Long-Term Contraception

Long-term birth control are highly-effective, nonpermanent methods for preventing pregnancy that do not have to be thought about on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis.

Once the method is removed, a woman’s fertility will quickly return and she will be able to get pregnant.

Long-term contraception does not provide protection against STIs. You will still need to use a condom to reduce your risk of contracting STIs.

Implanon®

What is it?

Implanon^® is a method of birth control that is a single matchstick- sized rod with progestin (a hormone) in it that is placed underneath the skin in your upper arm by a healthcare provider.

Once inserted, a small amount of progestin is slowly and continuously released. The progestin stops the release of the egg from the ovary. Pregnancy cannot occur if there is no egg to join with sperm.

The progestin thickens the cervical mucus making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?

Implanon^® is more than 99% effective and prevents pregnancy for three years.

Implanon^® does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infection (STIs).

Who should use it?

Implanon^® is a good choice for women who want a long-term method of birth control that is hidden and effective for a longer period of time.

This method may be a good choice for women who are sensitive to or cannot use estrogen containing hormonal methods.

IUS (Intra-Uterine System)

What is it?

Mirena^® Progestin-Only Intrauterine System or IUS is a T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health care provider.

The IUS is similar to an IUD but also contains a very small dose of the hormone progestin.

The progestin is slowly released over time and affects the lining of the uterus only. It does not circulate into the rest of the body.

The IUS prevents pregnancy by interfering with the movement of the sperm inside the uterus and the progestin prevents some women from ovulating (releasing an egg) at all, thus preventing the possibility of pregnancy.

The progestin in this IUS also decreases the amount of menstrual flow and cramping. Women experience irregular bleeding patterns for the first 3 months after insertion and often have a significantly decreased flow and cramping once their body adjusts to the IUS.

How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?

The IUS is more than 99.5% effective and prevents pregnancy for up to five years.

The IUS does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Who should use it?

Women who want to decrease the amount of bleeding and cramping during their periods, do not desire a pregnancy for an extended period of time and want the convenience of not having to do anything on an ongoing basis.

IUD (Intra-Uterine Device)

What is it?

Paragard^® IUD is a T-shaped copper-releasing device inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. The IUD works by interfering with the movement of the sperm inside the uterus. Sperm die within the uterus before they can fertilize the egg.

The IUD may increase the amount of bleeding during your period and increase menstrual cramping.

How effective is it at preventing pregnancy?

Greater than 99% effective and prevents pregnancy for 10 or more years.

The IUD does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Who should use it?

Women who want to avoid hormonal methods of birth control, do not desire a pregnancy for an extended period of time and want the convenience of not having to do anything on an ongoing basis.