Jul
There are a number of wonderful qualities about birth control. The ability for one method to suit every woman’s needs is certainly not among them. Dr. Taryll Jenkins continually investigates various developments in the area of birth control, bringing proven methods into our practice as they are found beneficial to our patients. Skyla is one such method.
Many of the women who visit our OB/GYN practice in Katy are interested in long-term birth control. In such instances, the IUD is a wonderful option. Skyla is a newer IUD. It comes from the makers of Mirena and, like its predecessors, is proven almost 100 percent effective in achieving its goal. Why, when there are other IUDs, would a woman choose Skyla? This is a good question and one that we consider when consulting with our patients.
Skyla follows the same basic IUD design. Its “T” shape retains it inside the uterus, where it continually releases low doses of levonorgestrel. This hormone causes the cervical mucus to thicken, effectively blocking sperm from reaching the egg. Like other IUDs, Skyla can be removed at any time a patient wishes (in our office). Once the device is removed, there should be no major delay in getting pregnant.
Along with similarities to other IUDs, Skyla also has some unique features. After all, it has been designed to bring something new to patients seeking effective birth control. Compared to Mirena, Skyla is narrower and smaller overall. Also, the dose of hormones released by Skyla is only 14 micrograms per day versus micrograms per day for Mirena. Of course, there is also the option for a copper IUD for patients who want a hormone-free option for birth control.
What you need to know about Skyla
Finding the right birth control for your needs need not be a complex task. Contact Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine to consult with your Katy physician about your options.
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.