Choosing the right type of birth control is a personal decision that depends on your lifestyle, health, and plans. In the United States, 10.4% of women aged 15-49 opt for long-term reversible contraception.
If you’re looking for something reliable and low-maintenance, long-term reversible contraception might be a great option. At Desert Hills Care Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, we help you understand the contraceptive choices available and find the best method for you.
Long-term reversible birth control methods prevent pregnancy for 3-10 years depending on the type you choose. As the name suggests, these options are reversible, so you can stop using them whenever you’re ready to try for a baby or want to switch methods.
The two main types of long-term reversible contraception are intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants.
An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that our board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Helard Ballon-Hennings, inserts into your uterus. It’s a quick in-office procedure that usually takes just a few minutes.
There are two types of IUDs. Hormonal IUDs release small amounts of the hormone progestin, which thickens cervical mucus to reduce sperm’s ability to reach the egg and may also stop ovulation. A copper IUD doesn’t use hormones. The copper creates an environment in which sperm can’t survive.
Hormonal IUDs last 3-8 years, depending on the brand, and the copper IUD lasts up to 10 years. Both types have success rates exceeding 99% in preventing conception.
Birth control implants are small, flexible rods about the size of a matchstick. They go under the skin of your upper arm; from there they release a steady dose of progestin. An implant lasts up to 3 years and is more than 99% successful in preventing pregnancy.
The characteristics that make long-term contraception so popular are that it is:
Long-term reversible contraception is more effective at preventing pregnancy than most other methods.
Once your chosen contraception is in place, there’s nothing to remember daily, weekly, or monthly.
No one will know you’re using long-term reversible contraception unless you tell them.
When you’re ready, we remove the device so you can try to conceive.
Over time, long-term reversible contraception can be cheaper than other birth control methods.
As with any medication or procedure, side effects are possible. Hormonal IUDs and implants may cause:
Copper IUDs may cause heavier or crampier periods (especially in the first few months) and spotting between periods.
Most side effects improve after your body adjusts. However, if they’re bothering you, our Desert Hills Care Center team is always here to help.
A trained health care provider must fit and remove IUDs and implants. We complete these procedures in-office in a couple of minutes.
You may feel some cramping during IUD insertion, but this usually passes quickly. For implants, we numb your arm first, so you’ll likely sense only slight pressure.
Removal is also done in-office in just a few minutes. Fertility returns quickly after removal, and many people get pregnant within a few months.
Long-term reversible contraception methods are safe for most people. However, they might not be the best fit if you have certain uterine conditions that make insertion difficult, a history of hormone-sensitive cancers (for hormonal methods), or are allergic to any of the device components.
That’s why we always recommend a personal consultation to review your medical history and discuss what will work best for you.
We believe birth control should fit your body, your lifestyle, and your future goals. If you’re not ready now, but you think you might want a family later on, long-term reversible contraception offers peace of mind in the meantime.
If you’re curious about long-term reversible contraception or want to explore your options, the Desert Hills Care Center team is here to guide you. Schedule a consultation today by phone or online, and let’s talk about what would work best for you.
