Birth Control
Counseling Your body, your decision, your care.

Comprehensive contraceptive counseling covering every available option, from hormonal and non-hormonal methods to long-acting reversible contraception, guided by a physician who respects your goals and your autonomy.

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Informed Choice Contraception
On Your Terms

Birth control is not one-size-fits-all. The right contraceptive method depends on your health history, reproductive goals, lifestyle, tolerance for hormonal effects, and plans for future pregnancy. Dr. Akers takes the time to understand all of these factors before making any recommendation, ensuring your choice is truly yours.

Whether you are starting contraception for the first time, reconsidering your current method, managing breakthrough symptoms, or preparing to conceive, Dr. Akers provides the information, access, and support you need to make decisions that are right for your body and your life.

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Birth control counseling at Superior Health Medical and Wellness
Birth Control Counseling Contraceptive Options We Offer

Every contraceptive method works differently and suits different lives. Dr. Akers counsels you on all available options so your decision is informed, not rushed. Explore each method below to understand how it works, who it is best suited for, and what to expect.

The combined pill contains estrogen and progestin and is taken daily to prevent ovulation. It is among the most widely used forms of contraception and also provides benefits including lighter periods, reduced cramping, and management of conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. Dr. Akers reviews your health history to ensure estrogen-containing methods are appropriate for you before prescribing.
The progestin-only pill is appropriate for women who cannot use estrogen, including those who are breastfeeding, have a history of migraines with aura, or have cardiovascular risk factors. It requires consistent daily timing and Dr. Akers will walk you through the specific requirements to ensure effectiveness and manage any side effects that arise.
The patch is worn on the skin and changed weekly; the ring is inserted vaginally and changed monthly. Both deliver hormones continuously and offer an alternative to daily pill-taking for patients who prefer a lower-maintenance approach. Dr. Akers discusses the practical differences and helps you identify which delivery method fits your lifestyle.
The contraceptive injection provides three months of protection from a single shot of progestin. It is highly effective and requires no daily action, making it a good fit for patients who prefer not to manage a daily pill. Dr. Akers administers the injection in-office and discusses its effects on bone density and the timeline for fertility return after discontinuation.
Hormonal IUDs deliver low-dose progestin directly to the uterus and provide three to eight years of highly effective contraception depending on the device. Many patients experience lighter periods or no periods at all. Dr. Akers discusses which hormonal IUD is most appropriate based on your reproductive plans, cycle history, and how long you want protection.
The copper IUD is a hormone-free option that provides up to ten years of contraception and can also be used as emergency contraception within five days of unprotected intercourse. It is an excellent choice for patients who want long-acting protection without any hormonal effects or for those who do not tolerate hormonal methods well.
Nexplanon is a small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm that provides up to three years of highly effective contraception. It is one of the most effective forms of birth control available and requires no ongoing action after insertion. Dr. Akers discusses the insertion procedure, what to expect during recovery, and how the implant affects your cycle before any decision is made.
Barrier methods including condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that also protect against sexually transmitted infections. Dr. Akers discusses barrier methods as standalone options or as additions to hormonal methods for enhanced protection when appropriate for your situation.
For patients who plan to conceive in the near future, method selection should account for how quickly fertility returns after discontinuation. Dr. Akers helps you plan the timing of contraception around your reproductive goals, including preconception guidance when you are ready to transition from contraception to trying to conceive.
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Why It Matters The Right Method
Makes All the Difference
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01 Not All Methods Are Equal For You

A method that works perfectly for one woman can cause significant side effects for another. Factors including PCOS, migraine history, clotting disorders, breastfeeding status, and future pregnancy plans all affect which methods are safe and appropriate. Dr. Akers reviews your complete health profile before making any recommendation.

02 Side Effects Are Not Inevitable

Mood changes, low libido, headaches, and irregular bleeding are common complaints about hormonal contraception and often lead women to stop using it. Many of these effects can be addressed by switching to a different formulation, delivery method, or hormone type. Dr. Akers manages side effects rather than accepting them as an unavoidable part of contraception.

03 Your Method Should Match Your Life

The best contraceptive is the one you will use consistently. Dr. Akers considers your lifestyle, schedule, comfort with self-administration, and tolerance for routine when recommending a method. Effectiveness depends on the right fit between the method and the person using it.

