Contraception
Contraception allows women to prevent unintended pregnancy and plan the timing of their families.
Your needs and preferences can vary when it comes to contraception, so it’s important to have personalized guidance.
Birth control refers to various methods used to prevent pregnancy, either by preventing ovulation, fertilization, implantation, or a combination of actions.
Each month when you are having regular cycles, your body is preparing for pregnancy.
This involves several processes and changes that occur within a woman’s body:
- Menstrual cycle: The menstrual cycle is controlled by a complex interplay of hormones. Each month, the pituitary gland in the brain releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovaries to develop follicles. These follicles contain eggs. As the follicles mature, they produce estrogen, which thickens the uterine lining (endometrium) in preparation for a potential pregnancy. When estrogen levels peak, it triggers a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which leads to ovulation—the release of a mature egg from the ovary.
- Ovulation: Ovulation is a crucial event in the menstrual cycle. It occurs approximately midway through the cycle, typically around day 14 in a 28-day cycle. During ovulation, the mature egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. The release of the egg is triggered by the surge in LH.
- Fertilization: If sexual intercourse occurs around the time of ovulation, sperm can fertilize the egg in the fallopian tube. Fertilization happens when a sperm penetrates and merges with the egg, resulting in the formation of a fertilized egg, or zygote.
- Implantation: After fertilization, the zygote starts dividing rapidly as it travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. It takes about 6-7 days for the zygote to reach the uterus. Once it reaches the uterus, the zygote implants itself into the uterine lining, embedding itself in the endometrium. This process is known as implantation.
- Hormonal changes: Following implantation, the body undergoes hormonal changes to support the growing pregnancy. The zygote releases human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which signals the ovaries to continue producing progesterone. Progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining, preparing it to nourish and support the developing embryo.
What Birth Control is Right for Me?
There are several different birth control options to choose from, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right method of birth control can be a bit overwhelming.
During a contraceptive consultation, one of our specialists will discuss various contraceptive options with you, considering factors such as your medical history, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
It is important to find a type of contraception that complements your lifestyle and specific health needs.
Aspects to consider when choosing your contraceptive or birth control method include:
- Effectiveness
- Ease of use and user dependence
- Reversibility
- Effect on menstrual cycle
- Effects on pain associated with menstruation
County Obstetrics and Gynecology has provided contraceptive guidance for women in the St. Louis area for over thirty years. We understand the decisions women are faced with regarding family planning and contraceptive methods.
To help you get started in learning about some of the choices available, here is an overview of some popular birth control methods.