Patient-Centered, Proactive Women’s Care in Louisiana

The form of contraception preferred varies from one person to another and is based on various factors. At Vibrant Woman Health Center, OB/GYN specialist Patricia Nevils, MD, understands this. With a team of experienced practitioners at this facility, female patients across Lafayette and the more extensive Louisiana area are assisted in making well-informed decisions regarding the correct birth control, fertility treatments, and prescriptions. Call Vibrant Woman Health Center or go online to request an appointment for compassionate contraception in Lafayette today.

What to consider when selecting your preferred contraception?

First and foremost, you need to factor in the effectiveness of the contraception method you’re settling upon, as many factors are equally important when weighing your different options. For instance, convenience, reversibility, possible side effects, and your sexual life/activeness should all be considered. Other factors include the plans you have about family and the comfortability aspect for yourself and your partner.

Birth control tablets might also provide additional benefits, e.g., lighter bleeding and less cramping when menstruating. To steer you in the right direction, OB/GYN specialist Dr. Nevils will discuss the risks and benefits of various contraception methods.

What alternatives for contraception are available?

Vibrant Woman Health Center offers several forms of contraception. These different forms fall under one of the following categories:

• Sterilization, e.g., tubal ligation.
• IUDs- devices containing copper or hormones inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy.
• Hormonal methods- pills and patches that block ovulation or alter your cervical mucus and uterus lining which are unfriendly to sperm.
• Natural family planning methods, e.g., cycle monitoring- abstaining from sex on fertile days.
• Barrier methods, e.g., diaphragm, sponge, or condoms.

One’s lifestyle, beliefs, desire for convenience, and sexual habits determine which among these methods is best for you. For example, a patient might opt for IUDs as they can be inserted and protect one from pregnancy for up to a decade instead of taking a daily pill.

Will contraception protect against STIs?

The only contraception method offering protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are male and female condoms. Should you and/or a partner be sexually active with multiple partners, using condoms together in conjunction with a more definitive contraception method (e.g., pills) will protect against both STIs and pregnancy, as condoms are approximately 85% effective in protecting against pregnancy by themselves.

Which is the most effective contraception method in preventing pregnancy?

Natural family planning and barrier methods are deemed the least dependable in deterring pregnancy, whereas implants (e.g., Nexplanon), IUDs, and sterilization are the most reliable. On the other hand, the patch, pill, and ring are about 99% effective if used correctly and consistently.

Vibrant Woman Health Center is a state-of-the-art facility, offering exceptional women’s care. The providers here are compassionate and highly experienced in a wide range of OB/GYN services. Under Dr. Nevils’ leadership, they help patients decide on the most suitable contraceptive option. Call Vibrant Woman Health Center or go online to request an appointment with Dr. Nevils today.

Kamlesh Bakshi