Long Term Birth Control

A woman uses some form of birth control for many years of her life. Choosing the most appropriate birth control method comes from considering multiple factors. These include:

Success rate at pregnancy prevention
Ease of use
Existing health concerns
Potential for prevention of sexually transmitted disease

At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, our practitioners build relationships with their patients that enable collaboration for pregnancy prevention. We offer several different forms of long-term birth control.

Implants, Injections, Rings, and Patches - Hormonal Birth Control Options

The most recognized hormonal birth control option is the pill. Oral contraceptives, which are considered between 97 and 99 percent effective if used ideally, contain synthetic hormones. This form of contraception requires a woman to take a pill every day at about the same time. Each pill delivers precise hormones to prevent pregnancy. When the cycle of hormone pills is complete, menstruation occurs. Women may choose from the combination pill, which contains estrogen and progestin, or the mini-pill, which contains progestin only. Failure rate may be higher if not used correctly.

Injections may also be given in our office as a long-term birth control option. Injections of long-acting synthetic progesterone are given by your physician or assistant every three months. Like the mini-pill, injections contain no estrogen. Effectiveness is achieved through the prevention of egg release from the ovary. Injections also promote the thickening of cervical mucus, which impedes the progress of sperm. Injections are 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.

Hormone patches are as effective as oral contraceptives, with the added benefit of easy use. With hormone patches, it is not necessary to remember to take a pill daily. The adhesive patch delivers hormones transdermally, or through the skin, in a discreet, continual manner. Patches are replaced weekly.

Vaginal rings contain etonogestrel (a type of progestin) and estradiol. These hormones are continually released in low levels and absorbed into the bloodstream. Rings are kept in the vagina for three weeks and then removed for one to allow normal menstruation.

Contraceptive implants can remain in place for three years, continually releasing progestin etonogestrel into the blood stream. Insertion of the implant into the upper arm takes place with local anesthesia in our Chicago office. Within 24 hours of insertion, protection from pregnancy is established. After the removal of a contraceptive implant, fertility quickly returns.

IUD

An intrauterine device, or IUD, is birth control that makes it difficult for an egg to become fertilized and implanted into the uterus. The small, T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus in our office. When we insert the IUD in our Chicago area office, the arms of the T are down. Once inserted, these arms open up and rest at the base of the uterus, above the cervix. A string is attached to the tail of the T, serving as a way to ensure the device is in place.

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Sterilization by Laparoscopy

A type of permanent birth control is sterilization. This type of pregnancy prevention, called tubal sterilization, prevents the movement of an egg to the uterus via the fallopian tubes. Some women have their “tubes tied” after their final childbirth, in a minor surgical procedure.

Laparoscopic sterilization is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are closed off. This is accomplished via a small incision near the navel. Using an instrument called a laparoscope; your physician locates the fallopian tubes and places clips or bands to close each. The procedure is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, so patients are able to return home the same day. Results from laparoscopic sterilization are immediate.

At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD; Margaret Kistner, MD; and Brandon Anhalt, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

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Success Stories

Jen Weitz
"Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

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Melissa P.
"Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

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Jeanne S.
"I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

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Kelly C.
"Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

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Ashes M.
"Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

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Mengmeng L.
"Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

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Anahita K.
"Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

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Dana M.
"I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
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Barbara A

"I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

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Long Term Birth Control

IUD

Sterilization by Laparoscopy

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At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Success Stories