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Understanding contraception is one of the most important steps a woman can take in managing her reproductive health. This educational resource draws on a recorded podcast episode featuring Dr. Stephanie Lam, in which she discusses how women can choose the right birth control method, the non-contraceptive benefits many options offer, and what patients should know about STD protection. Whether you are exploring your options for the first time or reconsidering your current method, this blog is intended to support informed conversations with your healthcare provider. To learn more about women’s health resources available through our practice, please contact us for details.

Types of Contraception: What the Research Tells Us

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), contraception options are broadly categorized by method type, effectiveness rate, and duration of use. Dr. Lam’s podcast discussion outlines the major categories women encounter when speaking with their providers.

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal contraception includes combined oral contraceptive pills, progestin-only pills, hormonal IUDs, contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, and injectable contraceptives. According to ACOG, combined oral contraceptives are approximately 91% effective with typical use and up to 99% effective with perfect use. These methods work primarily by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. The hormonal IUD, such as the levonorgestrel-releasing system, is more than 99% effective and approved for use for three to eight years depending on the brand, as noted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) include both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs, as well as the subdermal implant. The copper IUD is a non-hormonal option that may also be used as emergency contraception when placed within five days of unprotected intercourse, according to ACOG. LARCs are considered among the most effective reversible methods available, with fewer than 1 in 100 women experiencing unintended pregnancy per year of use. Dr. Lam emphasizes that LARCs are appropriate for adolescents, nulliparous women, and those who have completed childbearing, and that fertility typically returns promptly after removal.

Barrier Methods and Emergency Contraception

Barrier methods, including male and female condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Of these, condoms are the only contraceptive method that also reduces the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Emergency contraception, including levonorgestrel pills and the copper IUD, may reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It is not intended for routine use and does not protect against STIs. Patients are encouraged to explore our podcasts on gynecology for additional expert-led discussions on women’s reproductive health topics.

Non-Contraceptive Benefits of Birth Control

In this podcast episode, Dr. Lam highlights that many women use hormonal contraception not only to prevent pregnancy, but also to manage a range of gynecologic symptoms and conditions. These non-contraceptive applications are well-documented in the medical literature.

Menstrual Symptom Management

Combined oral contraceptives have been shown in multiple peer-reviewed studies to reduce the frequency and severity of dysmenorrhea (painful periods), decrease menstrual blood loss in women with heavy periods, and improve symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). According to a 2019 review published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, hormonal contraceptives may help reduce pain and bleeding in women diagnosed with endometriosis, though they are not a curative treatment.

Acne, PCOS, and Hormonal Conditions

The FDA has approved certain combined oral contraceptives specifically for the treatment of moderate acne in women who also desire contraception. According to ACOG, hormonal contraceptives may also help manage symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including irregular cycles, excess androgen activity, and ovarian cyst formation. Women with PCOS considering contraception are encouraged to discuss the full range of options with a qualified provider, as individual health profiles vary. For further context on related women’s health topics, our educational blog offers additional clinical resources.

Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer Risk Reduction

Research published in The Lancet has found that long-term use of combined oral contraceptives is associated with a reduced relative risk of both ovarian and endometrial cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, this protective association may persist for several decades after discontinuation. Dr. Lam notes that patients should discuss their personal and family medical histories with their provider to determine whether these considerations are relevant to their contraceptive decision-making. Individual results and risk profiles vary.

Choosing the Right Contraception: Factors That Guide the Conversation

According to Dr. Lam’s podcast discussion and ACOG clinical guidance, selecting the most appropriate contraceptive method involves a thorough review of a patient’s medical history, reproductive goals, lifestyle factors, and personal preferences. There is no single method that is appropriate for every patient.

Medical History and Contraindications

Certain medical conditions may affect which contraceptive methods are safe for a given patient. According to the World Health Organization’s Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (WHO MEC), combined hormonal contraceptives are generally not recommended for women with a history of deep vein thrombosis, certain migraine subtypes, uncontrolled hypertension, or specific cardiovascular conditions. A thorough clinical evaluation is the appropriate starting point for any contraceptive consultation.

