Chris Taylor, MD Harrison Arkansas

Birth Control

Choosing the method of contraception or permanent birth control that is best for you can be complicated.  Our professionals will advise you in selecting a method appropriate for your situation, taking into account effectiveness, cost, potential risks, and your health status.

Our practice provides a wide range of family planning services.

NOTE: Most forms of contraception offer no protection against HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases. Dr. Taylor can provide information on precautions that can reduce your risk of acquiring and spreading these diseases.

Oral Contraceptives

An oral contraceptive (“The Pill”) is a generally safe and effective method of family planning that may also offer some protection against the development of uterine and ovarian cancers and pelvic inflammatory disease. Many women also find that their periods are not as heavy and are less painful while they are taking an oral contraceptive. When taken as directed, oral contraceptives are more than 97% effective in preventing pregnancy.

We may recommend Seasonique®, an oral contraceptive that extends time between periods. Women using Seasonique generally experience only four periods per year. When taken as directed, Seasonique has been shown to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Contraceptive Patch

The contraceptive patch is applied to the skin on a weekly basis and is approximately 99% effective.

Ortho-Evra®, a convenient to use patch, delivers the hormones progestin and estrogen through the skin and is 99% effective when used as directed.

Vaginal Ring

This device is inserted into the vagina, where for three weeks each month it provides a low, consistent level of hormones before being removed for menstruation. When used appropriately, the vaginal ring is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

We sometimes recommend NuvaRing®, which uses a low dose of hormone and has a low incidence of side effects.

Hormone Injection

Injections of the hormone progestin are considered very safe and effective in preventing pregnancy by preventing ovulation over a three-month span.

Injections of Depo-Provera®, a derivative of the hormone progesterone, are administered at 11 to 13 week intervals. Depo-Provera is 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Positioned within the uterus, most IUDs are 97% effective in preventing pregnancy. The procedure takes place in the doctor’s office, and and IUD can remain in place for up to five or ten years, depending on the device.

Mirena® IUC (intrauterine contraceptive), a type of IUD, is 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. It works by delivering small amounts of the hormone levonorgesterel (commonly used also in birth control pills) directly to the uterus. The Mirena IUC contains no estrogen and can be removed at any time; it is effective and covered by most insurance plans, including Arkansas Medicaid.

Intradermal Device

The Implanon™ device is a small (the size of a matchstick) flexible plastic rod that is implanted under the skin of the arm. The implantation generally takes only a few minutes and is done using a local anesthetic. Implanon is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The device delivers the hormone etonogestrel and can be left in the body for up to three years.

Emergency Contraceptive (“Plan B”)

Plan B® is an emergency contraceptive that can still prevent a pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected sex. Use of Plan B within 72 hours of unprotected sex can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89%. This contraceptive is NOT the “abortion pill” (RU-488), and it will not work if you are already pregnant. Plan B, available by prescription only, is not a substitute for routine birth control.

Essure® Permanent Birth Control

More than 35,000 women worldwide have chosen the revolutionary Essure permanent birth control procedure. Unlike other forms of permanent birth control, the Essure procedure requires no incisions and is less invasive than a tubal ligation. Recovery time is short, typically only one to two days.

The Essure procedure is appropriate only if you are sure you do not want any more children, would like to have permanent birth control, and believe you will not change your mind. If there is any chance that you may want to have children in the future, you should talk to your doctor about another form of birth control.

Our clinic is an Essure Accredited Facility and has agreed to follow nationally-established standards for quality patient care and education. We are committed to providing excellence in patient care. Our clinic is Arkansas’ only Essure Accredited Facility, and is one of only 50 in the United States.

BIRTH CONTROL FAQ

I have been on birth control pills for 15 years and do not want to have more children. What is the best method of contraception for me?

Oral contraceptives, patches, and vaginal rings are great options for women during their childbearing years. For women unsure if they want more children, we recommend use of an IUD. And, when women are through having children, we recommend Essure, the non-incisional approach to permanent birth control.

I am over 35 years old and a smoker. Should I continue to use birth control that contains hormones?

Smoking while on any birth control pill can increase your risk of serious side effects, such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. Women who use birth control pills should not smoke. If you are over 35 and a heavy smoker, you should speak with your physician about a birth control method that is right for you.

I have heard of a new birth control pill that allows you to have a period four times a year. Is this safe?

Some women believe that having a monthly period is a cleansing process that is important for their health. That is not true. There is no medical need for a monthly “pill period” and clinical studies have shown no increased health risks.

I am through having children and my husband won’t have a vasectomy. Is there anything else available for me other than having my tubes “tied”?

Until now, women considering permanent birth control had limited options. Now there is a non-incisional alternative to tubal ligation called the Essure procedure. Essure does not require incisions, does not cut, crush or burn the fallopian tubes, and does not contain hormones. It is safe and effective with a rapid recovery rate. Following the Essure procedure, patients return to normal activities within a day or two.