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Pap smear and cervical health screening
Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Understanding Your Options

Hormonal contraception works by regulating ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or thinning the uterine lining. Non-hormonal methods work through physical or chemical barriers. The right choice depends on your health history, cycle concerns, and personal preference. Dr. Akers explains the mechanism, effectiveness rate, and practical considerations of every option before you decide.

For patients with a history of mood sensitivity, migraine with aura, or estrogen-related concerns, non-hormonal methods or progestin-only options may be more appropriate. Dr. Akers evaluates your full history to guide you toward options that protect your health and your quality of life, not just prevent pregnancy.

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Long-Acting Options Highly Effective, Low Maintenance

Long-acting reversible contraception including IUDs and implants are the most effective forms of birth control available, with failure rates below one percent. They require no ongoing action after placement and are fully reversible when you are ready to conceive or simply want to change methods.

Dr. Akers is experienced in IUD and implant placement and removal. She walks you through the procedure, what to expect during and after, and how to manage any transitional side effects so you feel confident and prepared before your appointment.

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Frequently Asked Questions Birth Control
Questions Answered
The right method depends on your health history, whether you can use estrogen, how long you want protection, whether you plan to conceive in the near future, your tolerance for hormonal side effects, and your lifestyle. Dr. Akers reviews all of these factors with you and helps you compare options before making any decision.
For most women, hormonal contraception is safe and well-tolerated. However, certain health conditions including a history of blood clots, stroke, migraine with aura, or certain cardiovascular risk factors may make estrogen-containing methods inadvisable. Dr. Akers reviews your complete history before recommending any hormonal method.
Research on hormonal contraception and weight gain is mixed. Most studies show minimal weight change. Some patients report fluid retention or appetite changes on certain methods, while others notice no change at all. If weight changes are a concern, Dr. Akers can discuss methods that are less likely to affect weight for your particular situation.
For most methods, fertility returns quickly after discontinuation. Oral contraceptives and the patch typically allow fertility return within one to three months. The hormonal IUD and implant allow fertility return almost immediately after removal. The injectable contraceptive may delay fertility return for six to twelve months. Dr. Akers reviews these timelines based on your specific method and plans.
Most women experience cramping and pressure during IUD insertion, which typically takes only a few minutes. Dr. Akers discusses pain management options including over-the-counter pain relief beforehand. Cramping may continue for a day or two after insertion and usually resolves without intervention. She walks you through exactly what to expect before your appointment.
Estrogen-containing methods are generally not recommended while breastfeeding because they can reduce milk supply. Progestin-only options including the mini-pill, injectable, hormonal IUD, and implant are compatible with breastfeeding. Dr. Akers reviews your postpartum situation and recommends the most appropriate contraceptive option for your specific needs.
Long-acting reversible contraception including IUDs and the implant are the most effective forms of reversible birth control, with failure rates below one percent. They are significantly more effective than methods requiring consistent daily or periodic action. Dr. Akers discusses all effectiveness rates so you can make an informed comparison that matches your priorities.
Yes. IUDs can be placed in women who have never been pregnant. Insertion may be more uncomfortable in women who have not previously given birth, but it is safe and effective. Dr. Akers discusses what to expect based on your specific situation and ensures you are well-prepared before the procedure.
Only condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted infections. Hormonal contraception, IUDs, and implants do not protect against STDs. Dr. Akers discusses dual protection strategies when appropriate and provides STD screening as part of your reproductive health care for patients who want comprehensive coverage.
Switching contraceptive methods requires careful timing to ensure there is no gap in protection. Dr. Akers walks you through the transition plan based on your current method and the one you are switching to, ensuring continuity of protection throughout the change and addressing any concerns that arise during the transition.
Side effects from hormonal contraception are not something you have to accept. Many side effects including mood changes, headaches, low libido, and irregular bleeding can be resolved by switching to a different formulation, a lower-dose option, or a non-hormonal method. Dr. Akers evaluates your specific side effects and helps you find a method that works without compromising your wellbeing.
Most insurance plans cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods including pills, patches, rings, IUDs, implants, and injections at no cost to the patient under the Affordable Care Act. Dr. Akers's office verifies your specific coverage before your appointment so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.