Dr. Wheeler will offer all of the latest and effective methods of birth control with full discussion of risks, benefits and alternatives available to the patient.  Quite often, patients confuse the word birth control with the birth control pill or the oral contraceptive.  There are many different methods of birth control including natural family planning, condoms, vasectomy, IUDs and permanent contraception in addition to hormonal contraceptives which include birth control pills, patches and vaginal rings as well as injectable medications such as Depo-Provera and implanon implantable device. 

Reversible Contraception

In patients where future facility is desired or the desire for permanent contraception is not 100% certain, patients should select a form of reversible contraceptive.  This includes all hormonal contraceptives, condoms, natural family planning and various other techniques.  Most combination hormonal contraceptives can be used by women up until the age of menopause.  A detailed medical history will be obtained prior to initiating combined hormonal contraception as well as a discussion of potential risks.  Recently, there has been some concern of long-term use of estrogen containing combination hormonal contraceptives as patients get closer to menopause for fear of the use of synthetic estrogens and progestins with regard to migraine headaches and breast cancer risks.  This is in addition to the traditional risks of blood clotting associated with these contraceptives.  These will all be discussed with the patient in detail prior to initiating therapy.