Conditions and Management

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.

The birth control patch is a convenient, discreet contraceptive method that you stick onto your skin. But how does it prevent pregnancy on a biological level? What’s happening inside your body when you wear this transdermal patch?

Let’s unpack the science behind it.

How the Patch Stops You from Ovulating

The combined estrogen and progestin in the patch suppress key hormones produced by your pituitary gland called gonadotropins. Specifically, they suppress follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

FSH and LH signal your ovaries to mature and release an egg each month—which is the process of ovulation. The patch hormones interfere with FSH and LH to shut down ovulation at its source. Without an egg, the sperm doesn’t have anything to fertilize.

In addition, the steady estrogen makes the mucus in your cervix thicker. This mucus acts as a barrier that keeps sperm from swimming up through your cervix. This prevents the sperm from reaching the uterus and fallopian tubes, where they could find an egg.

The progestin also causes changes to the uterine lining. It prevents the endometrium from thickening enough for an egg to properly implant. This three-pronged action is how the patch effectively prevents pregnancy.

Steady vs. Cyclical Hormone Delivery

The transdermal patch allows the hormones to be directly absorbed through your skin gradually over the week. This leads to more continuous, stable blood levels of estrogen and progestin.

With daily birth control pills, you get a large spike of hormones all at once that then decrease steadily each day before you take the next dose. So, pills cause more peaks and valleys in hormone concentrations.

The steadier hormone delivery of the patch helps minimize side effects related to fluctuating hormone levels. Many women report fewer issues such as breast tenderness, nausea, headaches, or mood swings compared to the pill.

However, the total estrogen exposure ends up being higher with the patch. This sustained absorption means your body is exposed to 60% more estrogen over the course of a cycle compared to pills.

How Potent Are the Patch Hormones?

Pharmaceutical companies determined the ideal dosing by testing which combinations of estrogen and progestin effectively stopped ovulation. Clinical trials showed that average hormone levels of around 0.6-1.2 ng/mL for progestin and 25-75 pg/mL for estrogen reliably prevent ovulation.

Your blood levels of both hormones stay within this target range all week long with the patch. There are no significant ups and downs.

Factors such as heat, humidity, exercise, or contact with water don’t substantially impact the absorption from the patch. Your hormone concentrations remain stable in various conditions.

When the Patch Starts and Stops Working

It takes about two weeks of wearing a fresh patch constantly for your hormone levels to build up to effective ovulatory-suppressing concentrations.

So you’re protected from getting pregnant after having your first patch on for one full week. Backup contraception such as condoms is suggested for the first week just to be safe.

Once you stop using the patch, your estrogen and progestin levels return to your normal baseline within a month. Ovulation resumes, and you’re able to get pregnant again. This reversibility is a major benefit of the patch.

In clinical trials, the birth control patch was proven very effective when used correctly. Less than 1 out of 100 women got pregnant over a year. But with typical use, the failure rate rose to around 9 out of 100.

Proper weekly application is essential. Using backup protection is wise if you ever forget to change your patch on time or if the patch falls off.

Side Effects and Health Considerations

Since you’re getting regular doses of estrogen, the patch can cause some estrogen-related side effects. Many of these go away once your body adjusts within the first three months.

Common symptoms include breast tenderness, nausea, headaches, spotting between periods, and skin irritation where the patch is stuck. Mood changes, fluid retention, decreased sex drive, or weight gain may also occur.

About 20% of women get skin reactions at the application site. This side effect motivates some users to stop the patch altogether. Switching locations each week minimizes skin irritation.

A serious concern is the increased risk of blood clots in the legs or lungs compared to birth control pills. The patch elevates clotting risk about twofold. However, the overall likelihood is still low in healthy women.

Those over age 35 who also smoke should avoid using the patch due to their higher baseline clotting risk. Estrogen further amplifies this risk significantly.

The patch may also not be an option for women with health conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, migraines, or depression. Certain medications can interact and make the patch less effective, too.

Your doctor will consider your medical history and assess whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks for you personally.

Figure Out If the Birth Control Patch Is the Right Choice for You with Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

The birth control patch provides a unique hormone delivery method that many women find convenient and comfortable. While the risks of blood clots and other side effects should not be ignored, the patch remains an effective, reversible option for pregnancy prevention in healthy women.

If you’re interested in trying the patch or have any concerns about potential side effects for your health, Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness’s experts are here to help you.

Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule a consultation online, and our team will help you determine if the patch is the right fit for your needs and preferences.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have become an increasingly popular birth control option for many women. IUDs are small medical devices in the shape of the letter “T” that are placed in the uterus by a doctor to stop you from getting pregnant.

There are two main categories of IUDs available in the U.S., namely hormonal IUDs and nonhormonal copper IUDs.

