Birth Control Specialist
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Oasis Women's Health
Heather Skanes, MD
Obstetrician/Gynecologist located in Birmingham, AL
Birth control helps women stay in control of their bodies and their health by preventing unintended pregnancies. If you’re not sure what method of birth control makes the right choice for you, Heather Skanes, MD, at Oasis Women's Health in Birmingham, Alabama, can help. She offers many birth control options, including hormonal, non-hormonal, and emergency contraceptives. Take control of your health and your body. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
Birth Control Q&A
What is birth control?
Birth control includes any method, medication, or device that prevents unintended pregnancies. Despite having many options for preventing pregnancy, about half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned.
Women of color are especially vulnerable because they’re less likely to have access to proper health care and family planning services. As an advocate for women of color, Dr. Skanes provides birth control counseling and care to put you back in control of your body and health.
What are the types of birth control?
There are many birth control options. Some methods work better than others. Dr. Skanes offers hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives, as well as emergency contraceptive services.
Hormonal birth control
The birth control pill, patch, shot, vaginal ring, and the hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) are examples of hormonal birth control.
These birth control methods work by stopping ovulation, preventing sperm from reaching your egg, or making it impossible for a fertilized egg to implant itself into your uterus.
Of these, the hormonal IUD is the most effective form of birth control.
Non-hormonal birth control
Diaphragm, cervical cap, condoms, and non-hormonal IUDs are examples of non-hormonal forms of birth control.
Diaphragms, cervical caps, and condoms are barrier methods of birth control and prevent sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization. You must use these methods of birth control each time you have intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
The non-hormonal IUD is an implanted device made from copper, which is a natural spermicide. Once in place, the non-hormonal IUD may prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is a form of birth control that prevents unintended pregnancy after having unprotected sex or when your birth control method fails.
What happens during a birth control consultation?
When you visit Oasis Women's Health for a birth control consultation, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Skanes asks detailed questions about your current and future pregnancy plans, sexual history, gynecological history, and family history.
Depending on your needs, she may also perform a physical and pelvic exam.
Dr. Skanes talks to you about your birth control options, including the pros and cons of each method. Then, together, you decide the method of birth control that makes the best choice for you.
Dr. Skanes also provides counseling on safe-sex practices so you can protect yourself from contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
Call Oasis Women's Health or book an appointment online today to schedule your birth control consultation.
