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Birth Control Specialist

Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin

Mary Grace Bridges, MD

Obstetrician & Gynecologist & Breast Surgery located in Odessa, TX

When it comes to a woman’s health, birth control is an essential tool that helps them stay in control of their body and well-being. Mary Grace Bridges, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin in Odessa and Midland, Texas, takes a personalized approach to care. She works one-on-one with you to help you find the birth control method that best meets your health and family planning needs. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

Birth Control Q & A

What is birth control?

Birth control, or contraception, prevents pregnancy and includes various behaviors, devices, medications, and procedures.

Committed to providing compassionate and personalized care at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, Dr. Bridges offers birth control counseling and recommendations to help you find the method that best suits your health and family planning needs.

What are the types of birth control?

There are many types of birth control. Some you can pick up at your local convenience store, while others require a visit to your OB/GYN.

Common types of birth control include:

Surgical sterilization

Surgical sterilization is a permanent form of birth control. For women, Dr. Bridges performs a tubal ligation that cuts or blocks the fallopian tubes and prevents sperm from reaching an egg.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)

LARCs are birth control devices, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the birth control implant. LARCs prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation or preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Once in place, LARCs may prevent pregnancy anywhere from three to 10 years.

Short-acting hormonal birth control

The birth control pill, patch, and birth control shot are types of short-acting hormonal birth control. They prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation.

Barrier methods

Barrier methods of birth control prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps are examples of barrier methods of birth control.

Condoms also offer some protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Dr. Bridges may recommend condoms as a secondary form of birth control to protect you from contracting an STD.

What happens during a birth control consultation?

You can expect a compassionate and patient-centered exam when you come in to see Dr. Bridges at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin for a birth control consultation. She asks detailed questions about your current and future pregnancy plans and reviews your medical and gynecological history.

Dr. Bridges talks to you about your birth control options and helps you decide what method makes the best choice for you.

Though not always necessary for a birth control consultation, Dr. Bridges may perform a physical and pelvic exam during your consultation to fully understand your health needs.

Call Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, or book an appointment online to schedule your birth control consultation today.