Contraception in Washington, DC

What should you consider before choosing birth control? Choosing birth control begins with a review of your medical history and a pelvic exam so your care team can determine if any contraceptive methods aren’t the best because of health concerns. It’s also important to talk about when you want to have children because that influences the birth control method that may be best for you. You can count on your doctor to answer your questions, explain the benefits and risk of the methods you’re considering, and make sure you know how to use the birth control you choose.

What is the effectiveness of different contraceptives?

One of the first things many women ask about is effectiveness. They want to know they can count on their chosen contraceptive to do the best job of preventing pregnancy. These are the effectiveness ratings for various types of birth control:

  • Sterilization (tubal ligation or occlusion): Nearly 100% effective
  • Intrauterine device (IUD): Nearly 100% effective
  • Hormone implant: 99%
  • Hormones (pills, injection, pellets, ring, or patch): 91-94%
  • Diaphragm: 88%
  • Male condoms: 82%
  • Female condoms: 79%
  • Sponge: 76-88%

You can improve the effectiveness of some methods by using them properly and consistently. Birth control pills on their own are very effective, but their rate drops as low as 91% because it’s easy to forget a pill, then you can get pregnant. Consistently using methods like the diaphragm and condom every time you have sex also boosts their effectiveness.

What are long-acting, reversible contraceptives?

There are two basic types of long-acting, reversible contraceptives: IUDs and implants. Both types are safe for women of all ages, and they’re popular because they’re as effective as sterilization and they do what their name says:

  • IUDs and implantable contraceptives, such as Nexplanon®, are inserted once, then continuously prevent pregnancy for years. IUDs last three to 10 years, depending on the type of IUD you choose.
  • Implants are placed under the skin of your upper arm, where they provide protection for three years.

We can quickly and easily remove your IUD or implant at any time, and they’re reversible, which means you can get pregnant as soon as they’re removed.