IUD Clinic, PAP exams, and Contraception

Sexual health services with naturopathic doctor Dr. Hannah Webb range from PAPs and breast exams, to personalised contraception management (specific to your hormones, preferences, and health history), emergency contraception, IUD insertions and removals, the nexplanon birth control implant, medical abortion (up to 9 weeks gestation), and more. I believe it is especially essential in this area for you to feel empowered to be able to choose the tools and strategies that address your needs and priorities. I always take an individualized approach, offering, education and information so you can decide which treatment options are best for you. I always bring a patient-centered and trauma-informed approach.

Services Available

Contraceptive Counselling

Be supported in weighing your contraceptive options to find what is best for you. Contraception is a very personal decision based on your values and preferences, your health history and previous experiences, allergies or sensitivities, and your current goals. Options range from hormonal to non-hormonal and short acting to long acting, each with their own pros and cons. In a collaborative discussion with your provider you can choose the best option for you. In particular, because Dr. Hannah focusses on hormone health in her practice she can help you choose a contraceptive option that will support your hormone balance. This may range from oral contraceptive pills, progesterone-only options, hormone shot/patch/ring, hormonal or non-hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), barrier methods, and cycle tracking methods. Dr. Hannah is also knowledgeable in safely transitioning between methods and strategizing the best post-partum options for contraception.

IUD Insertions & Removals

IUD insertion & removal appointments provide a comfortable, trauma-informed, and safe setting for this sensitive procedure. Knowing that these can sometimes be challenging appointments for patients for various reasons, it is of utmost priority to provide care that is based in consent, trust, and compassion. So that you can be as relaxed and comfortable as possible, the treatment space is prepared with pillows, a blanket, and a heating pad instead of being starkly clinical. To ease discomfort during the procedure, Dr. Hannah also uses local anesthetic and a cervical dilator.

The first step is to book a 15 minute initial IUD insertion to explore whether an IUD is right for you, as well as go over what to expect from the procedure and get your prescriptions. From there we will schedule your 30 minute insertion (or removal & insertion). We also do 6 week follow up visit to check in post-procedure (this is an in office appointment with physical exam). For patients who anticipate that this procedure may be particularly sensitive or challenging for them we have an optional Extended 45 minute IUD insertion visit. Visits related to this procedure - initial consult, insertion/removal, and follow up - are all offered on a sliding scale to create accessibility.

Emergency Contraception

Did you know Plan B is not effective if your BMI is above 25? Did you know neither Plan B or Ella are effective AFTER ovulation? If you’ve already ovulated the only emergency contraceptive option is the copper IUD. We offer copper IUD insertions for emergency contraceptive purposes on an as needed/short-notice basis. This is effective when the insertion is done within 7 days of unprotected intercourse and is a more effective alternative to Plan B or Ella. For more information read the article from Dr. Hannah Webb here.

Nexplanon Insertion & Removal

The nexplanon is a contraceptive method consisting of a small rod inserted on the underside of your arm. This is a “long acting” birth control method that doesn’t require you to remember to take a daily pill or otherwise do any maintenance. Once inserted it lasts for 3 years, and is quite subtle - the rod is not visible to an external observer. It is one of the most effective methods of birth control, other than IUDs or vasectomy.

Medical Abortion

Choosing an abortion can be a difficult decision and I provide a safe and supportive environment to facilitate this process by offering non-judgemental and empowering abortion care. The medical abortion (i.e. the pill, versus a surgical abortion) is available up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last period.

PAP Exams

In BC all people with a cervix (including women, Two-Spirit, transfender and gender diverse people) who have ever been sexually active are recommended to have cervical screening done from the age of 25-69. This process is an important screening to catch early stage cervical cancer. This is a slow growing and treatable cancer, if caught early.

In February 2024 BC Cancer began the transition from PAP screening only to combined HPV screening and/or PAP cytology assessment. This effectively means checking for the HPV virus which is a primary risk factor for cervical cancer, vs taking a sample to look for pre-cancerous or cancerous cells under a microscope. You now have the option to do a HPV self screen by ordering a kit from the BC Cancer website. This is a really exciting change as it will allow cervical cancer screening to be more available to patients who otherwise likely would not have been screened or who feel uncomfortable or unsafe with the PAP process. Patients continue to have the option to do a provider collected sample if preferred, in which case the sample will undergo either cytology or HPV testing or both, depending on age and risk factors.

We continue to offer comfortable, trauma aware pelvic exams with a female physician. This will be relevant for patients who either have undergone HPV testing with a positive result and are required to do a follow up PAP exam, who simply opt to go directly to the combined HPV/PAP. This appointment also includes a breast exam for breast cancer screening.

PAP exams offered at our clinic emphasize patient comfort and safety. We take a trauma-informed consent-based approach, and we take the opportunity to answer questions or provide education about cervical cancer, vaginal infections, breast health, or any other questions you may have.

Patients are not required to be previous patients/current naturopathic patients at the clinic. Extended 45-minute appointment available for those who have a history of challenges with this exam, history of medical/sexual/birthing trauma, or simply prefer more time.

Cervical Escharotic Treatment

The cervical escharotic treatment is a treatment for cervical dysplasia that is an alternative to a LEEP procedure. Patients with abnormal PAP results may be candidates for cervical escharotic treatment - a less invasive complementary therapy that involves topical treatment to the cervix.