Birth control methods can take the guessing out of family planning and provide you with peace of mind. Dr. Cindy Basinski and Dr. Rupal Juran of Basinski & Juran, MDs, in Newburgh, Indiana, are board-certified in gynecology and urogynecology, providing a variety of convenient, effective birth control options for women in Evansville, Indiana, and the surrounding communities. If you’re ready to take control of when you become pregnant, call or schedule an appointment today with one of the doctors using the online booking tool.
What are my birth control options?
There are many different choices for birth control, and it’s important to find the one that works best for you. You can choose from oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), patches or implants. They all work in different ways to deliver hormones that prevent pregnancy.
Some of the options Dr. Basinski and Dr. Juran offer include:
- Mirena® IUD
- Nexplanon® implant
- Birth control pills
- Tubal ligation
Some of these methods work to prevent pregnancy for several years at a time, while others provide a more temporary solution.
How does Mirena work?
Mirena is a soft, plastic, T-shaped IUD that contains hormones. Dr. Basinski or Dr. Juran place it securely in your uterus to prevent pregnancy. It’s sometimes used to help lighten heavy periods as well.
Mirena contains a hormone called progestin that acts locally within your uterus to prevent pregnancy, instead of traveling through your entire body as is the case with oral contraceptives. Mirena doesn’t contain estrogen, so it has fewer side effects and risks than many types of birth control pills. Once implanted in your uterus, Mirena blocks sperm so it’s unable to fertilize your eggs.
Mirena causes the cervical mucus to thicken so sperm can’t easily pass through. It also affects the ability of your ovaries to release eggs, and it inhibits the ability of sperm to swim toward an egg. It may also prevent a fertilized egg from implanting itself in your uterus.
How does Nexplanon prevent pregnancy?
Nexplanon is a small, soft, flexible plastic rod that Dr. Basinski or Dr. Juran insert under your skin in your upper arm. Nexplanon continuously releases a steady, low dose of a hormone called etonogestrel that keeps your ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the mucus in your cervix to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg.
Nexplanon is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, and it can also relieve symptoms associated with heavy bleeding during periods, or eliminate periods altogether. This method of birth control is as effective as having your tubes tied (tubal ligation), but allows you to become pregnant in the future if you desire. One of the doctors can easily remove Nexplanon when you decide you’d like to become pregnant.
There are advantages and risks to most birth control options, and Dr. Basinski and Dr. Juran take time to explain which birth control methods are best for your particular needs and overall health. Call or schedule an appointment online to learn more.