Birth Control Specialist

What is a well-woman exam?

Besides evaluating your general health, well-woman exams at Health Wise Women provide Dr. Esiely with an opportunity to address your unique gynecological and reproductive health needs. These services include:

• STD testing
• Breast cancer screenings
• Pap smears for cervical cancer
• Pelvic exams that look for uterine and ovarian abnormalities

In addition to these screenings, Dr. Esiely also offers menopause management and innovative therapies like Fractora RF for anti-aging skin care and Votiva vaginal rejuvenation.

Dr. Esiely also provides temporary and permanent forms of birth control.

What is birth control?

Birth control, or contraceptives, are used to prevent pregnancy. There’s a variety of birth control options available with different degrees of protection. Some are more effective at preventing pregnancy, while others are better at protecting you from STDs.

How does birth control work?

Many forms of birth control use hormones to prevent your ovaries from releasing your eggs or prevent sperm from reaching your egg by thinning your uterine lining and thickening your cervical mucus. Other types use a barrier to prevent sperm from coming in contact with your egg or kill sperm before it reaches your egg.

Some women also use natural methods of birth control by tracking their menstrual cycle. This method helps identify times during your cycle where your pregnancy risks are highest. When those are determined, you know when to avoid sexual intercourse.

Permanent birth control for women is called tubal ligation or sterilization.

What types of birth control are available?

There are several types of birth control. Some are available through Dr. Esiely, and you can obtain others without a prescription. Common birth control options include:

• Oral contraceptives pills
• IUD (intrauterine device)
• NuvaRing® vaginal ring
• Depo-Provera® injections

Contraceptives available without a prescription include male or female condoms, spermicides, and the contraceptive sponge.

Birth control can come with a variety of risks or side effects. Your well-woman exam helps Dr. Esiely determine the best method of contraceptive for you based on your overall health and lifestyle.

For help finding a birth control method that matches your reproductive needs, call Health Wise Women or schedule an appointment online today.