At Northwest Women's Center in Houston, TX, we provide compassionate, personalized services to help women make informed decisions about birth control. Whether you're starting contraception for the first time or looking to switch methods, our experienced team of OB/GYNs and nurse practitioners offers a range of safe and reliable options to suit your needs.
From short-term solutions to long-acting alternatives, we're here to guide you through every step with clarity and support – always keeping your health, lifestyle, and future plans in mind.
Reasons to Start Birth Control
Modern women need to be in control of their bodies, their relationships, and their lives. Using birth control allows a woman to have a rewarding sex life without worrying about an unwanted pregnancy. Furthermore, women may start birth control to:
- Regulate inconsistent or heavy periods
- Reduce menstrual cramps
- Manage acne
- Treat symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis
- Control hormonal fluctuations
- Reduce the risk of certain cancers (including ovarian and endometrial cancer)
While there are people who don't believe in using birth control, at Northwest Women's Center, we urge those who are sexually active to use some sort of contraception.
Types of Birth Control: 5 Categories
When it comes to birth control, there isn't a shortage of options. There are five main categories:
- Hormonal methods: These methods use hormones to prevent the body from releasing an egg for fertilization. Hormonal methods include birth control pills, patches, implants, shots (Depo-Provera), and the birth control ring.
- Barrier methods: These methods utilize either physical or chemical barriers to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms, diaphragms, and sterilization methods fall into this category.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs): IUDs prevent pregnancy. There are both copper and hormonal options.
- Natural methods: Natural types, such as withdrawal and fertility awareness methods, are not considered reliable forms of birth control.
- Emergency contraception: Emergency contraception, such as the Plan B pill, is a backup for regular birth control. These methods delay or prevent ovulation to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
The Most Effective Method
The effectiveness of your birth control has two components: the method itself and you. Say you miss a day or two of your birth control pill or don't get a new transdermal patch on time. These kinds of behaviors increase your risk of an unwanted pregnancy.
Generally, modern IUDs are the most reliable and effective form of birth control. They can last for up to 10 years, depending on the device you choose, require no attention whatsoever, and are over 99 percent effective.
Birth control pills are also 99 percent effective when used correctly. When factors liked missed days are included, though, birth control pills' efficacy drops to about 91 percent. Barrier methods, such as diaphragms, typically have effectiveness rates in the 80s when real-life factors are taken into account.
Choosing The Right Method
At Northwest Women's Center, we will provide you with all of the available information on every form of birth control. Ultimately, though, the method you choose is up to you. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Birth control pills: Easy to start, but must be taken daily
- IUDs: Long-lasting and low maintenance, but require in-office placement.
- Implants and shots: Highly effective and convenient, though they may cause irregular bleeding or delay return to fertility.
- Barrier methods (condoms): Hormone-free and protect against STDs, but are less reliable for pregnancy prevention.
Your health goals, lifestyle, and comfort level with maintenance and procedures all play a role in finding the right method.
Cost of Birth Control
Birth control cost varies widely, but most insurance plans cover birth control pills, IUDs, and other options. During your consultation, we will discuss all concerns, including cost, and help you choose the most appropriate type.
Why Choose Northwest Women's Center?
Northwest Women's Center in Houston offers personalized, full-spectrum gynecologic care, including trusted birth control solutions for women at every stage of life.Â
Whether you're considering short-term options or long-term contraception, our experienced providers – including two Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – are committed to clear communication and compassionate treatment. With decades of experience and a holistic, patient-first approach, Northwest Women's Center is a reliable partner for women of all ages.
Birth Control FAQs
Yes. There is no completely foolproof form of birth control other than not having sex at all. However, methods like IUDs are extremely reliable and can significantly reduce your risk of pregnancy.
No, but it takes a little practice to learn how to insert them. During the fitting appointment, patients will have the opportunity to practice inserting the diaphragm. Remember that diaphragms should be used with spermicide for greater effectiveness.
Yes, certain types of birth control – especially combination hormonal methods like the pill, patch, or ring – can help regulate menstrual cycles. These methods work by delivering consistent levels of estrogen and progestin, which help stabilize the hormonal fluctuations that often cause irregular bleeding.
Many women find that their cycles become more predictable after a few months of consistent use. Birth control may also reduce symptoms like heavy bleeding or painful cramps.
That said, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, or uterine abnormalities before starting treatment.
Yes, using birth control continuously to skip periods is considered safe for most people.
This method involves taking active hormonal pills continuously or replacing patches/rings without the usual break. Skipping the placebo or hormone-free week prevents withdrawal bleeding (often mistaken for a natural period).
Many healthcare providers support this approach, especially for individuals who experience migraines, painful cramps, endometriosis, or anemia during menstruation. While some users may experience occasional spotting, this often decreases over time.
Always speak with a provider to determine whether continuous use is appropriate based on your health history and preferred type of birth control.
The time it takes for birth control to become effective depends on the method used.
Combination pills typically begin preventing pregnancy after 7 days if started at any point in the cycle. However, they may offer immediate protection if taken within the first 5 days of your period. Progestin-only pills often require 48 hours to become effective.
For the birth control patch and vaginal ring, if you start using them within the first five days of your period, you're protected right away. If you start at any other time in your cycle, you'll need to use a backup method (like condoms) for the first 7 days.
With the birth control shot, you're protected immediately if you get it during the first five days of your period. If you receive it later, it takes 7 days to take effect.
If you're unsure, use a backup method during the first week of use. Consult your provider for guidance based on your specific situation as well.
Yes, many forms of birth control are safe to use while breastfeeding, but the type matters. Progestin-only options – like the mini-pill, hormonal IUD, shot, or implant – are often preferred because they don't affect milk supply. Estrogen-containing methods may decrease milk production, particularly in the early postpartum period, so they're usually avoided for the first six weeks or longer.
We offer a variety of birth control options in Houston, TX and are happy to help you find your perfect method! Let us help you by giving us a call or filling out our contact form below!