Navigating the world of birth control can be confusing. There are so many options that it can be hard to know which type of birth control is best for your body and lifestyle.

Dr. John Kirk is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who can help you determine which type of birth control is right for you. With offices in Napa, St. Helena, and Hidden Valley Lake, California, Dr. Kirk and our team at Adventist Health are ready to assist you. 

Two of the most popular types of contraceptives we offer are the subdermal implant and the contraceptive pill. While both are very effective contraceptive methods, they work differently and have different benefits and disadvantages. 

How do pills work?

There are two general types of contraceptive pill: the combination pill and the ‘mini-pill.’ The combination pill usually involves two types of synthetic hormones: estrogen and progestin. By taking your pill every day, these two hormones work together to prevent pregnancy. The less common mini-pill only uses progestin and needs to be taken at the same time every day. 

Advantages and disadvantages of the pill

Many people start their birth control journey by using a contraceptive pill. Advantages of the pill include: