Contraception Specialist
Hany H Ahmed, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology located in Houston, TX
Today, there are many effective and easy-to-use contraception methods available. At Hany H Ahmed, MD in Houston, Texas, Dr. Ahmed offers a variety of contraception options including pills, IUDs, and more. He is a board certified OB/GYN and can help you decide which option best fits your unique lifestyle. To learn more, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Contraception Q & A
What is contraception?
Contraception, or birth control, refers to a group of methods that aim to prevent pregnancy.
Different birth control methods achieve this goal in various ways. Some types rely on hormones that prevent a woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs, while others block sperm from reaching her eggs.
What are the different types of contraception?
Dr. Ahmed offers a variety of different birth control methods depending on your unique needs. Some of the most common types of birth control include:
Birth control options
This popular birth control method involves taking a small pill containing hormones every day. The hormones in the pill stop your ovaries from releasing eggs, preventing pregnancy.
The pill is 99% effective with perfect use, but more often, it’s 91% effective with typical use. Forgetting to take a pill, or not taking it at the same time every day, can decrease the effectiveness of this birth control method.
Preventing pregnancy with birth control pills only lasts as long as you take the medication. If you decide to get pregnant in the future, talk to Dr. Ahmed about when to stop taking birth control pills.
Dr. Ahmed also offers NEXPLANON®, the patch, the ring, and Depo-Provera.
IUDs
Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are small, T-shaped appliances that fit inside your uterus. There are different types of IUDs that work in different ways. One type releases hormones, which prevent ovulation just like the pill. The other type releases copper, which prevents sperm from fertilizing your egg.
IUDs are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and long-acting. They safely work for up to 3-10 years, depending on the type you get. This method is reversible if you decide to get pregnant.
Tubal ligation
Sometimes called “getting your tubes tied,” this procedure is a permanent form of birth control. This safe and common surgical procedure prevents pregnancy by blocking off your fallopian tubes, which keeps sperm from reaching your egg.
Tubal ligation is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and lasts forever. In most cases, this can’t be undone, so it’s important to make sure you’re ready for permanent birth control before considering tubal ligation.
Tubal Reversal
If you’ve had a tubal ligation procedure but want to restore your fertility, tubal reversal reconnects your fallopian tubes so you can become pregnant again. Because tubal ligation is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, the success of tubal reversal depends on many factors, including your age, type of tubal ligation procedure you had, and other fertility factors. Dr. Ahmed has a 98% success rate in performing tubal reversals.
Which contraception option right for me?
First, Dr. Ahmed performs an exam and discuss your lifestyle and sexual history. Depending on whether or not you wish to get pregnant in the future, Dr. Ahmed suggests the best contraception options for your needs.
For more information on contraception, call the practice of Hany H Ahmed, MD or book an appointment online today.