Conditions and Management

Hormonal contraception refers to birth control methods that use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. This includes the birth control pill, shot, patch, implant, ring, and hormonal IUDs. But how exactly do these synthetic hormones work to stop you from conceiving?

Read on to learn the science behind different hormonal contraceptives.

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle

First, it helps to understand how your natural menstrual cycle works. Estrogen and progesterone are the two hormones that control what happens to your body during your cycle.

Estrogen is produced by your ovaries during your cycle’s first half. It leads to a thickening uterus lining and primes your body for ovulation. Progesterone kicks in during your cycle’s second half.

After ovaries release an egg (ovulation), progesterone prepares your uterus to carry a fetus. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop, your uterine lining breaks down, and your period starts.

Then, the whole cycle begins again. This natural ebb and flow of estrogen and progesterone is what hormonal contraceptives aim to disrupt.

How Hormonal Contraception Prevents Pregnancy

Hormonal contraceptives work in a few key ways to stop you from getting pregnant. The primary mechanism is suppressing ovulation, but these birth control methods have some backup, too.

Preventing Ovulation

The primary way hormonal contraceptives work is by stopping ovulation, meaning an egg doesn’t get released from your ovaries each month. They achieve ovulation suppression through negative feedback to your pituitary gland.

The pituitary gland is the central control for your reproductive hormones. It gets signals from your hypothalamus and then releases luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to activate ovulation.

The synthetic estrogen and progestin from hormonal contraceptives send signals that pregnancy has already occurred and ovulation isn’t needed. Your pituitary gland responds by suppressing FSH production.

With inadequate FSH, your ovaries don’t receive the cue to mature follicles each month. No follicles mean no eggs develop, and no ovulation takes place.

Without ovulating, you can’t get pregnant from sex during that time. This clever fake out of your body’s normal processes is how these birth control methods primarily work.

Thickening Cervical Mucus

Some hormonal contraceptives thicken the mucus lining your cervix, which adds another layer of pregnancy prevention. This mucus plug blocks sperm from passing through your cervical canal and traveling toward your uterus and fallopian tubes.

So, if ovulation does mistakenly occur, the thickened cervical mucus acts as backup birth control by keeping sperm from meeting up with any released eggs.

Thinning the Uterine Lining

In addition to suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, some hormonal contraceptives thin the uterine lining. This makes the wall of your uterus less hospitable for an embryo to implant and grow. Without a thick, blood-rich lining, it’s difficult for a fertilized egg to develop.

Types of Hormonal Contraceptives

Now that you understand the basic mechanism behind these birth control methods, let’s break down the major categories and how they differ:

Combined Oral Contraceptives

This refers to birth control pills that contain both hormones, namely estrogen and progestin. The most common type is the combination pill with three weeks of active hormone pills and one week of placebo pills per pack. Different brands can contain varying doses and types of hormones.

There are one-, two-, and three-phase combination pills too. These provide different ratios of hormones during your cycle week to mimic your natural hormone fluctuations.

The Progestin-Only Mini-Pill

Unlike combination pills, these contain only progestin without any estrogen. That makes them a good option if you can’t take estrogen for health reasons or experience estrogen-related side effects. Because there are no breaks from hormones, you must take mini-pills at precisely the same time daily.

The Patch, Ring, and Shot

The birth control patch and vaginal ring also use estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation. But instead of taking a daily tablet, the patch adheres to your skin to transmit hormones. The ring is inserted into the vagina.

The Depo Provera Shot

The Depo Provera Shot is given in your arm or buttocks every three months. It is a Progestin only option so it is safe to use for women who can’t use estrogen based products. Because the progestin is delivered continuously, most women stop their periods while on Depo.

Implants and Hormonal Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Contraceptive implants and hormonal IUDs work a bit differently. Rather than taking regular doses of hormones, they release a steady stream of progestin over several years. Both implants and IUDs are inserted by a healthcare provider and left in place for long-term pregnancy prevention.

The Chemistry Behind Synthetic Hormones

Hormonal contraceptives rely on lab-made versions of your natural hormones to work their magic. Estrogen mimics come in two main forms:

• Ethinyl estradiol – the most common estrogen used that remains active in your body longer than natural estrogen.
• Estradiol valerate – metabolized into estradiol, the predominant natural estrogen.

There are also approximately ten different forms of synthetic progestins used, including:

• Norethindrone and norgestrel – first-generation progestins similar to testosterone.
• Levonorgestrel and norgestimate – newer progestins with greater similarity to progesterone.
• Drospirenone and dienogest – recent progestins that may carry extra health risks such as blood clots.

