There is so much information on long acting, reversible contraception and women’s wellness; it's hard to know what is right for you. As a woman, Dr Michelle Gerber understands. As a doctor who combines medical knowledge with a holistic approach, she has comprehensive expertise. We offer consultations on IUD birth control, Nexplanon subdermal implants, HPV co-testing for women over thirty and Pap testing. Let’s sit down and discuss your health, wellness and contraception goals.
Our services include:
IUD Insertion, Removal & Care
IUD ( intrauterine device ) contraception is highly reliable , safe, and well-tolerated. IUDs last for 3, 5,7,10 years depending on the style of IUD. The IUD can be inserted at any time of your cycle provided pregnancy can be easily excluded by history and/ or a pregnancy test. Before inserting the IUD , a pelvic examination and uterine sounding are required to establish the way the uterus lies in the pelvis and to measure the depth of the uterine cavity. The IUD is then gently placed into the uterus . The IUD threads are cut to 2cm length so that they can be felt when you wish to check that for your IUD .
Nexplanon is a hormonal contraceptive device that is estrogen free. It contains a low dose of progestin and prevents pregnancy for 3 years. . A single, flexible plastic rod is inserted under the the skin during a simple, quick office visit by a trained health care provider. Protection against pregnancy is unmatched by all other forms of birth control with a failure rate of 0.05 % ( or 1 pregnancy in 1000 women in the first year of typical use.)
A Pap smear is a screening test that collects cells from the cervix . The purpose of a Pap smear is to screen for abnormal cervical cells that can become cancerous . It is a quick, painless procedure that is performed by a health care practioner . It is best to have a Pap test mid-cycle, but it can done at any time in your cycle except during menstruation. We offer STI testing at the time of your pap test.
Human Papilloma virus ( HPV) is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer. Low risk HPV strains ( 6 and 11) infections lead to non-cancerous genital warts. High risk HPV strains cause oral , vaginal , vulval , cervical and rectal cancer. HPV testing is performed the same way as a pap test. HPV testing is not a benefit of MSP and not routinely performed in B. C. However, this test is avilable for any women over 30 year with an abnormal pap test ( co-testing) or for any women over 30 who wants to understand their HPV status . It is a private pay test . The best way to prevent HPV infections, is to limit the number of sexual partners, avoiding sex with people who have had many sex partners , using condoms . The HPV vaccine is a routine vaccine in B.C. schools for Grade 6 boys and girls. and also recommended for men and women up to the age of 45.
Dr Gerber is a Trainer for SOGC's " Intrauterine Contraception ( IUC) Insertion Preceptorship " teaching Famlly Physician's , Family Resident's and Medical Student' s licensed to practise in B.C., Canada skills needed for IUD procedures. She is an online trainer for Organon's Nexplanon subdermal contraceptive implant . Further information is available by contacting us at managmentiudclinic@gmail.com
The following position statements have been made by Canadian and International Societies regarding the use of IUDs and Nexplanon® Subdermal Implants:
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommend Long-Acting reversible contraception (IUD or implant) as the first-line contraceptive choice for preventing pregnancy for all sexually active women. The Canadian Pediatric Society endorses long acting reversible contraception as the first-tier birth control method for youth as they have the lowest failure rate. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognizes reproductive and sexual health care as a fundamental human right.
As of 1 April 2023, contraception is free for all B.C. Residents .Refer to itsaplan.ca to learn which device is best for your body . If you have private insurance and prefer to buy your device at our clinic, confirm coverage with your Insurer for the date of service and let us know you'll be buying the device at the time of your appointment . All other patient's referred to our clinic MUST bring the device to the appointment . Ask the the referring Doctor/ HCP to counsel you about the differecnt devices and request a prescription. Take the prescription to your pharmacy ahead of time and bring the unopened package to your appointment . If you still have difficulties, call our office at least one week before your appointment and have your pharmacy phone and fax number available .
Ready for an IUD or the Nexplanon ® Subdermal Implant?
