Family Planning

At PGOMG, we provide confidential and educational family planning and pregnancy options in a safe and open environment. We understand that contraception choices are often viewed as complicated, with so many options currently available. We also understand that exploring pregnancy option decisions can be a very emotional and trying experience.

PGOMG providers and staff are thoroughly trained and prepared for any questions or concerns a patient may have regarding contraception and pregnancy options. We encourage patients to research all options, and come to us with questions so we can make the best possible recommendation. Please see our family planning and pregnancy options, listed below.

Birth Control Pill: “The Pill”

The birth control pill, commonly known as “the pill”, usually combines two hormones: estrogen and progestrogen. When taken daily, this hormonal contraception prevents pregnancy by inhibiting a women’s egg from leaving her ovaries, ovulation. Without an egg, sperm has nothing to join with and thus pregnancy cannot occur. Birth control pills are very effective when taken correctly, and are a popular form of contraception. To determine if the birth control pill is the right contraception choice for you, please speak with you PGOMG provider. The pill does not protect against STD’s.

Emergency Contraception, Plan B

Emergency contraception, also known as the “morning after pill” or Plan B, can be used in during the 72 hour period after intercourse in which standard contraception failed or was not used. Emergency contraception is not meant to be used as a primary form of contraception. When taken within 24 hours after unprotected intercourse, Plan B is 95% effective, and when taken within 72 hours it is 89% effective.

Patients should note that Plan B is not “the abortion pill”. Plan B does not protect against STDs that may have been contracted during unprotected sexual activity. It is a one dose pill, and is considered safe for most women who usually experience minimal side effects, such as cramping, fatigue, or nausea. Plan B may also alter the timing of your next period. If a patient has had unprotected sex in the past 72 hours, or regular contraceptive methods failed within this time frame, please contact PGOMG and ask about Plan B.

Mirena IUD

Mirena is an intrauterine device (IUD) that is placed into a women’s uterus by a trained PGOMG physician. Mirena releases the hormone progestin into the uterus, and this hormone prevents pregnancy, by thickening the cervical mucous, and thinning the lining of the uterus. The Mirena IUD can last up to five years and is a highly efficient form of contraception. Your periods will be lighter. Some women find IUDs to be more convenient than oral contraceptives (the pill) because IUDs do not require a daily routine. The Mirena IUD can be removed by a PGOMG physician on request, and patients who wish to become pregnant can try after the device is removed. To determine if the Mirena IUD is the right contraception choice for you, please speak with your PGOMG provider.

Nexplanon

Nexplanon is a small, flexible implant that is inserted into a patient’s inner, upper arm. The implant releases the hormone progestin, that prevent pregnancy and is 99% effective. Nexplanon can last up to three years. The most common side effect of the implant is a change in a women’s normal menstrual bleeding; i.e. periods were either longer or shorter than they were before Nexplanon was implanted. To determine is Nexplanon is the right contraception choice for you, please speak with your PGOMG physician.

Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control that can be either surgical or nonsurgical. Reversal of sterilization procedures is generally difficult or in certain cases, not possible. Patients who are considering sterilization as a permanent method of birth control should talk to their PGOMG physician in order to determine if this is the right course of action for them, and if so, which method of sterilization offered by PGOMG is best suited to their individual situation.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation, also known as when a woman has her “tubes tied”, is a surgical procedure that prevents pregnancy. Learn More About Tubal Ligation

Essure

Essure is an in-office, surgical procedure that facilitates a natural, permanent barrier to prevent pregnancy. During an Essure procedure, a PGOMG physician will place a small, flexible insert into a woman’s fallopian tubes via a catheter that is placed using a hysteroscope through the cervix and into the uterus. In the three months that follow the procedure, the women’s body will create a natural barrier within the fallopian tubes that blocks sperm from reaching an egg, thus preventing pregnancy.

To ascertain that the natural barrier has formed, PGOMG will order a confirmation test that lasts roughly thirty minutes, called a HSG. During the confirmation test, a dye is injected through the patient’s cervix, and an x-ray image is taken of the area to confirm that the insert is in place and will act as a permanent form of contraception. Essure inserts do not protect patients from STDs. Patients should note that the Essure procedure is not reversible. Patients who are interested in Essure usually:

• Are certain they do not want children or any more children
• Want to avoid surgery
• Want to avoid any routine-needed contraception methods, such as the pill

Essure is a hormone-free form of sterilization. Patients who are interested in Essure should discuss the procedure with their PGOMG physician.

For patients who have decided to end a pregnancy, PGOMG can assist with the complicated and challenging questions related to abortion. Please head to our page on pregnancy options for more information.