Reproductive Goals and Reversibility

Women who may wish to conceive in the near term may prefer short-acting reversible methods, while those seeking longer-term contraception may find LARCs to be a practical option. According to ACOG, fertility returns quickly following removal of most hormonal contraceptives, though individual timelines vary. Patients are encouraged to discuss timing and reproductive planning with their OBGYN provider. For patients interested in broader women’s health conversations, our podcasts on fertility offer educational perspectives from qualified specialists.

STI Protection: A Distinct but Related Consideration

Dr. Lam’s episode clearly distinguishes between pregnancy prevention and STI protection. With the exception of condoms, contraceptive methods do not reduce the risk of STI transmission. The CDC recommends consistent condom use for individuals at risk of STIs, regardless of whether they are using another contraceptive method. This dual-method approach is widely supported in the reproductive health literature and is an important point of patient education.

Why Choose Carnegie Imaging for Women for Women’s Health Education and Care

Carnegie Imaging for Women is committed to serving as a trusted educational resource for women navigating complex health decisions, including contraception. As part of a partnership with Mount Sinai West, the practice brings academic-level expertise to its patients. Physicians at Carnegie Imaging for Women are board-certified in Maternal Fetal Medicine, and sonographers hold full registration as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers with specialty certification in OB-GYN imaging. On-site genetic counselors and board-certified MFM specialists support patients requiring additional diagnostic guidance. Women in Manhattan and the surrounding New York City area can explore a growing library of expert-led podcast episodes and clinical resources through our gynecology podcast series and our clinical publications. We encourage patients to use these resources to support informed conversations with their own healthcare providers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contraception

What is the most effective form of contraception available?

According to ACOG, long-acting reversible contraceptives such as hormonal IUDs and the subdermal implant are among the most effective methods available, with failure rates of less than 1% per year with typical use. Permanent methods such as tubal ligation are also highly effective. The right choice depends on a patient’s individual health history, reproductive goals, and personal preferences. A qualified provider can help guide that decision.

Does hormonal contraception affect long-term fertility?

Research published in peer-reviewed literature, including studies cited by ACOG, suggests that hormonal contraceptives do not cause long-term impairment of fertility. Most women who discontinue hormonal methods resume ovulation within one to three months. Individual timelines vary. Women with underlying conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis may have separate fertility considerations that are worth discussing with an OBGYN provider.

Are there contraceptive options that do not contain hormones?

Yes. Non-hormonal options include the copper IUD, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and fertility awareness-based methods. The copper IUD is one of the most effective non-hormonal options, with more than 99% effectiveness, according to ACOG. Barrier methods are less effective with typical use but carry fewer systemic effects. Patients who prefer to avoid hormones should discuss non-hormonal alternatives with their provider.

Can contraception be used to manage conditions like endometriosis or PCOS?

According to ACOG and peer-reviewed literature, hormonal contraceptives are commonly used to help manage symptoms associated with endometriosis and PCOS, including painful periods, irregular cycles, and hormonal imbalances. These applications are well-supported in clinical practice. Hormonal contraceptives are not a cure for either condition, and their use for symptom management should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider who can evaluate individual health needs.

Where can I find additional women’s health educational resources in New York City?

Carnegie Imaging for Women provides a range of educational resources for patients in Manhattan and the greater New York City area, including expert-led podcast episodes on gynecology, fertility, genetics, and more. Patients can explore our gynecology podcast series and our educational blog to access additional clinical information. Individual results and recommendations vary, and all content is intended to support, not replace, conversations with a qualified healthcare provider.

For women in New York City seeking reliable information on contraception and women’s reproductive health, Carnegie Imaging for Women is committed to providing evidence-based educational resources. To learn more about our services or to speak with our team, please call us for details. Individual health needs vary, and all information on this page is intended to support informed conversations with a qualified healthcare provider.

Carnegie Imaging for Women blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!