However, as is the case with any medical apparatus, IUDs present certain potential complications and risks you need to know about. Understanding the more common IUD complications can help you identify any issues early and know how to handle them.

Expulsion

One of the most common IUD complications is expulsion, which is when the IUD partially or completely falls out of place in the uterus. This occurs in about 2-10% of IUD users, with most expulsions happening within the first three months after insertion.

You may not have obvious symptoms if your IUD is expelling, so it’s important to check your IUD strings regularly. The strings are the thin plastic threads attached to the IUD and that hang down into the vagina through the cervix after the device has been inserted.

If you feel the hard plastic of the IUD itself at the cervical opening or the strings seem longer, this could indicate expulsion.

Expulsion is more probable if you have heavy periods or severe cramping, which can essentially push the IUD out. Not having delivered a baby vaginally also raises the risk. Teens and young women are at a slightly higher risk as their uteruses are smaller.

Partial expulsion is more concerning, as the IUD can become less effective even though it still appears in place.

If you suspect your IUD has moved, see your doctor immediately. They can confirm expulsion through an ultrasound or physical exam. A partially expelled IUD must be removed and replaced if you want ongoing pregnancy prevention.

Infection

There is a slight risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) when you first get an IUD inserted. PID is a condition in which your fallopian tubes, uterus, or ovaries get infected. The overall risk is less than1% and primarily occurs within the first 20 days after insertion.

PID risk comes from bacteria being introduced during the insertion process. You have a higher chance of developing PID if you already suffer from a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that hasn’t been treated when the IUD is placed. Using condoms along with the IUD can help reduce PID risk.

Symptoms include severe pelvic pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge, and pain during sex. PID requires antibiotic treatment. In rare cases, PID can lead to scarring and impaired fertility if left untreated.

After the first month, IUDs do not increase PID risk. Any later infections are likely from STIs acquired through sex rather than the IUD itself. Seeing your provider promptly for testing if you develop PID symptoms is key.

Perforation

Perforation refers to a situation in which the IUD pierces the wall of the uterus. This complication is rare, occurring in about 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 IUD insertions.
If perforation happens, it typically occurs during the insertion.

The provider may then be able to remove the IUD immediately if they notice. Or the IUD may migrate outside the uterus within the first couple of months after insertion. An IUD that perforates can damage other organs and require surgery for removal.

Having a perforation is more likely to occur if you are breastfeeding or if it has been less than six months since you gave birth due to the enlarged uterus. Perforation risk also goes up if you have fibroids that change your uterus’ shape.

Symptoms include severe pelvic pain that lasts more than a few days after insertion and possibly fever or unusual discharge. Let your provider know if you have severe or persistent pelvic pain so they can check for perforation.

Missing or Lost Strings

Many IUD users are advised to periodically check that the thin plastic IUD strings can be felt protruding from the cervical opening. But sometimes, the strings can seem to disappear, which is known as having missing or lost IUD strings.

This happens in around 2-10% of IUD users. It is not necessarily indicative of the IUD falling out. More commonly, the strings get tucked into the cervical canal or curled around the cervix. An ultrasound or x-ray can often locate the IUD.

If strings are not palpable, it’s important to visit your healthcare specialist for an examination. They can determine if your IUD is still in the proper position by using an exam or imaging techniques. If it has moved or partially expelled, it must be removed.

Rarely, missing strings may indicate perforation or expulsion. But in most cases, the IUD is still effective and in the right spot.

Changes in Menstrual Bleeding Patterns

It is common to experience irregular bleeding and spotting, especially in the first 3-6 months after IUD placement. This often improves over time.

Hormonal IUDs such as Mirena, Kyleena or Skyla can lighten periods or lead to no period at all. On the other hand, the nonhormonal ParaGard copper IUD often causes heavier bleeding and worse menstrual cramps.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have heavy or prolonged bleeding that is concerning, as it may indicate improper placement or a complication such as expulsion. They can also suggest medication options to help regulate or reduce bleeding patterns.

Get Personalized IUD Guidance from Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

While IUDs are very effective birth control options for many women, being aware of potential complications can help you make the best decision for your needs. Openly discuss any concerning symptoms that may arise after getting an IUD with your doctor.

Don’t hesitate to request a second opinion if needed. The risks of complications are low with proper insertion and follow-up care from an experienced provider.

Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness specializes in IUD insertions and management. Our team stays up-to-date on the latest IUD recommendations to provide the highest quality care.

We’re happy to address any questions or concerns you may have about IUDs and help you determine if it’s the right contraceptive choice for your lifestyle and health needs. Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule a consultation online to learn more about the benefits and potential risks of IUDs for pregnancy prevention.