Why Birth Control May Be More Affordable Than Ever

Cost and lack of viable options are no longer barriers to birth control for women. Thanks to health care reforms last year, private insurance companies must now cover key women’s preventive health services, including birth control, without copays or other extra charges. That means that birth control—even some of the more expensive options—is available to more women in the United States than ever before. In addition, a growing number of birth control options offer flexibility in terms of type and timing.

In addition to the Pill, some of the long-term birth control options for patients, include:

Mirena: An intrauterine birth control, Mirena is made of soft, flexible plastic and is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. Particularly recommended for women who have already given birth, it works by releasing small amounts of hormones into the uterus and lasts as long as five years (but can be removed at any time). Mirena is not recommended for women who get pelvic infections or other infections regularly or have certain cancers.

ParaGard: The only 100 percent hormone free reversible birth control, ParaGard is another highly effective intrauterine device that’s ideal for women who wish to avoid or can’t tolerate hormones. Safe for up to 10 years, ParaGard is inserted in the uterus and can be removed at any time. It does not interfere with your monthly cycle, but works by preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs.

Skyla: A newly FDA-approved hormone-releasing system that can be placed in the uterus for up to three years, Skyla is a small, plastic T-shaped device that can be removed at any time. Like Mirena, Skyla is not recommended for women who have a pelvic infection, get infections easily or have certain cancers.

Nexplanon: Implanted discreetly in the upper inner arm, Nexplanon is a small hormone-releasing implant that can prevent pregnancy for up to three years. It is 99 percent effective and easy to insert and remove. Women who have blood costs, liver disease, breast cancer or unexplained vaginal bleeding should not use Nexplanon.

Implanon: Like Nexplanon, Implanon is a small, flexible rod that is inserted into the upper arm for up to three years. It contains the hormone etongestrel, rather than estrogen and may have a good option for women who are sensitive to estrogen. It is also not recommended for women who have blood costs, liver disease, breast cancer or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Essure: Hailed as the most effective permanent birth control available, Essure is surgery- and hormone-free. A quick in-office procedure, the Essure insert (made of the same material proven safe for heart stents and other medical devices) is inserted in the fallopian tubes through the vagina, so no incisions are required. The body works with the inserts over the course of three months to form a natural barrier in the fallopian tubes which prevents sperm from reaching the eggs. Essure is for women who are certain that their family is completed.

Ortho Evra: A thin patch of hormones that you wear on your skin, Ortho Evra is similar to the Pill in patch form, and is great for women who struggle to remember to take a pill every day. It is typically worn for a week and then replaced; one week each month is patch-free.

Depo-Provera: Literally a shot in the arm, Depo-Provera is an effective method of birth control that involves getting a hormone shot every three months. It is safe, simple and long-lasting and can reduce or eliminate periods.

Women should consult with their doctor about the best option to meet their needs.  In addition, the new health care law also covers a visit to a health care provider for preventive care at least once a year, medical tests for pregnant women to determine if they have gestational diabetes, help with breastfeeding and more.  There are some exceptions to the new birth control provisions, so women need to check with their insurance provider to determine their coverage.