Birth Control Specialist

Total Women's Care

Priyabala Ramaiah , MD

Gynecologist & Robotic Surgeon located in Canton, OH

When you’re sexually active, but want to avoid pregnancy, various birth control methods help you achieve this goal. At Total Women’s Care in Canton, Ohio, gynecologist and robotics surgeon Dr. Priyabala Ramaiah and her staff help you choose a birth control option that best matches your needs, so you can enjoy life without worrying about pregnancy. Call today to learn more, or use the online scheduling tool.

Birth Control

What is birth control?

Birth control is any type of medicine, method, or device used to prevent pregnancy. Certain methods are more invasive than others, and some help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Birth control works in various ways such as:

  • Preventing sperm from reaching female eggs
  • Preventing ovaries from releasing eggs
  • Preventing egg implantation in the uterus
  • Permanent sterilization

Dr. Ramaiah helps you determine which birth control method is a good match for you based on your health, spiritual beliefs, desire to have children in the future, and preferences.

What are the different types of birth control?

Numerous birth control methods are available, including:

Natural rhythm method

The natural rhythm method is a pregnancy prevention strategy in which you avoid sexual intercourse during your most fertile times each month, near the time you ovulate. This method isn’t 100% effective, but Dr. Ramaiah lets you know how to practice it effectively.

Barrier methods

Barrier birth control methods are a noninvasive way to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg. Examples include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges. These methods must be used each time you have sexual intercourse.

Pills, patches, shots, and vaginal rings

Short-acting birth control methods include using birth control pills, patches, shots, and vaginal rings. These methods contain hormone combinations that prevent a pregnancy. You must remember to take birth control pills regularly. Vaginal rings, shots, and patches slowly release hormones into your body.


Dr. Ramaiah implants intrauterine devices, or IUDs, into your uterus. Doing so prevents sperm from reaching eggs or prevents a fertilized egg from implanting into your uterus. IUDs are long-acting and may last up to several years. However, an IUD isn’t permanent, so when you’re ready to become pregnant, Dr. Ramaiah removes it.


Dr. Ramaiah can also place a small implant underneath the skin in your upper arm. This tiny insert slowly releases hormones to prevent a pregnancy and can last for several years.

Permanent sterilization

When you’re ready to avoid pregnancy permanently or you’re finished having children, Dr. Ramaiah goes over permanent sterilization options with you. Tubal sterilization, or tubal ligation or occlusion, is a minimally invasive procedure Dr. Ramaiah uses to permanently block Fallopian tubes where eggs typically pass through.

In some cases, Dr. Ramaiah may recommend a hysterectomy procedure using the da Vinci robotics system to remove the uterus.

Which birth control option is right for me?

The right birth control option for you depends on your situation, whether or not you’d like to have children in the future, and what you’re most comfortable with. Dr. Ramaiah works with you to come up with a plan that best matches your individual needs.

When you’re ready to prevent a pregnancy temporarily or permanently, call Total Women’s Care today, or use the online scheduling tool.