Family Planning Specialist

Which type of contraception is best for me?

There are more safe and effective means of contraception today for women than ever. Dr. Nanayakkara is well versed in all options and can help you select the one that best fits your body, comfort, and lifestyle. Some questions the doctor will ask you are:

• Do you plan to become pregnant in the near or distant future?
• Will you remember to take a pill daily?
• Do you have any sensitivity to latex?
• Do you have any issue in taking hormones?

What are the most popular forms of birth control today?

The list includes:

• The pill. The pill is 99% effective and has been among the leading forms of contraception for over 20 years.  

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs). These are tiny devices are implanted by Dr. Nanayakkara, during a quick office visit and removed just as easily at a later time when you are ready to become pregnant. There are two types of IUDs. Both work by preventing sperm movement. A hormonal IUD accomplishes this by releasing progestin, which thickens cervical mucus to prevent movement. A copper IUD relies on copper ions to prevent sperm from reaching an egg.

• Implant birth control. Implants are thin, plastic matchstick-size devices, that are implanted beneath the skin on inside of the upper arm. Implants can prevent pregnancy up to 4 years by continually releasing the hormone progestin, which inhibits sperm movement and ovulation.

• Contraceptive shots. Injected every 3 months, progestin shots work similarly to implant birth control devices.

• Barrier methods. These include male and female condoms, sponges, diaphragms, and spermicidal foam.

What type of permanent forms of birth control are available?

For women who are certain they don’t want to become pregnant, there are two options for permanent birth control. These are:

• Fallopian tube occlusion. This non-surgical procedure entails implanting a coil inside the fallopian tubes, which causes a mild irritation that results in the formation of scar tissue. The scar tissues acts as a natural barrier that prevents eggs and sperm from connecting. Three months after the procedure, Dr. Nanayakkara performs an ultrasound to confirm that the tubes are fully blocked.  

• Tubal ligation. A surgical procedure to block the fallopian tubes.