Choosing birth control is a highly personal decision, and there are more options than ever to support your goals, health, and lifestyle. Whether you want something temporary or long-term, hormone-based or hormone-free, private or partner-dependent, there’s a method that fits your needs. Memphis Obstetrics and Gynecological Association can play a major role in helping you decide on a method. Let’s talk about all of your options!
Why Birth Control Matters
The fact is, birth control isn’t just about preventing pregnancy. It can help with managing a wide range of hormone-related conditions:
- Regulate or reduce menstrual bleeding
- Manage acne and hormonal imbalances
- Reduce period pain, PMS, and PMDD symptoms
- Treat endometriosis and PCOS
- Support family planning
Nearly 62% of U.S. women of childbearing age use some form of contraception. Over half of them rely on either birth control pills or permanent sterilization. Whatever your needs, we believe you deserve options and support.
Your MOGA provider will walk you through several important questions when choosing a contraceptive approach:
- Do you want kids someday, or are you done having children?
- Do you prefer a low-maintenance method or something you manage daily?
- Do you also need protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
- Are you okay with hormonal methods, or would you rather go hormone-free?
These answers help determine whether a temporary or permanent method suits your situation best. We will evaluate your health history and preferences, weigh the benefits and potential side effects, and help you adjust as your needs change over time.
Barrier Methods: Non-Hormonal and Partner-Involved
Best for you if: You want a non-hormonal, temporary option that includes STI protection
- Male Condoms
- Best option (besides abstinence) for preventing both pregnancy and STIs
- Available over-the-counter, inexpensive, and hormone-free
- Female Condoms and Diaphragms
- Offer some protection against STIs, but not as effective as male condoms
- Require proper placement and must be used with every act of intercourse
Hormonal Methods: Reliable and Versatile
Best for you if: You want reliable, reversible protection with varying commitment levels
Hormonal birth control works by preventing ovulation. Different delivery methods allow you to choose the level of involvement and duration that fits your lifestyle.
- The Pill
- Taken daily at the same time
- Regulates cycles, reduces cramps, and treats acne
- Requires consistency for best effectiveness
- The Patch
- Worn on your skin and replaced weekly
- Delivers estrogen and progestin
- The Shot (Depo-Provera)
- Administered every 3 months
- Effective, discreet, and estrogen-free
- The Implant (Nexplanon®)
- A small rod placed in your upper arm
- Protects against pregnancy for up to 3 years
- Highly effective and low-maintenance
IUDs: Long-Acting, Low-Fuss Options
Best for you if: You want long-term contraception that doesn’t require daily attention
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are placed in your uterus and offer years of protection. You can choose between hormonal and non-hormonal types.
- Hormonal IUDs (Mirena®, Kyleena®)
- Use progestin to prevent pregnancy
- Lasts between 3-7 years, depending on the brand
- Can reduce or eliminate periods
- Non-Hormonal IUD (Paragard®)
- Uses copper to create a sperm-hostile environment
- Hormone-free and effective for up to 10 years
- Periods may be heavier or crampier at first
Permanent Options: When You’re Certain
Best for you if: You’re sure your family is complete and wants a one-time, permanent solution
Female Sterilization (Tubal Ligation)
- Surgical procedure to block or cut the fallopian tubes
- More than 99% effective
- Not reversible
Frequently Asked Questions
Is birth control really safe for teenagers?
Birth control is safe for most teens. It can help regulate irregular periods, reduce cramps, treat acne, and manage hormone-related conditions. Our providers evaluate each teen’s medical history to recommend the safest option. Many professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, support birth control access for teens as part of comprehensive health care and education.
Does birth control have side effects?
Yes, some women experience side effects when starting hormonal birth control. These can include nausea, headaches, mood changes, breast tenderness, or spotting between periods. Most side effects are mild and improve within a few months. Non-hormonal options like copper IUDs avoid hormonal side effects.
Can birth control affect future fertility?
In most cases, not using birth control does not cause long-term fertility issues. Once you stop using most methods, your fertility returns quickly. Some contraceptives, like the birth control shot, may delay ovulation for a few months, but this isn’t permanent. If you’re planning for pregnancy in the near future, we can help you choose a method that fits your timeline.
The Autonomy You Deserve
MOGA believes in empowering the women of Memphis and the Mid-South to be able to live their lives comfortably and confidently, especially when it comes to family planning. Your provider is always happy to have a conversation with you about birth control, whether you want to start it or change your existing method.
To schedule an appointment, contact us in East Memphis, Wolfchase, or DeSoto.