Birth Control Specialist
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Women's Executive Healthcare, P.C.
Drina A. Northam, MD
Medical Aesthetics Provider & Obstetrician/Gynecologist located in City Center, Newport News, VA
If you’re not ready to start planning your family, or if you’ve already had your desired number of children, birth control is likely the best option for you. At Women’s Executive Healthcare, OBGYN in Newport News, Virginia, Dr. Drina Northam offers several birth control options to meet your GYN needs and your family planning expectations. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Northam by phone to learn more about available birth control options.
Birth Control Q & A
How does birth control work?
Dr. Northam knows that birth control is not a one-size-fits-all treatment and offers various birth control methods to match your family planning needs. These methods work in different ways to protect you from conceiving.
Sperm-blocking birth control prevents sperm from reaching the eggs. These include:
- Condoms
- Diaphragms
- Sponges
- Cervical caps
Other types of birth control prevent the release of eggs from your ovaries. These include:
- Pills
- Patches
- Shots
- Vaginal rings
- Intrauterine devices (IUD)
Dr. Northam works with you to determine which method of birth control is ideal for your unique needs. She’s happy to discuss your family planning questions and concerns to ensure you are making the most informed decision.
Which birth control is best for me?
To determine the best method of birth control for you, Dr. Northam reviews your medical history and discusses your family planning expectations. She also considers your sexual activity frequency and number of sexual partners to find a suitable birth control for your needs.
Dr. Northam performs a pelvic exam to identify potential health concerns in your reproductive system before prescribing birth control as a proactive part of your overall health plan.
Dr. Northam may recommend birth control pills as part of your treatment plan for other conditions affecting your health, including:
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Severe cramping and PMS
- Endometriosis
- Menopause symptoms
- Uterine fibroids
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Birth control pills may also reduce the growth of cysts in your breasts and ovaries that can lead to health complications.
What are the benefits of birth control?
In addition to preventing pregnancy and treating irregular menstrual cycles, using birth control may also offer other health benefits such as:
- Reduced acne
- Decreased cancer risk
- Prevention of anemia
- Prevention of iron deficiencies
What are the side effects of birth control?
Birth control pills may increase your risk for health complications, especially if you are over 35 and/or are a smoker.
Dr. Northam discusses the potential side effects of the preferred birth control method during your consultation. Some contraceptives have a lower risk of side effects than others, and Dr. Northam explains your risks before starting treatment.
Through routine wellness checks, Dr. Northam monitors the success of the contraceptives and your overall reproductive health. If you decide you want to conceive while still on birth control, talk to Dr. Northam before discontinuing your treatment. She can provide you with the right guidance to achieve a successful pregnancy.
To learn more about your birth control options, book an appointment by calling the office today.
