Women's Health Clinic

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Signature Health understands that every woman’s journey to health and healing is unique. Our team of doctors and clinical support staff are committed to ensuring that each patient receives the information and support they require to take control of their journey and achieve health and wellness. Signature Health focuses on Women’s Health with the following services:

IUD Clinic 

Intrauterine Devices, or IUDs (sometimes also called Intrauterine Contraception or IUC), are one of the easiest long-lasting birth control options for women who want to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are often chosen for their ease of use, effectiveness, convenience,  and reduced hormonal side effects like acne, weight changes, and headaches that can be caused by other forms of birth control. Once fitted IUDs are effective immediately and it is designated as a long-acting, reversible contraception (LARC) option. 

IUDs offer effective protection against pregnancy but can also provide management of heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, and endometriosis. IUDs can also provide emergency contraception.

If you are considering an IUD for contraception or other reasons, consult with the Reproductive Health team at Signature Health to learn everything you need to make the most informed decision.

Choosing your IUD:
 

	Copper IUDs	Hormonal IUDs
Types	Various forms available (your physician can help you decide on the best fit for you). Major brands: Mona Lisa™ Liberte™	Mirena® , Kyleena®
Cost	~ $70 - $100	~ $400 (these costs may be covered by third party insurance)
How does it work?	Releases copper into the uterus resulting in an inflammatory reaction, which prevents sperm from fertilizing the egg	Releases levonorgestrel, a progesterone like hormone into the uterus, which helps to thicken cervical mucous making it difficult for the sperm and egg to meet. It also thins out the uterine lining, making it a good choice for women with heavy menses
How well does it prevent pregnancy	99.3% effective	99.7% effective
How long does it last for?	Varies:  2.5 to 12 years	5 years
Bleeding profile	Expect 20% to 50% more bleeding	Improves bleeding so a good choice for women wanting lighter periods or those with a history of heavy menstrual bleeding
Advantages	Does not contain estrogen   May reduce the risk of endometrial cancer Safe in breastfeeding	Decrease menstrual bleeding profile May reduce the risk of endometrial cancer May be a treatment option for women with endometriosis or adenomyosis Safe in breastfeeding
Disadvantages	Expect 20% to 50% more cramping, and bleeding	May experience bleeding the first 3 months, which eventually settles Some women may experience mild acne
Emergency Contraception	Yes, it is 99% effective for emergency contraception when inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse	No

Your Journey To Contraceptive Protection With IUD

Your First Appointment:

This is the opportunity for you to learn everything you need to know about IUDs so you can make the most informed decision about your reproductive health. We suggest that you come with a list of questions and/or concerns and ensure that you feel like you have all the information you need before you leave the office. If you feel ready, we can book your procedure appointment at this time. Your doctor will give you a detailed list of instructions to prepare for your procedure. If you are still unsure, take the time you need to feel 100% confident in your choice of birth control.

Prior To Your Insertion Procedure:

• Avoid unprotected intercourse for at least two weeks prior to your insertion
• Avoid unprotected intercourse for one week if you currently have an IUD in place
• You will be required to provide a urine sample to confirm that you are not pregnant
• You may take 600-800mg of ibuprofen for pain management
• You are permitted to bring one support person with you to your procedure appointment

 

After Your Insertion Procedure

• Avoid the use of tampons, menstrual cups, and intercourse for at least 24 hours to manage the risk of infection
• Your risk for device expulsion is greatest during the six weeks post-insertion. Please use backup contraception (condoms, abstinence) for at least six weeks after your insertion procedure.
• Cramping can occur for up to 7 days after your insertion procedure. This is normal and can be managed with 600-800 mg of ibuprofen as needed.
• If you develop concerning symptoms call the Signature Health Clinic at 1-403-454-7550. These symptoms include fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and lower abdominal pain.
• Book a follow-up appointment at Signature Health 6 weeks post-procedure. This will allow your doctor to ensure your IUD is in the correct position and note any concerns or questions you may have.

