Natural Doctor Santa Fe

Birth Control | Santa Fe OBGYN

At Santa Fe OBGYN, we believe that your reproductive health is a deeply personal decision. We offer a wide range of contraceptive options to suit your needs, lifestyle, and future goals. Whether you’re seeking temporary birth control, long-term solutions, or something in between, we’re here to help guide you to the best choice for your body.

We provide a variety of safe, effective contraceptive methods—each with its benefits and considerations. Together, we’ll explore your options and determine what works best for you.

Your choice of contraception should reflect your lifestyle, health needs, and future family planning goals. At Santa Fe OBGYN, we take the time to understand your unique situation and help you choose the method that fits best. We provide thorough consultations, answer any questions you have, and offer guidance on how to use your chosen method correctly and effectively. No matter what method you choose, we’re here to support your health and well-being.

At Santa Fe OBGYN we provide the widest variety of safe, effective contraceptive methods—each with its benefits and considerations. Together, we’ll explore your options and determine what works best for you.

birth control doctor santa fe

Birth Control
Santa Fe OBGYN

At Santa Fe OBGYN, we believe that your reproductive health is a deeply personal decision. We offer a wide range of contraceptive options to suit your needs, lifestyle, and future goals. Whether you’re seeking temporary birth control, long-term solutions, or something in between, we’re here to help guide you to the best choice for your body.

We provide a variety of safe, effective contraceptive methods—each with its benefits and considerations. Together, we’ll explore your options and determine what works best for you.

Your choice of contraception should reflect your lifestyle, health needs, and future family planning goals. At Santa Fe OBGYN, we take the time to understand your unique situation and help you choose the method that fits best. We provide thorough consultations, answer any questions you have, and offer guidance on how to use your chosen method correctly and effectively. No matter what method you choose, we’re here to support your health and well-being.

At Santa Fe OBGYN we provide the widest variety of safe, effective contraceptive methods—each with its benefits and considerations. Together, we’ll explore your options and determine what works best for you.

Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control works by altering the natural hormonal cycle to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, or thin the uterine lining.
These options are convenient, highly effective, and come in various forms.

Birth Control Pills

Taken daily to prevent ovulation
Available in combination (estrogen and progestin) or progestin-only (mini-pill) versions
Benefits: Regulates periods, reduces menstrual cramps, and improves acne
Considerations: Requires daily consistency and may have side effects such as nausea or mood changes

Contraceptive Patch

A small patch worn on your skin (changed weekly for 3 weeks, with a patch-free week)
Releases estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream
Benefits: Convenient, no daily pills to remember
Considerations: Skin irritation and a higher risk of blood clots for some individuals
Can be less effective the longer you wait

Contraceptive Injection
(Depo-Provera)

An injection of progestin administered every 3 months
Benefits: Long-term, hassle-free contraception with fewer side effects than pills
Considerations: May cause irregular bleeding, weight gain, and a delay in fertility after stopping

Contraceptive Ring
(NuvaRing)

A small, flexible ring inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks at a time
Releases estrogen and progestin
Benefits: Low-maintenance, effective, and allows for regular periods
Considerations: Some may experience vaginal irritation or dischargecan be less effective the longer you wait

Other Birth Control Methods

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC)

LARC methods are highly effective, low-maintenance, and offer long-term contraception without requiring daily action.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

A small, T-shaped device placed inside the uterus by a healthcare provider
Available in hormonal (releases progestin) or copper (non-hormonal) versions
Benefits: Effective for 3-10 years (depending on the type), reversible, and maintenance-free
Considerations: Some individuals may experience discomfort or heavier periods with a copper IUD

Implant (Nexplanon®)

A small rod inserted under the skin of your arm, releasing progestin over time
Benefits: Lasts up to 3 years, very effective, and no need to remember daily pills
Considerations: May cause changes in periods, including irregular bleeding

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods prevent sperm from entering the uterus, and they’re often used in combination with other methods for extra protection.

Male and Female Condoms

Male condoms are worn on the penis; female condoms are worn inside the vagina
Benefits: Available over the counter, no prescription required, and offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Considerations: Must be used correctly every time; may break or slip if not used properly

Diaphragm or Cervical Cap

A silicone cup inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix, often used with spermicide
Benefits: Non-hormonal, used only when needed
Considerations: Requires fitting by a healthcare provider; not as effective without spermicide

Permanent Contraception
(Sterilization)

If you're certain that you don’t want any more children or any children at all, permanent contraception may be an option.

Tubal Ligation (Female Sterilization)

A surgical procedure where the fallopian tubes removed to prevent pregnancy
Benefits: Permanent, highly effective, and no long-term maintenance required
Considerations: Surgical procedure with some risk; not reversible

Vasectomy (Male Sterilization)

A surgical procedure for men where the vas deferens are cut or sealed to prevent sperm from entering the semen
Benefits: Permanent, highly effective, and easier to perform than female sterilization
Considerations: Requires a few months for complete sterility, not reversible

Alternative Contraception Methods

Fertility Awareness Methods

This natural form of contraception involves tracking your menstrual cycle and avoiding unprotected sex during your fertile window.

Natural Family Planning (NFP)

Methods include tracking basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and menstrual cycles
Benefits: No hormones or devices, and can help you understand your body’s rhythms
Considerations: Requires commitment and consistency; not as effective as other methods, especially if cycles are irregular

Emergency Contraception (Plan B)

In case of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, emergency contraception can be used to reduce the risk of pregnancy. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the event.

Plan B® or Ella®

Available over the counter (Plan B) or by prescription (Ella)
Benefits: Prevents or delays ovulation to reduce the risk of pregnancy
Considerations: Works best within 72 hours (Plan B) or up to 5 days (Ella) after unprotected sex, but can be less effective the longer you wait