Birth Control

Whether you are looking for an effective way to prevent pregnancy or want to discuss the other benefits of contraception, MultiCare providers are here to support you. We’ll discuss how each method works so you can weigh your options and select a contraceptive that meets your needs.

As part of this process, we can assist you in understanding your insurance coverage and what financial assistance you may be eligible for.

Contraception is any method used to prevent pregnancy. However, depending on the type, contraception can have additional uses, from regulating your period to preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

At MultiCare, we offer a full spectrum of birth control options:

Barrier methods — condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge

Barrier methods physically prevent pregnancy and need to be used every time you have sex. Condoms, available without a prescription, are the only type of contraception that prevents STIs. Other types of barrier methods, including diaphragms and cervical caps, require seeing a provider, since they need to be fitted to your body.

Short-acting hormonal methods — the pill, mini-pills, the patch, the shot, the ring

These methods change your hormones to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal birth control is also used to treat some conditions, like endometriosis. Some kinds of hormonal birth control prevent periods entirely.

However, hormonal birth control is not right for everyone. If you are over the age of 35 and you smoke or have a history of blood clots, these methods may increase your risk of stroke. Other side effects may include changes in mood, weight gain, headaches and high blood pressure.

Long-acting reversible birth control — intrauterine devices (IUD), the implant

Long-acting reversible birth control contains fewer hormones than other forms of hormonal birth control. Some do not contain any hormones at all. They are the most effective form of reversible birth control and are meant to be used over a span of years.

The implant, a small rod placed in the arm that releases hormones, lasts up to five years. The hormonal IUD lasts between three and six years, and the copper IUD, which does not have hormones, lasts up to 12 years.

Although some side effects may occur, they are often less severe than the side effects of short-acting hormonal birth control. Hormonal long-acting reversible birth control may prevent periods from happening. The copper IUD, on the other hand, may make periods heavier.

Sterilization — tubal ligation or occlusion, vasectomy

Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control that involves a medical procedure. If you are considering sterilization, our team can discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure, and if this option is right for you.