Cristina Elstad MD is talking contraception so that the patient can decide what’s right for them
We’re talking contraception with Dr. Elstad, one of the highly qualified physicians at Athens ObGyn. There are many birth control options available. As a result, Cristina Elstad MD likes to provide patients with up-to-date information so that they can make the best choices for their lives.
Cristina Elstad MD talks about choosing a birth control method
Dr. Elstad tells patients who are talking contraception that “there is no one ‘right’ method.” She says, “Different patients choose different methods of birth control for many reasons.” Here are some questions patients may want to ask their physician to pick the right method for them.
- How will the birth control method affect their period?
- What is involved with using this contraceptive?
- How long does the birth control last?
- How effective is the method at preventing pregnancy?
When selecting a birth control option, a patient will want to discuss their overall health and future family-building plans. It’s also important to consider whether the patient is comfortable using the contraceptive and will use it as needed on a regular basis.
“Birth control doesn’t just mean pills”
If there is one thing that Dr. Elstad wants women to know when talking contraception, it’s that there are many different birth control options. “Patches, condoms, shots, IUDs, the rhythm method, rings, implants…the list goes on.”
There are benefits of each method. For example, “Hormonal birth control can help improve periods, in many cases, making them lighter, less crampy and more predictable. Other types can reduce the volume and frequency of periods.”
Long-acting reversible contraception provides long-term birth control for anywhere from three to 10 years. These contraceptives, including IUDs and birth control implants, are known as “set it and forget it” methods. This is because women don’t have to worry about remembering to do anything on a daily, weekly or monthly basis once the devices are in place.
Talking contraception is easy with Cristina Elstad MD
Dr. Elstad encourages patients to ask questions when they are choosing birth control or if they are dissatisfied with their current method. She says, “If a woman didn’t love a method she tried previously, she shouldn’t give up on trying something else.” She is always willing to help patients explore new options and find the birth control method that is right for them.
Women who are looking for a caring, knowledgeable doctor should contact us for an appointment with Dr. Elstad or any of the caring physicians at Athens ObGyn.