An introduction to birth control methods tailored to your changing needs, preferences, and goals

You deserve it, and it is your right to start a family when you are ready and desire to do so. Our team at Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine supports your unique life journey with an array of contraceptive management and family planning services. The safest and most appropriate method of birth control for you is not only based on a personal decision but also on highly personal factors – not limited to your overall health and lifestyle. To introduce you to a few potential options, our Houston, Texas, area team in Katy is pleased to answer the following FAQs.

Does birth control also prevent sexually transmitted diseases?

In most cases, no. Contraceptive methods largely prevent pregnancy by providing barriers to sperm getting to and fertilizing an egg. Now, if you are concerned about STDs and STIs, as a full-service OBGYN, we can provide guidance on minimizing your risks, as well as testing and treatment options.

Will I be “stuck” with one birth control method?

Absolutely not. Birth control should evolve with your changing body and life. Plus, it is important to note that many popular contraceptives can simply be stopped when you are ready to become pregnant. Or, with the busyness of a demanding career and children, older women may find that it’s not so easy to remember to consistently take their pills as they did when they were younger. So, other forms of birth control may better suit their busy lifestyle and schedule.

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New patients please call:
855-346-8610

Existing patients please call:
281-347-2600

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What are the options offered at your practice?

Today, there are more ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies than ever before. They are largely classified as barrier methods, the “pill,” and long-lasting options like IUDs. The barrier methods are likely the first thing you think of as a front line of defense against pregnancy. They include condoms and diaphragms. Of course, such products are not fool-proof. You must exercise discipline and consistency. Longer-lasting options include the placement or insertion of birth control patches, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Are all pills the same?

No. There are many versions of this well-established and highly successful form of birth control. A specific type of pill may be prescribed to, for instance, improve debilitating symptoms of periods. These symptoms include very heavy bleeding and severe menstrual cramps. Here again, though, you must exercise discipline and remember to take the pill. Otherwise, it can’t work to prevent pregnancy by introducing those hormones to the body that prevent ovulation and alter the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg. For women who are concerned about their capacity to stay on schedule with the pill, we are happy to discuss low-maintenance patches, vaginal rings, and IUDs – which can prevent pregnancy for up to five years.

We appreciate the highly personal nature of family planning and birth control. It is our great privilege to support your journey in the most compassionate and respectful manner. We welcome any specific questions that you may have. To speak with a member of the Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine team, call us at 855-346-8610 today. We have two Houston-area offices in Katy, TX (at Kingsland Boulevard and Merchants Way) to serve you.

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Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine
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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.