Ask the Doctor: New Options for Long-Term Birth Control

Let’s face it. Most couples need to determine a birth control method at some point in their relationship. While this can be challenging, thankfully, the number and types of birth control options available to women have increased—particularly long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) such as intrauterine devices or IUDs. The variety of options makes it easier for women to find a solution that works for them.

Dr. Deb Krahl, an OB-GYN at Clinic Sofia, a women’s clinic known for providing full-circle healthcare in a welcoming, supportive environment, explains some of the newer birth control options to help women evaluate what may work best for their own health and family planning.

What is new with birth control in the past few years?

Dr. Krahl:

Probably the biggest change is the increase in the number of different IUDs available to women today. For years, there was really only one option, the PARAGUARD®, which works great for many women but others can suffer from heavy bleeding. Mirena® is another brand many women may be familiar with and continue to use today. However, in the past few years, there are a couple of additional options that we can offer patients, options that don’t result in heavy bleeding or that are smaller in size and may work better for younger women or women who have not had children. These include Skyla® and Kyleena®.

How do IUDs work?

Dr. Krahl:

Small, t-shaped devices, IUDs are implanted in the uterus and release a small amount of the hormone progestin to thicken cervical mucus and keep sperm from entering the uterus. They can last between 3 to 5 years or can be taken out any time. In addition, they can be inserted and removed right in the doctor’s office.

Are more women seeking long-acting reversible or IUD options? Why?

Dr. Krahl:

Yes, we are seeing more and more women seek out these longer-term options. As IUDs have improved, more women are willing to try them and they are having good results, telling their friends and being more open about the benefits. For instance, the newer IUDs are more adaptable to younger women, they are not as painful to insert and remove, and they give women the freedom of not having to deal with heavy periods or the burden of having to remember to take a pill. Likewise, women who have completed their families or those who know they want to wait at least several years before starting one appreciate the simplicity of longer-acting birth control.

What about other options like the Pill?

Dr. Krahl:

Certainly, there are a host of other birth control methods that are still available and work well for many women. From condoms and birth control pills to implants, patches and more, women interested in family planning can now choose from the birth control that works best for their bodies, their interests and their lifestyle.

If someone is new to birth control, or returning to birth control after having kids, where should she start?

The best option is usually to talk with your doctor about what you are looking for in terms of birth control, She or he can explain new options to the market as well as tried-and-true birth control methods and recommend something that makes sense for your current needs. A great resource that breaks down the myriad birth control methods is https://www.bedsider.org/methods.

About Dr. Deb Krahl:

Dr. Krahl has been an OBGYN for the past 20 years—consistently ranking in the top 95 percent nationally in patient satisfaction scores. She sees patients at Clinic Sofia OBGYN, known for offering personalized and comprehensive healthcare for women in welcoming setting. Clinic Sofia has offices in Edina and Maple Grove.