Given the possibility of changes to the Affordable Care Act and it's associated reduction in birth control coverage, I thought it prudent to review some of our long acting options. Many of these will last at least 4 years, long enough to ensure that things will improve for us later. Let's go through a few options:
Annovera annual vaginal ring:
Annovera is a hormonal vaginal ring that lasts up to an entire year. It contains two hormones: an estrogen and a progesterone. It is inserted vaginally and removed each month to allow for a period. Just rinse it off and put it back in the container. Also, you can simply leave it in and you may be able to skip a few cycles! It is 97.3% effective in presenting pregnancy.
Intrauterine Device:
The intrauterine device has been in existence for many years. There are two types: hormonal and nonhormonal. The hormonal IUD contains just one hormone: progesterone. Placed in your uterus by one of our providers, it thins the lining of the uterus which makes for lighter (or nonexistent) periods, thickens the mucous of the cervix which keeps sperm from entering, and is a disruptive entity that keeps sperm from swimming forward. The longest acting hormonal IUD, Mirena, lasts up to 8 years. The nonhormonal IUD is hormone free, lasts up to 12 years, and you will still have periods, perhaps somewhat heavier. They are both 99% effective.
Nexplanon hormonal insert:
The Nexplanon hormonal insert is also done in our office. It is placed directly under the skin between the bicep and tricep muscle of your (usually) non-dominant arm under local anesthesia. It lasts up to 3 years and is over 99% effective. However, while most patients experience no periods (amenorrhea), some can have irregular cycles that may be unpredictable.
If any of these options appeal to you, please make sure to make your appointment with us ASAP!
Yours in happy and healthy Vaginas,
Dr. Nicole E. Williams, MD, FACOG, FACS