Your Birth Control Options

It’s important to discuss your birth control options with a gynecologist you trust.

When it comes to family planning there are a ton of birth control options on the market. The two main types of birth control are hormonal and non-hormonal. While there is a lot of information on there about birth control, we also know that you may have questions or concerns that only a qualified doctor can address. Our Hoffman Estates, IL, board-certified OBGYNs offer a variety of birth control options to help prevent pregnancy including,

Hormonal

Hormonal birth control refers to any type of birth control that contains a small amount of estrogen and progestin (or progestin-only) hormones that are released into the body to prevent ovulation. While most women choose to get hormonal birth control from our Hoffman Estates, IL, gynecologist because of its high success rate in preventing pregnancy, some women also choose to get hormonal birth control to help with other issues such as PMS and acne.

Here are the types of hormonal birth control to consider,

  • The Pill: this medication must be taken at the same time every day (it can also help women who deal with painful periods, acne or PMS)
  • The Shot: a great option if you only want to worry about getting an injection every three months rather than taking a pill every day
  • Progestin IUD: this intrauterine device is placed within the uterus by one of our OBGYNs, where it can remain for 3-7 years (it can also be removed at any time)
  • The Ring: this plastic ring is placed into the vagina where it stays for a month
  • The Patch: this dermal patch can be placed just about anywhere on the body where it remains for three weeks
  • The Implant: the device is placed under the surface of the skin (typically in the arm) and can last up to five years

While these options do protect against pregnancy they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. It’s important that you are still using protection to prevent the spread of infections or diseases.

Non-Hormonal

There are some women who are unable to take hormonal forms of birth control. In this case, you may want to consider non-hormonal birth control options. These include,

  • Condoms
  • Spermicides
  • Diaphragms
  • Copper IUD: this type of IUD works the same as the progestin IUD, but it doesn’t release any hormones
  • Fertility awareness: this involves tracking your fertile days to prevent pregnancy (not recommended for women with irregular periods)

Northwest Associates for Women's Healthcare in Hoffman Estates, IL, is devoted to quality women’s health care from adolescence and pregnancy to menopause. To discuss your birth control options with a qualified medical professional, call our office today at (847) 884-1800 to schedule an appointment.

Our Location

Our Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 AM-5:30 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM-5:30 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM-5:30 PM

Thursday:

8:00 AM-5:30 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM-3:30 PM

Saturday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday:

Closed