IUD FAQs

Q: Is it painful to have an IUD inserted?
A: Some women do experience discomfort while having an IUD insertion and may experience cramping or dizziness after the procedure. This discomfort can be managed with ibuprofen. Please discuss your concerns with pain with your doctor and they can help you understand what to expect and how to manage your concerns.

Q: What is the cancellation policy at Signature Health?
A: Signature Health requests that you provide our staff with a minimum of 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. We will accommodate you in every way possible to rebook your procedure appointment as soon as possible. Cancellations of less than 24 hours notice or appointment no-shows, may result in a $50-$100 charge. 

Q: What is the purpose of the 6-week follow-up appointment?
A: The 6-week follow-up is an important part of your journey to contraceptive protection with your IUD. During the appointment, your physician will perform a pelvic exam to ensure that your IUD is placed properly and that you are coping well with your IUD.

Helpful links:

SEX & U   RAICE

Reproductive Health And Family Planning

Signature’s Women’s Health Clinic is committed to providing knowledge, support, and advice so that women can make the most informed decisions regarding family planning and their own reproductive health. Access to unbiased and factual information is vital to advancing and protecting women’s health and empowering women to make sound and knowledgeable decisions that uplift their own wellness and the wellness of their families. Signature Health fosters this empowerment by offering the following reproductive health and family planning services:

• Family planning/preconception care
• Prenatal care to the 24th week of pregnancy
• Pregnancy tests
• Counseling and support regarding pregnancy options
• Referrals to appropriate providers

Supportive Fertility Care

As many as one in 6 Canadian couples experience infertility. Many couples struggle in silence; unsure where to turn or the first steps needed to explore their issues with fertility. Infertility is typically defined as the inability to conceive after a reasonable period of sexual intercourse without contraception. General guidelines for a “reasonable period” are one year for women under 35 years of age, 6 months for women 35 to 40, and 3 months for women 40 and older. But each person’s journey to parenthood is different and these timelines are just recommendations.

The Signature Health Fertility support team is committed to providing education, assessment, and referrals to all heterosexual and same-sex couples who are exploring their options for fertility and family planning. Both partners are equally important to the process and it is best to take on this exploration together. If you and your partner are: 

• Experiencing or have questions about an inability to conceive
• Gathering information to plan for conception in the future
• Seeking further assessments to diagnose unexplained infertility (bloodwork, imaging, specialist referrals)

Signature Women’s Health Clinic is positioned to provide you with the resources you need.

When you are ready to explore the causes of your infertility, Signature Health recommends the following preliminary actions:

• Begin taking a standard prenatal vitamin supplement containing 0.4mcg of folic acid
• Strive for a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, physical activity
• Avoid the use of nicotine, alcohol, and recreational substances
• Schedule a pap test
• Schedule a dental cleaning and check-up

These steps will ensure that you are ready to begin your unique journey to parenthood with the support of the Signature Health fertility support team. 

Helpful links:

PREGNANCY INFO

Contraceptive Care

Informed Contraceptive Education And Support

Comprehensive contraceptive care information helps women take control of their reproductive health and make informed decisions for family planning. The Signature Health Contraceptive Care team is committed to providing the education and counseling women need to make the best choice regarding their own contraceptive options. Signature Health can guide women with a range of options for birth control including:

• Evra Patch
• Depo-Provera injection
• NuvaRing®
• Birth control pills

Emergency Contraception Options

In the case of contraceptive failure, Signature Health Women’s Clinic offers options for emergency contraception:

• Copper IUD
  The copper IUD is 99% effective in preventing unintended pregnancy for up to 7 days after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraception failure. The copper IUD will also provide reliable and long-lasting contraception moving forward after insertion.
• Ella® (ulipristal acetate)
  Ella® is an emergency contraceptive taken orally as soon as possible and up to 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraception failure. It can lower your chance of getting pregnant by up to 85% if taken within the recommended window and is considered the most effective morning-after pill available.
• Plan B®
  This is an effective option for oral emergency contraception for many women and offers the highest rates of efficacy when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse or contraception failure.

Helpful links:

WHAT'S NEXT FOR ME
 

Menopause

Compassionate Menopause Support