The ideal contraceptive hormones perfectly prevent ovulation without other hormone-related side effects. So, research continues to refine these progestin and estrogen formulations for an optimal balance of effectiveness versus safety.

Choose the Right Hormonal Contraception with Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

When considering something as essential as birth control, having an experienced perspective matters. Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness specialists stay current on the latest advancements in reproductive science and contraceptive options.

Our team learns about your health history, preferences, and objectives to find your optimal birth control method. Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule an online consultation to discuss hormonal contraception.

Contraceptive implants have become a go-to long-term birth control option for many women. These slim devices, about the size and shape of a matchstick, are introduced under the skin of the upper arm, where they steadily release the hormone progestin. This prevents pregnancy for 3-5 years, depending on the implant type, without having to remember daily pills or schedule regular injections.

This article explores the extended duration of today’s contraceptive implants. The implant’s long-lasting effectiveness is an optimal fit for busy Raleigh women focused on life’s many demands outside of starting a family.

Exceptional Efficacy Sets Implants Apart

Contraceptive implants, along with intrauterine devices, are considered some of the most effective forms of reversible birth control on the market. The failure rate is less than 1%, meaning fewer than 1 out of 100 women using this method will conceive each year.

The main reason is that contraceptive implants do not rely on you remembering to take a daily pill. The steady hormone release lasts for years without you having to do anything to maintain it actively.

Another benefit is that contraceptive implants provide long-term pregnancy prevention for 3-5 years, depending on the type. This means you can essentially “get it and forget it” when it comes to effective birth control for up to half a decade.

If you know you want to avoid pregnancy for several years, implants eliminate the need to make frequent doctor’s appointments for refills or replacements compared to short-term methods such as the pill.

Additionally, contraceptive implants are completely reversible and can be taken out at any time by a trained healthcare provider. So, unlike permanent options such as tubal ligation, fertility generally returns to normal quickly after implant removal if you decide you want to get pregnant.

Duration of Contraceptive Implants

While the FDA approves contraceptive implants in the U.S. for three years of use, studies have shown they can remain effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years after insertion. Decisions regarding the timing for removal or replacement of your implant can be made by discussing with your doctor.

If continuing beyond three years, physicians recommend confirming the implant remains properly positioned in your arm. Awareness of any shifts or changes around the implant insertion site is wise.

It is also important to ensure you are not pregnant before getting a new contraceptive implant inserted after removing an old one. Return to fertility is rapid with contraceptive implants so that ovulation can resume very quickly after removal.

Nexplanon: The Only Implant Choice in the US

Currently, Nexplanon serves as the sole contraceptive implant choice available for U.S. women. This slim rod contains the hormone etonogestrel, which gradually diffuses into the body over 3-5 years of effectiveness.

Designed for no-fuss insertion and removal, Nexplanon possesses a visibly traceable inner ring, allowing medical professionals to view the implant’s precise location easily using an X-ray. The makers of Nexplanon hold an exclusive patent running until 2027, so no generic versions can debut before then.

Contraceptive Implants and Raleigh Women

When evaluating options for preventing pregnancy, Raleigh women have unique needs and preferences based on their life stages and goals. For example, suppose you are intensely focused on higher education, career growth, athletic achievements, or other priorities. In that case, a set-it-and-forget-it contraceptive akin to Nexplanon can alleviate the responsibility of taking a daily pill.

Access and insurance coverage are two other considerations for Raleigh women deciding on contraceptive methods. North Carolina has expanded Medicaid access, so many low-income residents qualify for programs covering implants at no charge.

The Affordable Care Act also established contraceptive coverage for non-grandfathered plans, meaning all FDA-approved options, such as Nexplanon, should be covered without out-of-pocket costs.

Deciding If Contraceptive Implants Are the Right Choice for You

While Nexplanon offers pregnancy prevention for up to 3 years, it is wise to consider if the implant fits your lifestyle and health status. Consulting your gynecologist or medical provider allows for an open conversation about the pros and cons when weighed against your personal reproductive goals.

Every woman has a unique medical history, so certain risk factors may make contraceptive implants less advisable. For those with blood clot risks, those taking certain anti-seizure medications that impact hormone levels, and those concerned about side effects such as irregular bleeding, other birth control alternatives may be better options.

But after a checkup and discussion to address your questions, many patients can safely use Nexplanon.

Turn to Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness for Guidance on Contraceptive Implants

When it comes to reliable birth control, the duration and efficacy of contraceptive implants such as Nexplanon provide substantial advantages for Raleigh women focused on life goals beyond starting an immediate family.

While not every woman’s health profile matches well with progestin implants, a candid discussion with your gynecologist allows you to weigh your options.

If you wish more guidance, consult with Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness to determine if a long-acting contraceptive such as Nexplanon fits your family planning needs.

Our team can help you find the optimal birth control solution tailored to your lifestyle and reproductive health. Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule a consultation online to learn how we can help you determine if the implant is right for you.

Whether you’re focused on climbing the career ladder, finding the right relationship, or practicing self-care – combination birth control can help you navigate it all. These handy pills give you control over if and when you get pregnant so that you can map out life on your terms.

With over 99% effectiveness against pregnancy when taken properly, you can pursue your dreams without worrying about an unintended positive test derailing things.

Combination Birth Control Pills 101

Combination birth control uses synthetic estrogen and progestin to stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. This blocks eggs from dropping and keeps sperm from getting far.

The standard pill pack has 21 hormone pills and seven placebo pills per cycle. But variations exist to match your needs – whether it’s balancing hormones, managing side effects, or skipping periods altogether.

Every brand uses different hormone amounts and types, so finding your optimal match takes trial and error. Too much estrogen can worsen nausea.

Certain progestins influence weight gain or acne flare-ups more than others. That’s why working closely with your doctor to discover the best formulation and dose for your body is so important. Be patient, as it often takes three months for side effects to improve as your system adjusts.

The significant benefit of combination pills is getting your period when you want it instead of being at Mother Nature’s mercy each month.

For most women, lighter and more predictable cycles outweigh things such as temporary breast tenderness or low libido. But if symptoms don’t resolve after giving your body time to acclimate, alternatives such as the mini-pill or IUD better support your lifestyle.

Combination Birth Control and Careers

Unlike previous generations who set aside career goals when they started families, combination birth control lets you decide if and when motherhood fits into your professional dreams. With over 99% effectiveness at preventing pregnancy, you don’t have to choose between your vocational passions and biological clock anymore.

Use the control these pills give you to thoughtfully map out if and when kids align with your career path, educational goals, or entrepreneurial visions. Sure, balancing parenthood and professional demands has its challenges down the road.

But combination birth control lets you approach major milestones such as earning a degree, getting a certification, or taking a dream job on your terms – not based on panic around declining fertility.

Now, this reliability level requires taking combination pills properly each day. Set a daily alarm, use a discreet pill case, or download an app to help remember your dose. Skipping pills or taking them at widely different times drops effectiveness, allowing surprise conceptions to throw off professional momentum.

Additionally, pay attention to changes in energy, productivity, or motivation in response to new pill regimens. Some ladies experience more pronounced side effects, such as exhaustion or low mood, that hinder job performance.

Don’t just soldier through work disengaged or unfocused if you suspect your birth control. Instead, openly communicate with your doctor about adjusting formulations or non-hormonal alternatives to find the right balance for work and relationships.

Combination Birth Control, Relationships, and Sex

With pregnancy prevention in place, combination pills can enhance intimacy by reducing worries about unexpected consequences.

You can freely connect physically and emotionally without charting ovulation or constantly wondering if tonight’s the risky night. Removing that guesswork is liberating and confidence-boosting for many women and their partners.

Some women on combination pills do experience sexual side effects such as decreased arousal, vaginal dryness, or delayed climax. While annoying, don’t assume it’s inevitable or permanent. Many ladies notice thinning of the vaginal lining from the synthetic hormones, making intercourse painful or less satisfying.

Before putting up with unpleasant symptoms, try lubricants or moisturizers for temporary relief. Most importantly, have candid conversations with your doctor about adjusting formulations or delivery methods if intimacy troubles persist beyond three adjustment cycles.

Another essential relationship conversation for sexually active couples includes STI protection. Combination pills prevent pregnancy but not infection transmission.

So, continuing to use condoms is necessary unless you and your partners establish mutual monogamy and get tested. Have open, honest discussions about sexual health and safety with anyone you become intimate with.

Combination Birth Control and Self-Care

Fine-tuning lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, and stress relief helps minimize side effects so you get the most mileage from these powerful medications. Be compassionate with yourself as your body acclimates to synthetic hormones.

Side effects should resolve within three months once the proper formulation and dose are determined. Ignoring persistent issues can negatively impact relationships, career performance, and overall well-being. So speak up if something feels off.

Work with Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness to Customize Your Combination Birth Control Regimen

Combination birth control empowers today’s women by letting them steer their life journey, including relationships, careers, and well-being. Yet harnessing this freedom requires self-awareness plus partnership with knowledgeable doctors.

