Jul
Deciding to have a baby is a momentous decision. Ideally, a pregnancy occurs after a woman has decided that she’s ready to be a mom and start a family. The time for that decision is different for every woman and until she’s ready for a first (or another) baby, many women want a birth control option that they can rely on.
While there are many types of birth control, it can be overwhelming for many women to decide which method is right for them. Dr. Taryll Jenkins of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine has been helping women choose the best birth control option to fit their lifestyle, budget, and unique circumstances. Here, Dr. Jenkins discusses some of the most popular non-permanent birth control methods:
Birth control pill: Sometimes simply known as “The Pill,” this birth control option contains several hormones. It is 92-99% effective when taken correctly. Patients using the birth control pill should ensure that they take the pill each day and at the same time of day each day. The pill is not advised for patients over the age of 35 who smoke, have a history of blood clots, or have had breast cancer.
Birth control shot: The birth control shot is an injectable medication that keeps a woman’s body from ovulating. The shot is extremely effective and is administered every three months. Many women who opt for the shot like that they can receive the injection and then forget all about birth control for three months.
Intrauterine device: Also known as an IUD, the intrauterine device is implanted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. Various methods of the IUD can last up to five or ten years. As with all birth control methods, there can be side effects, but many women report that their periods are lighter or disappear altogether. Benefits of the IUD include the ability to nearly forget about the device and prevent pregnancy for many years. If you decide to become pregnant, the device can easily be removed.
These are only some of the options available to sexually active women who want to prevent a pregnancy. If you’re considering birth control, Dr. Jenkins is available to talk with you about all of the options available to you and help you decide which type of birth control is best for you. It’s important to remember, however, that birth control is only designed to prevent pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted disease.
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.