Birth Control Specialists

If having children just isn’t in the cards for you right now, there are many birth control options to suit most situations. At Capital Women’s Care, the team of OB/GYNs offers both short-term and long-term solutions, including birth control pills and IUDs. To learn how you can avoid an unwanted pregnancy, call to schedule an appointment.

​Rockville: 301-424-3444

Silver Spring: 301-593-5595

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Birth Control FAQs

What are the different types of birth control?

When it comes to birth control, there’s no shortage of options. In fact, the sheer number of choices can often be overwhelming. To help you break down the decision, here’s a review of the different types of methods:

Hormonal
One of the most effective ways to protect against pregnancy is by preventing your body from ovulating with hormonal birth control methods. What sets each of the options in this category apart is how they deliver the hormones. You can choose from:

• Oral pills
• Patches
• Implants
• IUDs
• Vaginal rings
• Injections

Barrier
Several barrier options can prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing your egg, including:

• Condoms
• Diaphragms/cervical caps
• IUDs
• Sponges
• Spermicide

Surgical
Several simple procedures permanently prevent pregnancy, including tubal ligation, hysterectomy, and a vasectomy for your partner.

Natural
If you prefer a natural approach to birth control, your options are:

• Abstinence
• Fertility awareness planning
• Outercourse

Which birth control method is right for me? 

Choosing the right birth control method is a highly personal decision that depends on your lifestyle and goals. Your OB/GYN at Capital Women’s Care sits down with you to review your medical history, your long-term plans and short-term goals, and any personal preferences to help you make the right decision.

For example, if you’re looking for a birth control method you don’t have to think about for the next few years, an IUD is a great option. If you want a method you can easily stop, the birth control pill is a good choice.

How effective is birth control? 

Many efficacy rates depend on how you use the birth control method. For example, if you’re on the pill and you skip a few days, your protection rates drop considerably.
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To give you an idea of the efficacy rates of the more common birth control methods (when used correctly), here are a few numbers:

• IUD: 99%
• Birth control pill: 91%
• Birth control implant: 99%
• Condom: 85%
• Diaphragm: 88%

The only birth control method that delivers 100% protection is abstinence, and it’s important to note none of these birth control methods, except condoms, protect you against sexually transmitted infections.

To help you navigate the world of birth control, call Capital Women's Care to book a consultation.
​​​​Rockville: 301-424-3444 | Silver Spring: 301-593-5595