The type of birth control you choose will depend on various factors. Dr. Tsyba will help you navigate health concerns, lifestyle needs, and any risk factors to find a convenient method of contraception that works for you.

Different types of birth control may include:

• Natural methods —fertility awareness (such as the rhythm method and natural family planning)
• Barrier methods— latex condoms, female condoms, cervical caps, and diaphragms, along with additions such as spermicide. 
• Hormonal methods— birth control pills (oral contraceptives), a vaginal ring such as the Nuvaring, patch, or injections of the hormone progestin (Depo-Provera®). Longer-acting methods include choices like IUDs and birth control implants in the upper arm (Nexplanon®)
• Emergency contraception —referred to as the “morning-after pill or Plan B”
• Permanent birth control— tubal ligation, in which the fallopian tubes are blocked in female patients (or vasectomy for men)

Women looking for long-acting reversible contraceptives often turn to intrauterine devices (IUDs) to deliver long-lasting protection from pregnancy. This choice is one of the most effective means of long-term pregnancy prevention and can be inserted by your Ob/GYN.

The IUD is a low-maintenance form of birth control because it lasts for several years and you don’t have to take a daily pill. 

The IUD is a low-maintenance form of birth control because it lasts for several years and you don’t have to take a daily pill. It can help you take control of your reproductive health while keeping the option open to have children later, should you change your mind.

IUDs are tiny T-shaped devices implanted directly into the uterus by your doctor or healthcare provider. Hormonal IUDs release a small but steady amount of progestin, a naturally occurring hormone. Progestin thickens the cervical mucus, which helps prevent sperm from binding to the egg. It also thins the uterine lining, preventing fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus.

Non-hormonal IUDs, also called copper IUDs, release a small amount of copper ions into the uterine lining. This results in the same effects as hormonal IUD methods but without the use of hormones.

Once inserted, IUDs require no further pregnancy-prevention efforts to be effective. Depending on what kind you get, IUDs protect against pregnancy for five to ten years. IUDs are more than 99% effective, which is higher than most other types of contraception.

Patients who have previously experienced side effects from using a contraceptive pill, ring, or patch could be great candidates for an IUD. That makes IUDs a viable alternative for your birth control needs.

Dr. Tsyba is ready to discuss your options. She will help you find a birth control method that works with your body so you can get back to feeling your best.

At Great City Medical, we offer the following IUDs:

• Mirena®– Of all the FDA-approved IUDs, Mirena releases the highest amount of hormone per day and is estimated to be effective up to seven years. Mirena will make your period lighter and last fewer days; it could even stop your periods altogether. For this reason, Mirena is preferred by women with heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods and seeking a convenient long-term contraceptive method.
• Kyleena®– FDA-approved Kyleena offers a lower dose of hormones than Mirena for women who prefer to keep their monthly periods. It is also effective for up to 5 years.
• Paragard®– This is the only FDA-approved IUD that works as well as hormonal birth control but is hormone-free. It uses one active ingredient — copper — and is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Patients of Great City Medical may opt for anesthesia during their IUD insertion or removal, which is conveniently performed at our AAAASF accredited in-office surgical suite.

When it comes to your reproductive health and birth control methods, get the information you need to make the right choice for your body. Call Great City Medical to set up a health consultation with NYC gynecologist Dr. Yelena Tsyba to discuss your situation and concerns and learn everything you need to know about our sexual health services. We accept many health insurance plans including Medicaid and can also help answer questions about pricing.

Check out our How Long Does it Take for Birth Control to Work blog post for additional information!

At Great City Medical in New York City, we are ready to help you find the best birth control methods to match your health and lifestyle preferences.