Our Services / Contraception

Contraception services offered in Johnson, Springdale, Rogers, Siloam Springs and Eureka Springs, AR and Integris Physician's Building, Grove, OK

Choosing the right type of contraception may seem overwhelming considering the number of choices and variables like effectiveness and ease of use. But you don't need to figure it out on your own because the board-certified OB/GYNs at the women's health center at Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates are available to explain your options and help you choose the best contraceptive for your lifestyle. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Springdale, Rogers, Siloam Springs, or Eureka Springs, Arkansas, or use the online booking feature today.

Contraception Q & A

What type of contraception might I receive?

The women's health center at Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates offers many types of contraception, ensuring you can choose the birth control that's best for your health, lifestyle, and future pregnancy plans.

Before getting contraception, your provider reviews your medical and menstrual history and does a pelvic exam. These steps are important to be sure you don't have health concerns that affect the type of contraceptive you can safely use.

Your provider also explains the benefits and risks of different contraceptives, but patients are usually most interested in their effectiveness, so here's a quick rundown:

Tubal ligation (female sterilization) - 99% effective
Intrauterine device (hormone or copper) - 99% effective
Birth control implant (Nexplanon®) - 99% effective
Birth control shot (Depo-Provera®) - 94-99% effective
Vaginal ring (NuvaRing®) - 91-99% effective
Birth control pills and patches - 91-99% effective
Diaphragm - 86-96% effective
Cervical cap - 71-96% effective

The effectiveness of the last five contraceptives in this list varies depending on whether you use them properly. For example, birth control pills are 99% effective if you remember to take your pill every day around the same time. If you forget pills, their effectiveness drops to 91%.

The same concept holds true for shots, the vaginal ring, diaphragm, and cervical cap. You get the highest level of effectiveness if you get each shot on time, replace the old vaginal ring with a new one when needed, and use the diaphragm or cervical cap every time you have sex.

How do hormone-based contraceptives work?

Contraceptives that contain hormones prevent pregnancy by changing different aspects of your reproductive system. The hormones may stop the ovaries from releasing an egg, change the uterine lining (preventing a fertilized egg from implanting), or change the quality of your cervical mucus (preventing sperm from getting into your uterus).

What are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC)?

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control implants are called LARCs because your provider inserts them once, and then they can stay in place, continuously preventing pregnancy for 3-10 years, depending on which type you use.

LARCs are more than 99% effective, yet they're easy to reverse. Your provider can remove the IUD or implant at any time, and you can safely get pregnant.

If you need contraception, call Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates or book an appointment online today.