As a leading gynecologic provider in Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley area, Jill Gustafson, CNM offers women an array of contraceptive options, including IUD placement, telehealth consultations, and emergency contraception for safe, convenient, personalized birth control.
What birth control options do you provide at Quantum Women's Health?
Birth control, or contraception, is a safe and easy way to prevent pregnancy. Certain types of birth control can also have additional benefits besides preventing pregnancy, like making periods lighter and less painful. Most people use birth control at one point in their life or another.
Birth control isn't one-size-fits-all. There are lots of different birth control methods that work in different ways. At Quantum Women's Health, we know that you need time to have all your questions answered before you can decide what method is going to work best in your life. We take our time during your appointment to learn more about your needs and offer up-to-date, medically accurate information about all your options so that you can get the method that's right for you.
We offer Telehealth consultations for birth control consultations, emergency contraception prescriptions, and prescription refills. Office visits are required for IUDs, Nexplanon implants, and Depo-Provera (birth control shot).
We offer services in:
- Emergency contraception pill
- Nexplanon implant
- IUDs (copper, hormonal)
- Birth control pill
- Birth control patch
- Birth control vaginal ring
- Birth control shot
- Diaphragm
- Condom
- Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)
- Referrals for sterilization (essure, tubal ligation)
BIRTH CONTROL VISITS Q&A
Who can obtain a telehealth (virtual) birth control visit?
If you live in Idaho and you need emergency contraception OR the birth control pill, you can have a contraception visit with us.
What happens in a telehealth birth control visit?
After scheduling your visit, you will receive a short intake form that you can complete and submit online. This will help us understand and take into account your medical history and any medications that you are already taking.
At the time of your appointment, you will meet with your provider in a secure virtual video platform. Your provider will explain how the medications work, when and how to take them correctly, and what to do if you forget to take them and could become pregnant.
Once you decide which medication you want to take, your provider will electronically send the prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. You should be able to pick up the medications shortly after your visit.
You will have the opportunity to ask any questions during your appointment, and you will have access to your provider via email for any concerns that come up.
IUD Q & A
What is an IUD?
IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are small, T-shaped devices that are placed inside the uterus to provide long-lasting birth control. A long, plastic 'string', extends from the base of the IUD into the vaginal canal. Before having intercourse, you should check for the presence of your strings to ensure the IUD is still in its proper place. Although it is rare, an IUD can sometimes fall out, so checking to ensure it's in place before having sex is very important.
How does an IUD work?
There are two types of IUDs - copper, or hormonal. The copper IUD (Paragard) prevents the sperm from reaching the egg, thereby preventing conception. The hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Skyla, Liletta) contain a type of synthetic progesterone called levonorgestrel. This medication increases the thickness of cervical mucus, which blocks sperm from entering the uterus. Progesterone also makes the endometrial lining of your uterus very thin, so implantation is not possible. Hormonal IUDs also suppress your menstrual bleeding, while the copper IUD does not. Both forms of IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy - better than any other single method of birth control (except for abstinence!).
How are IUDs inserted?
An IUD can be placed during a normal office visit during a simple procedure that takes just a few minutes to perform. First, your vaginal canal will be gently widened using a speculum. The IUD is inserted through the cervical opening to the uterus. Some women experience brief discomfort as the IUD passes through the cervix, but a local anesthetic can be used to numb the cervix prior to IUD insertion if necessary. For women who have not undergone childbirth before, we may be able to prescribe pre-medications to help the procedure go smoothly.
How often does an IUD need to be replaced?
That depends on the type of IUD that's being used. Most IUDs can remain in place from three years to 12 years, and they can be removed whenever you like during a routine office visit.
Are IUDs safe?
Yes, IUDs have been used for many years to provide safe, effective contraception. Once in place, they can remain effective for years, making them a very popular option for birth control.
How can I tell which IUD is right for me?
During your office visit, we'll discuss the different types of IUDs as well as the advantages of each so you can make an informed decision you feel good about.
