Aug
If having a baby is not in your immediate future, you are probably considering your options for birth control. However, just like your health overall, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing pregnancy. What works for your best friend may not fit your lifestyle or the method your cousin chooses may give you side effects. From pills to rings to patches, there are many birth control options on the market. It’s important to work with your obstetrician or gynecologist when deciding which birth control method is right for you.
Choosing the method of birth control that fits your life is important. The pill cannot be effective if you don’t remember to take it, for example. Additionally, it’s important to remember that most forms of birth control are designed only to prevent pregnancy. They do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
Dr. Taryll Jenkins counsels his patients in Katy and the surrounding area to select the right form of birth control for their individual situation. Here are some considerations when evaluating your decision:
Lifestyle: Do you want to take a pill, use birth control every day, or only use birth control when you’re having sex? Do you smoke? Do you want a private method so other people won’t know you’re using it? Can you put up with minor side effects until your body gets used to a certain medication? Will it be several years until you want to become pregnant or is your family complete and perhaps you’re looking for a permanent method?
Convenience: Will you remember to take a pill every day or would you prefer to think about birth control only just before you have sex? Would you prefer an option that stays in place for five years?
Effectiveness: Would an unplanned pregnancy be manageable or do you need a higher degree of effectiveness?
Affordability: Would you prefer to pay more upfront for long-term pregnancy prevention? Do you have insurance that will cover your selected approach? Do you need something that is low cost and available over the counter?
These are just some of the considerations when deciding on a birth control method. There is a range of choices and each has its own advantages and disadvantages to consider before making a decision. If you’re considering selecting or changing your method of birth control, call Dr. Jenkins today to schedule an appointment.
We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all
stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L.
Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of
Medicine from Meharry
Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the
University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.
Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological
Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie
Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today,
she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with
high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive
volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program
in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.
Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.
Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her
Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University
of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the
Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive
years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior
Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee
Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local
and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.
Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.