 23
Fast service , great assistance
Ayanna G.
Ayanna G.
16:37 28 Jul 23
I go there for my immigration exam! Everything was so perfect! Everyone was so nice with me! This is the perfect place to go for anything you want. They will help you!
Jonas C.
Jonas C.
18:05 27 Jul 23
Excelente personal very friendly ,they made easy your visit to the Dr. RECOMIENDADISIMO
Ingrid C.
Ingrid C.
19:05 26 Jul 23
It was a great experience for me as the staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, also there was almost no waiting time. It was efficient, in a great atmosphere.
Ishak-Kristof F.
Ishak-Kristof F.
17:13 21 Jul 23
The people that was working with me was very nice
tyrese C.
tyrese C.
16:30 21 Jul 23
Great staff, great experience the lady’s were very professional
1 Hungry Y.
1 Hungry Y.
19:01 20 Jul 23
Great guys. Anthony is awesome.
Alberto A.
Alberto A.
18:23 20 Jul 23
The place is clean the staff and the Doctor made me feel comfortable and welcome
vickie F.
vickie F.
18:48 19 Jul 23
The doctor I saw was lovely and personable. I’d only suggest they improve the overall appearance of the practice. The floors were a bit dirty, the bathroom too.
Sophie S
Sophie S
15:45 14 Jul 23
Excelente atención
J&L LOS R.
J&L LOS R.
16:04 11 Jul 23
DR.GRANA IS THE BEST
A Luis S.
A Luis S.
17:58 10 Jul 23
I love This Medical Office!@
Ethel C.
Ethel C.
23:11 05 Jul 23
Muy buen servicio, rapido y muy amables
Luis M Perez S.
Luis M Perez S.
04:04 02 Jul 23
Service was kind, friendly and helpful.
Phyllis T.
Phyllis T.
20:22 22 Jun 23
I have been to three states and I have never come across a medical facility where all the staff look so happy, they are all so friendly, patient orientated, gentle in care and knowledgeable with patient informing! I am so happy I found them and would recommend to everyone!
Kyle V.
Kyle V.
20:05 15 Jun 23
Service was good. Very welcoming.
Fatima O.
Fatima O.
14:55 15 Jun 23
Fue muy buen servicio todo el personal muy amable
Silvia G.
Silvia G.
22:37 14 Jun 23
Súper confortable and the stuff very sweet and professional!!
Elizabeth C.
Elizabeth C.
15:08 14 Jun 23
Very nice always very professional
Madeline C.
Madeline C.
16:38 13 Jun 23
The front dest, nurses and the doctor are very nice and professional.I didn’t wait and entered my appointment on time and everything was really quick.Overall, great experience. I highly recommend 🙂
Tzlil B.
Tzlil B.
17:27 06 Jun 23
So easy and effective getting my medical done with this team… a bit shoutout especially to Patricia who was so communicative and lovely throughout the process. And all the doctors were very comforting with my vaccines and bloods as I’m not the best with needles lol!! Can’t recommend more.
Flynn S.
Flynn S.
16:43 05 Jun 23
My original appointment was with Dr. Tysba however I was seen by the NP instead. Which turned out fine, she was great.Good Job!
Anasha A.
Anasha A.
17:52 03 Jun 23
Very happy with the year check up today 06/01/23
juan S.
juan S.
18:43 01 Jun 23
I Loved the Dr I seen today she was extremely friendly and made me feel very comfortable.I’m definitely going to make this my primary GYN clinic
Quaidasia T.
Quaidasia T.
19:26 31 May 23
I went to Great City Medical for an immigration medical exam. Very friendly staff! The lady who worked with me was so sweet, explained everything and answered all my questions. I spent 15 min in my first visit there (blood work and fill out forms).Bring your immunization records to avoid extra charges for vaccine shots.UPD: I received I-693 in a sealed envelope as well as a copy of I-693. The whole process was smooth and straightforward.
Ksenia K
Ksenia K
17:23 26 May 23
Amazing service and fast !!!
White P.
White P.
20:21 23 May 23
Our experience was great we had great service and would recommend anyone with immigration medical examination to try this service. Thank to Great City Medical.
Joe V.
Joe V.
17:53 23 May 23
Excellent service. Great staff.
Ivette T.
Ivette T.
17:18 22 May 23
Super friendly and efficient. They know their stuff.
Chris S.
Chris S.
15:48 22 May 23
Great. Wait was surprising ok. Everyone was very nice 👍 Always a pleasant experience 😊
Lex G.
Lex G.
15:28 22 May 23
The wait was a little long, but worth it. They were great. Very nice ladies😁
Amanda P.
Amanda P.
16:55 17 May 23
Me encantaron las atenciones de principio a fin. Especialmente el trato de Anthony que se mostró muy empatico con mi caso y SUPER servicial y amable.También son muy considerados con lo que realmente a uno le hace falta y lo que no. Ellos hacen las cosas como se debe sin importar que cobren más o menos dinero.En general la experiencia fue excelente.
Nicanor N.
Nicanor N.
11:27 17 May 23
Great visit. Very efficient
Glenda C.
Glenda C.
21:05 15 May 23
Son muy amables las chicas del front desk y las doctoras también
luisaa L.
luisaa L.
19:31 08 May 23
From the front desk to the medical assistant, to the lab, and down to the doctor and whoever you passed by, it was excellent customer service. It was topnotch. I think the entire staff took extra customer service classes.Even the way they accommodate those who do not speak clear English is impressive. I must confess, I have never seen nor experienced such courtesy, patience and civility amongst healthcare professionals.The quality of service was also excellent. Very humble people. The doctor, very humble, accommodating, and HIGHLY professional.I’m glad I found this place. I highly recommend! 👍
Victoria A.
Victoria A.
19:31 04 May 23
Didn’t have an appointment and the money but I was taken care of staff where very friendly I do appreciate your service thank you.
Abdul M.
Abdul M.
16:31 01 May 23
They were so nice and patient and caring the best Clinic in New York
Stephanie H.
Stephanie H.
10:00 27 Apr 23
I love this place. The staff is the best, fluent Spanish, great service. I would come to their facility any day of the week!
Paul C.
Paul C.
16:09 26 Apr 23
Started my journey with Great City medical early this year, and it has been a positive experience soo far. Great team
Laila B.
Laila B.
18:35 18 Apr 23
Always have a pleasant experience with Dr. Granna.
Guillermo P.
Guillermo P.
17:40 17 Apr 23
Very professional all the staff in the front. My doctor the best and I am so thankful him. I have improved in my health. I so happy that get better and go part time job when 68 year in September turn 68years old.
Bevelynn T.
Bevelynn T.
17:29 14 Apr 23
Fue mi primera vez y me gusto mucho dan Excelente atención, las recepcionistas,la enfermera y la doctora muy amables, atienden muy rápido, dan un magnífico servicio, lo recomiendo al 💯
Zery M.
Zery M.
23:13 12 Apr 23
Great people great service
Ac B.
Ac B.
12:55 07 Apr 23
Very professional I recommend going to this facility. Staff was very friendly and courteous…
Charles Hackett J.
Charles Hackett J.
21:11 06 Apr 23
Always good service and kind people over there. I had 3 year’s going to there and I had good service with good doctors. Thank you for all the staff.
Yaneth P.
Yaneth P.
22:45 05 Apr 23
As a holistic & integrative practitioner, my PCP, Dr. Marly Grana is Amazing, has ALWAYS been & Is totally Respectful, Wise, patient, Gifted, extremely Understanding & smart treating me!Her staff, from the front desk-to-the-back is always accommodating & Extremely Professional as well!The facilities are clean.I’m blessed to have been invited to this new establishment when they began building.In this community, I’m fortunate to visit Amazing Acupuncturists, & GrowNYC.Sometimes it’s a win-win excursion.The gynecologist & her NP, on the other hand, does not support my insightful wholistic approach to healing & sustaining.
Bonita B.
Bonita B.
21:03 05 Apr 23
This is the best doctor office I have ever been ,the staffing it’s so professional and welcoming specially patricia I love her she’s amazing. My doctor Mikhail AkselRuD it’s the best ,he always give all the details about what you have and what treatment you need god bless all of them.
adalgisa S.
adalgisa S.
00:04 31 Mar 23
Great staff and service. Dr. Tsyba is the best!
Jackie L.
Jackie L.
20:05 30 Mar 23
Fast service, understanding. My Questions were answered and I felt very comfortable. Will definitely go again for follow up. Many blessings 🙌 🙏
Juanita E.
Juanita E.
23:17 29 Mar 23
I had a deadline to submit my I-693 and Great City medical came through just right for me. Timely and speedy process and the best customer service nurses I’ve experienced.
Ralph M.
Ralph M.
14:06 24 Mar 23
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