Birth Control

With so many birth control options to consider nowadays, knowing which one is right for you can be challenging. The medical team at Katie Ostrom, MD, provides comprehensive birth control counseling services to prevent unintended pregnancies. They offer popular methods, like pills, patches, and injections, as well as non-hormonal birth control to help you plan pregnancies that make sense for your family. Call the office in Homer, Alaska, to schedule a birth control counseling appointment or book one online today.

(907) 435-0555

Birth Control Q & A

When should I consider birth control?

Birth control offers protection from unintended pregnancies, so you can plan your family the way you want.

If you’re sexually active but aren’t ready for children, you may wish to consider birth control. Low-dose birth control may also be a treatment option for menopause symptoms or for irregular or heavy periods.

Because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to birth control, the office of Katie Ostrom, MD, offers a variety of contraceptive methods to meet your needs.

What birth control options are available?

Different birth controls work in different ways to protect you from getting pregnant. Available birth control options include:

Hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control options prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs for fertilization. These options can include:

Pills
Patches
Diaphragms
Injections
Vaginal rings
Implants

You may also be a candidate for an intrauterine device (IUD). This insertable, T-shaped device fits inside of your uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs offer long-lasting protection from pregnancy, with some lasting up to 5 years. The team can remove the IUD when you wish to become pregnant again.

Non-hormonal birth control

Non-hormonal birth control options include condoms and copper IUDs. These methods are suitable for women who can’t tolerate hormones because of underlying medical issues.

You can also discuss your options for permanent birth control methods like tubal ligation if you’re sure you no longer want children and are in otherwise good health.

Which birth control method is right for me?

To determine which birth control method is best for you, the team at the office of Katie Ostrom, MD, performs comprehensive health evaluations and a pelvic exam. They also review your medical history and discuss your family plans.

If you wish to start your family sooner, you may be a candidate for shorter-acting birth controls like pills, vaginal rings, or a diaphragm. If you desire long-lasting birth control, you may benefit from injections or an IUD.

No matter what birth control option you choose, it’s important to remember that the only way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), like chlamydia and gonorrhea, is to use condoms or abstain from sex.

To schedule a birth control counseling appointment, call the office of Katie Ostrom, MD, or book a consultation online today.