There are many choices for family planning or contraception. You and your partner must choose the right method as a couple. The first decision to make is to determine if the method to be used is a permanent one or a reversible one; is the couple considering having more family in the future, or have they already completed their family?

At the Women’s Clinic of South Texas, we can help you in choosing the proper form of contraception that best suits your needs. We offer a wide variety of methods, including the Essure technique, which consists of a permanent method of sterilization that does not require any incision or scars. We are the first practice in the Valley to introduce this revolutionary method of contraception.

For more information on the many different methods for family planning, refer to the table below.

Primary Birth Control
Hormonal		 How to Use Effectiveness
(Perfect Use)		 Prescription Protects Agaist STDs
21-day and 28-day oral contraceptive (the Pill) Take 1 pill every day as directed. A period occurs every 28 days approximately 99% effective Yes No
Extended-cycle oral Contraceptive (the extended-cycle pill) Take 1 pill every day for 3 months as directed. A period occurs just 4 times a year Approximately 99% effective Yes No
Contraceptive Patch Apply to skin and change weekly Approximately 99% effective Yes No
Vaginal ring (hormonal; Insert monthly and leave in place for 21 days More than 98% effective Yes No
Injection Get injections every 3 months More than 99% effective Injections given in Doctor’s office No
IUD (hormonal) Inserted in the uterus and can remain for up to 5 years More than 99% effective IUD inserted in Doctor’s office No
Primary Birth Control
Non-Hormonal		 How to Use Effectiveness
(Perfect Use)		 Prescription Protects Agaist STDs
Spermicide Apply every time before sex 94% effective No Some
Diaphragm Insert every time before sex Up to 94% effective Yes Some
Cervical cap Insert every time before sex 91 % effective if never pregnant;74% after having children Yes Some
Female condom insert every time before sex 95% effective No Some
Male condom Partner must wear every time during sex Up to 97% effective No Yes, most condoms
IUD (copper) Inserted in the uterus and can remain for up to 10 years 98.5% effective UID inserted in Doctor’s office No
Female sterilization (”tubes tied”) or male Sterilization (vasectomy) No action required after surgery 99.5% effective (female); 99.9% effective (male) No. Performed surgically No
Emergency Contraception -if your primary method of birth control fails
Emergency contraceptive pill Take 1st pill within 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.Take 2nd pill 12 hours after the 1st dose 89% effective Yes* No