Monitor your body, speak up about side effects, and don’t simply tolerate discomfort. Instead, work with practitioners to troubleshoot issues through alternate formulations, lifestyle changes, or non-daily methods. The proper birth control regimen balances effective pregnancy prevention with optimized quality of life.

Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness can help you develop a combination birth control regimen offering the optimal balance of pregnancy prevention and tolerable side effects tailored to your individual health history and goals.

Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule a consultation online to take charge of family planning so nothing distracts you from fully embracing all life’s adventures.

The pill remains a popular and effective contraception option for many women. But combination birth control pills are not one-size-fits-all. Numerous formulations and choices are available depending on your health, preferences, and lifestyle.

What to Consider When Picking a Combination Pill

Your age and medical history matter when selecting a combination pill. Your doctor will review your health status, risk factors, and family history to recommend the safest options. For instance, if you’re over 35 and smoke, you may need to avoid pills with estrogen due to increased health risks such as blood clots.

Be sure to share all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are on. Some antibiotics, seizure medications, and other drugs can interact with birth control and affect how well it works. Your doctor may suggest a different hormone dose or formulation to offset interactions.

How often you want to bleed is another key consideration. Some women prefer monthly periods for confirmation they aren’t pregnant. Others choose extended cycles or continuous dosing pills to limit bleeding to just a few times yearly. Discuss your preferences with your doctor.

If taking a daily pill on schedule seems challenging, opt for a method with more flexibility, such as the patch or ring. But if you already take daily meds and have an established routine, the pill may fit right in with minimal added effort.

Cost and insurance coverage often guide contraception decisions. Talk to your doctor about affordable options and potential copay differences between types. They can help find something budget-friendly based on your coverage. Look into savings programs from manufacturers, too.

Common side effects such as acne, weight changes, breakthrough bleeding, and breast tenderness should guide your birth control pick, too. If you’ve had unpleasant effects before, your doctor can recommend alternatives less likely to cause those reactions.

Also factor in your lifestyle – frequent travel, long or irregular work hours, intense sports or outdoor activities, etc. Choose a hassle-free pill that integrates smoothly into your normal routine. Opt for a non-daily contraception if your schedule varies.

Types of Combination Pills

There are a few main types of combination pills:

• Monophasic pills deliver equal quantities of estrogen and progestin in each active pill daily. These offer the most predictable bleeding patterns.
• Multiphasic pills vary hormone amounts across the cycle to mimic natural hormonal fluctuations. They may help minimize side effects for some women.
• Extended cycle pills limit withdrawal bleeding to just four times yearly by including more active pills and fewer inactive ones per pack.
• Continuous dosing pills provide hormones daily without any placebo pill breaks. This leads to fewer or no periods for some women.

Your doctor can review the options and help determine which pill schedule best suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Tips for Finding Your Match

Tracking your menstrual cycles, symptoms, moods, and preferences a few months before your visit provides helpful insight. Record details about your flow, pain levels, mood changes, and more to discuss with your doctor.

Be candid with your physician about all health conditions, even those that seem unrelated to contraception, such as migraines or depression—comprehensive information results in better recommendations.

Tell your doctor your ideal frequency of bleeding, feelings about taking a daily pill, and thoughts on synthetic hormone use. Share any past experiences with birth control side effects, too. Consider extended cycle or continuous dosing options if you want fewer or no periods.

If you’re new to the pill, start with a low or moderate estrogen dose formulation to minimize side effects as your body adjusts. After three months, reassess with your doctor if you need a different dose or formulation.

Use backup contraception such as condoms for the first seven days when starting a new combination pill until it becomes fully effective. Protection does not always begin immediately when starting the pill.

Give any new pill at least three months for potential side effects such as nausea, headaches, or spotting to resolve before switching. Some symptoms subside after your body gets used to it.

Set a daily reminder on your phone to take your combination pill at the same time. Consistency is key for effectiveness. Consider pairing it with another part of your routine, such as brushing your teeth, so it becomes a habit.

When to Re-Evaluate Your Combination Pill

See your doctor promptly if you start any new medications, as drug interactions may reduce birth control effectiveness. Your physician can confirm the pill remains suitable or recommend alternatives if needed.

Developing new health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or migraines with aura also warrants discussing whether to adjust your birth control plan. Your risks and options may change.

Women over 35 who smoke face higher health risks on estrogen-containing combination pills such as blood clots. Your doctor may advise a progestin-only pill, IUD, or other method instead.

Prolonged immobility after major surgery, childbirth, injury, or serious illness may mean pausing combination pills temporarily due to increased clot risks. Discuss this with your physician.

Persistent or intolerable side effects such as severe mood changes, headaches, or nausea are signs it may not be the ideal pill for you. Make an appointment to explore other formulations or methods better suited to your body.

Customize Your Combination Birth Control with Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

There’s no one-size-fits-all birth control pill. Women have unique medical backgrounds, priorities, and ways of life that determine what works best. That’s why thoughtful one-on-one consultations are valuable for weighing the different formulations against your health history and personal preferences.

If you are uncertain about the best option or want a second opinion, please know that my compassionate team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness is always here.

Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule a consultation online, and our team will listen and guide you through all available options to discover your ideal match.

The vaginal ring is a small, bendable device that you place inside your vagina to prevent conception. It releases a steady dose of hormones, such as progestin and estrogen, which halt ovulation and cause the cervical mucus to thicken, thereby blocking sperm.

But did you know that the vaginal ring offers a variety of surprising health benefits beyond contraception?

What Exactly is the Vaginal Ring?

Before exploring the many bonuses of using the vaginal ring, it helps to understand exactly what it is. It’s a flexible ring about 2 inches wide that releases hormones into your body over the course of 3 weeks.

You put the ring into your vagina, where it steadily emits hormones. After three weeks, you take it out and go ring-free for one week, so you get your period. Then, you put in a new ring to start a new cycle. When used correctly, the vaginal ring is over 90% effective at preventing conception.

Regulates Your Menstrual Cycle

One of the most complained about aspects of menstruation is its unpredictability and tendency to bring about inconvenient leaks or surprises. The vaginal ring empowers you to take back control of your cycle.

The steady release of hormones enables most women to experience a regular, predictable menstrual cycle. Periods may become lighter and shorter in duration.

Some women may even use the ring continuously to skip periods altogether. If you dread the arrival of your monthly visitor, the vaginal ring offers reliability and customization over your flow.

Alleviates Menstrual Cramps and PMS

In addition to unpredictable timing, periods can arrive with undesired companions, such as cramps, bloating, and an overall feeling of unpleasantness, thanks to PMS. The hormones released by the vaginal ring help to balance out the natural rise and fall of hormones produced by your ovaries.

With fewer hormone fluctuations occurring, you may experience less menstrual cramping and PMS symptoms. The result is a more comfortable period with fewer mood swings and less pain.

Improves Your Hormonal Balance

Hormones affect practically everything in the female body. When they are imbalanced, you feel it. Conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis arise from irregular hormonal patterns.

The vaginal ring helps restore balance by maintaining a steady supply of hormones in your system: no ups and downs. No fluctuations. It’s just smooth sailing with balanced hormones all month long.

Reduces Your Risk of Certain Cancers

Research shows that the increased estrogen and progesterone provided by the vaginal ring may lower your risk of developing certain cancers.

Two very dangerous gynecological cancers – uterine and ovarian cancer – occur less frequently among women who use the vaginal ring compared to women who utilize non-hormonal birth control. The risk of developing these cancers decreases the longer you use the vaginal ring.

Clears Up Acne

Few people welcome acne outbreaks with open arms, especially adult women struggling with hormonal pimples—the steady release of estrogen by the vaginal ring results in lower androgen levels in your body.

Androgens stimulate your sebaceous glands to create more oil, resulting in clogged pores and acne flare-ups. With androgens under control, thanks to the vaginal ring, you may finally achieve consistently clear skin.

Things to Know Before Trying the Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring offers effective birth control and healing hormonal benefits but is still not appropriate for all women. Certain medical conditions, risk factors, or lifestyle habits may mean a different option is safer.

Women over 35 who smoke should avoid using the vaginal ring or other hormone-based birth control due to excess risk for blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Being overweight or suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes also elevates health risks on the vaginal ring.

Having a history of migraines, blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, liver disease, or breast cancer typically precludes the use of combined hormonal options as well.

The vaginal ring comes with potential side effects such as discharge, nausea, headaches, sore breasts and irregular bleeding. These go away for most women after a few cycles.

Some report decreased libido, vaginal irritation, or infection as rare but unpleasant effects too. The hassle of remembering to switch out rings monthly proves challenging for certain users.

The Vaginal Ring and Other Contraceptive Options in Raleigh, NC

The vaginal ring offers an appealing blend of hormonal regulation, ease of use, and versatility as a contraceptive option for women living in Raleigh, North Carolina.

If you aren’t convinced that the vaginal ring is the perfect option for you or simply want more professional advice, Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness can help. Our team of expert healthcare providers has worked with countless women to assist them in figuring out the best contraceptive options for their needs and goals.

Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule a consultation online and let our compassionate providers help you, too.