Blog

Mar 03

Initiating Hormonal Contraception

Most patients can safely begin using hormonal contraception at any point in their menstrual cycle. This article covers an evidence-based, flexible, patient-centered approach to initiating contraception promotes health and enhances patients’ reproductive autonomy. This article was published in American Family Physician in March 2021.  It is an update of an article originally published in 2006.…

May 20

Contraceptive Pearl: Contraception During COVID-19: Post-Placental IUD Insertion

An intrauterine device (IUD) can be inserted immediately postpartum, minutes after delivery of the placenta. Post-placental IUD insertion is simple and safe, with a low rate of complications. This video demonstrates the procedure. Pregnant patients who choose an IUD can get one without experiencing the risk of an extra office visit during the COVID-19 epidemic. The risk…

Jan 21

Contraceptive Pearls: IUD Self-Removal

IUDs are typically removed by clinicians during a pelvic exam in the office. There can be numerous barriers to this arrangement, such as difficulty scheduling an appointment, concern about appointment cost, and clinician refusal of patient’s request for removal. Unsurprisingly, these barriers can raise patients’ concerns about ability to retain control over their own reproductive…