Hormonal Birth Control Sugar Land, TX

What Are Combined Hormonal Birth Control Methods in Sugar Land?

Birth control pills, the birth control patch, and the vaginal birth control ring are combined hormonal birth control methods. They contain two hormones: estrogen and progestin.

How do combined hormonal methods prevent pregnancy?

Combined hormonal birth control methods release estrogen and progestin into the whole body. These hormones prevent pregnancy mainly by stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from one of the ovaries). They also cause other changes in the body that help prevent pregnancy. The mucus in the cervix thickens, making it hard for sperm to enter the uterus. The lining of the uterus also thins.

How effective are combined hormonal birth control methods?

With typical use—meaning that the method may not always be used consistently or correctly—9 women out of 100 (9%) will become pregnant during the first year of using these methods. With perfect use—meaning that the method is used consistently and correctly each time—fewer than 1 woman out of 100 will become pregnant during the first year.

What are the benefits of combined hormonal methods?

Combined hormonal methods have several benefits in addition to protecting against pregnancy:

They may make your period more regular, lighter, and shorter.
They help reduce menstrual cramps.
They decrease the risk of cancer of the uterus, ovary, and colon.
They may improve acne and reduce unwanted hair growth.
They can be used to treat certain disorders that cause heavy bleeding and menstrual pain, such as fibroids and endometriosis.
Used continuously, they can reduce the frequency of migraines associated with menstruation (although they should not be used if you have migraines with aura). They also can be used to treat heavy bleeding and pain by stopping the menstrual period.

What are possible risks of combined hormonal methods?

Combined hormonal methods are safe for most women, but they are associated with a small increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), heart attack, and stroke. The risk is higher in some women, including women older than 35 years who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day or women who have multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes; a history of stroke, heart attack, or DVT; or a history of migraine headaches with aura.

How can I get combined hormonal pills in sugarland?

In the United States, birth control pills are available by prescription only.

What are the different types of combined hormonal pills and how are they taken?

21-day pills—Take one pill at the same time each day for 21 days. Wait 7 days before starting a new pack. During the week you are not taking the pill, you will have your period.
28-day pills—Take one pill at the same time each day for 28 days. Depending on the brand, the first 21 pills or the first 24 pills contain estrogen and progestin. The remaining pills may be estrogen-only pills; pills that contain a dietary supplement, such as iron, but no hormones; or inactive pills (containing no hormones or supplements). During the days you are taking the hormone-free pills, you will have your period.
90-day pills—Take one pill at the same time each day for 84 days. Depending on the brand, the last seven pills either contain no hormones or contain estrogen only. With both brands, you will have your period on the last 7 days every 3 months.
365-day pills—Take one pill at the same time each day for a year. In time, your bleeding may become lighter and may even stop.

What are possible side effects of using the combined hormonal birth control pill?

Possible side effects include the following:

Headache
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Breakthrough bleeding

Breakthrough bleeding usually is a temporary side effect as the body adjusts to a change in hormone levels. It may last longer than a few months with continuous-dose pills.

What is the vaginal ring in Sugar Land, TX?

The vaginal ring is a flexible, plastic ring that is placed in the upper vagina. It releases estrogen and progestin that are absorbed through the vaginal tissues into the body.

How can I get the vaginal ring?

A health care professional must prescribe the vaginal ring, but you insert it yourself.

How do I use the vaginal ring?

You fold the ring and insert it into the vagina. It stays there for 21 days. You then remove it and wait 7 days before inserting a new ring. During the week the ring is not used, you will have your period. To use the ring as a continuous-dose form of birth control, insert a new ring every 21 days with no ring-free week in between.

What are possible side effects of using the vaginal ring?

Possible side effects include the following:

Headache
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal irritation
Breakthrough bleeding

What is the contraceptive skin patch in Sugar Land, TX?

The contraceptive skin patch is a small (1.75 square inch) adhesive patch that is worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. The patch releases estrogen and progestin, which are absorbed through the skin into the body.

How can I get the contraceptive skin patch?

A health care professional must prescribe the patch, but you do not need to visit a health care professional to apply or remove the patch. The patch is less effective in women who weigh more than 198 pounds.

How do I use the contraceptive skin patch?

The patch can be worn on the buttocks, chest (except the breasts), upper back or arm, or abdomen. You wear a patch for a week at a time for a total of 3 weeks in a row. During the fourth week, a patch is not worn, and you will have your period. After week 4, a new patch is applied and the cycle is repeated. You apply the patch on the same day of the week even if you still are bleeding. To use the patch as a continuous-dose form of birth control, apply a new patch every week on the same day without skipping a week.

What are possible side effects of using the contraceptive skin patch?

Most side effects are minor and often go away after a few months of use. Possible side effects include the following:

Skin irritation
Breast tenderness
Headache
Breakthrough bleeding

In conclusion, combined hormonal birth control methods like pills, patches, and vaginal rings offer effective protection against pregnancy while providing various benefits like regularizing periods and reducing cramps. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and side effects, especially for certain groups of women. At Sugar Land Advanced OB/GYN Center, we can help you understand the best contraceptive option for your needs. Contact us today at (281) 322-2222 to schedule a consultation and make informed decisions about your family planning journey. Your health and well-being are our priority.

Hormonal Birth Control