Choosing a method of contraception is an important decision that will impact a woman’s daily life. During your appointment discuss your options with Dr Erhard. Together you can decide which method is right for you is essential to successful protection for you and your partner. At Minnesota Gynecology and Aesthetics Dr Erhard will provide you with information about the different types of contraceptives, advantages and disadvantages of each option, and answer any questions or concerns you have.

Birth control methods have many different variable factors including frequency, convenience, permanence and effectiveness. It is important to take into consideration your life, age, health, and previous experiences. The decision is ultimately yours, but using our knowledge and experience can help you make the right choice.

Tubal ligation- A surgical procedure that cuts through the abdomen to reach the fallopian tubes, which are then sealed off to prevent pregnancy. Also known as "having your tubes tied" or "female sterilization".

• One-time, permanent procedure
• No need for temporary birth control
• No hormones
• Post surgical pain/discomfort, risk of infection
• Risks associated with general anesthesia
• Recovery time
• Some risk of ectopic pregnancy
• No protection from STDs
• 0.5% failure rate 

Vasectomy-  A surgical procedure for men where an incision is made into the scrotum, and then the tube that carries sperm out of the testes is sealed or blocked. Afterwards, a man can still achieve orgasm and ejaculate, but there is no sperm in the fluid, so it cannot fertilize a woman's egg.

• One-time, permanent procedure
• No hormones
• Post surgical pain/discomfort, risk of infection
• No protection from STDs
• 0.15% failure rate 

Oral Contraceptives (Birth control pills)  Daily pill that either contains the hormones estrogen and progestin, or progestin only.

• More predictable menstrual cycle
• Hormone side effects may include abdominal pain, acne, back pain, weight gain, breast tenderness, moodiness
• Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Risks are increased in women over age 35 who smoke
• Must be taken every day at a certain time
• No protection from STDs
• 8% failure rate 

Patch (OrthoEvra™)  Skin patch that releases the hormones estrogen and progesterone. A new patch is applied once a week for 3 consecutive weeks, and left off for one week per month.

• Convenience
• Applied only once a week
• Visibility
• May fall off, increasing risk of pregnancy
• Forgetting to change patch on correct day requires use of backup contraception
• Side effects may include nausea, skin irritation, breast tenderness, and mood swings
• Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Risks are increased in women over age 35 who smoke
• 8% (less effective in women who weigh more than 198 pounds)failure rate
• Read more about the OrthoEvra Patch 

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing™)  A flexible plastic ring inserted into the vagina once a month, slowly releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin.

• Inserted only once a month
• Side effects of ring may include vaginal infections, irritation
• Hormone side effects may include abdominal pain, acne, back pain, breast tenderness, moodiness
• Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Risks are increased in women over age 35 who smoke
• Risk of ring falling out. If it remains out for more than 3 hours, must use backup contraception
• No protection from STDs
• 8% failure rate
• Read more about the NuvaRing

Hormone shot (Depo-Provera™ injection)  An injection of the hormone progestin given every 3 months.

• Only needed once every 3 months
• Hormone side effects may include irregular periods, spotting, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches
• Prolonged use may result in bone loss - therefore not recommended for use for more than 2 years
• Possible delayed return to fertility after stopping the injections
• No protection from STDs
• 3% failure rate

Male condom (latex)  Disposable latex sheath placed on penis.

• Best protection from STDs
• No hormones
• May break
• Can only be used once
• Risk of allergic reactions
• 15% failure rate

Female condom Similar to a male condom, inserted into vagina with a flexible ring at the closed top.

• Some protection from STDs
• No hormones
• Can only be used once
• Risk of allergic reactions
• May extend outside of
• 21% failure rate

Diaphragm w/ spermicide- Flexible, dome-shaped rubber disk used to cover the cervix each time a woman has intercourse. Spermicide is applied before insertion into the vagina. Must be fitted by a healthcare professional.

• No hormones
• Must be inserted correctly
• Must be left in place at least 6 hours after intercourse
• Additional spermicide must be used for repeated intercourse
• Risk of toxic shock syndrome if not removed within 24 hours
• 16% failure rate

Spermicide alone A foam, cream, jelly, suppository, or film that contains nonoxynol-9, an ingredient that kills sperm.

• Only used when needed
• Less effective
• May cause irritation, allergic reactions, or urinary tract infections
• No protection from STDs
• 29% failure rate