TILII TOPICS
Dr. Neetu K. Sodhi is an experienced gynecologist who works with you to choose the birth control option to best fit your needs. She educates you on your options and addresses your concerns at Bloom Obstetrics and Gynecology; serving the women of Tarzana, CA, the San Fernando Valley as well as the greater Los Angeles area.
Contraception (Birth Control)
What forms of contraception are available?
Dr. Sodhi provides all the different types of contraception available to women. Common methods include:
- Condoms
- Birth control pills, patches, rings
- Implant device: Nexplanon
- Sterilization procedures
- Intrauterine devices (IUDS): Mirena, Liletta, Skyla, Kyleena, Paragard, etc.
What exactly are Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)?
Intrauterine devices are the most popular type of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC). They are small devices that Dr. Sodhi can easily insert into your uterus during an office visit. They provide long-term, but not permanent, birth control varying from 3 to 10+ years of protection.
Other types of LARC are the Depoprovera shot which lasts 3 months and Nexplanon implant that lasts 3 years.
If I choose another method, do I still need to use condoms?
Condoms are the only aid in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Even with proper usage, however, condoms are not 100% guaranteed to prevent STI. Studies do show that condoms are highly effective at preventing HIV/AIDS transmission, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C. Condoms offer less, but still fair protection against Trichomoniasis. There is some evidence that condom usage is also associated with lower rates of HPV transmission. Condoms do not work as effectively against Herpes virus and genital warts as these infections spread easily through skin to skin contact, and require no exchange of bodily fluids.
Dr. Sodhi cautions all her patients of the potential risks (dependent on sexual behaviors) of STI contraction when using only non-barrier contraception.
How do I know which birth control method is right for me?
Dr. Sodhi invests a lot of time educating all her patients on all the contraceptive options as many women come in with preconceived notions about birth control methods based on inaccurate information passed down from family, friends or the internet. She will consider your lifestyle, your previous contraceptive choices, your medical history and family history to recommend specific options that might fit your needs best. Your comfort with the method chosen is of utmost importance. Dr. Sodhi has no interest in the method you choose beyond your satisfication and your protection.
Who should talk with Dr. Sodhi about contraception?
All women who are sexually active and want to avoid a potential pregnancy should make an appointment to speak with Dr. Sodhi about the contraceptive methods that are available at Bloom Obstetrics and Gynecology. Women who aren’t yet sexually active but may become sexually active in the near future also benefit from a consultation prior to exposing themselves to unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection.