Birth Control

The best method balances effectiveness, your reproductive plans, health history, lifestyle, and personal preference. A clinical consultation reviews all options — short-acting hormonal (pills, patch, ring), long-acting reversible (IUD, implant), progestin-only, non-hormonal, and barrier methods — in the context of your specific health and goals.

Most women can safely use hormonal contraception. Estrogen-containing methods are not recommended for women with migraine with aura, history of blood clots, certain cardiovascular conditions, or smokers over 35. Progestin-only options and non-hormonal methods are available for women with estrogen contraindications.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) — hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs, and the implant — are the most effective reversible methods, with failure rates below 1%. They require no daily action and are fully reversible. Sterilization is the most effective permanent option.

For most methods — pills, patch, ring, implant — fertility returns within 1–3 menstrual cycles. The hormonal injection (Depo-Provera) may delay return of ovulation for several months beyond the last dose. IUD removal allows immediate return of fertility.

Combined hormonal methods may cause nausea, breast tenderness, spotting, and mood changes — often improving after 2–3 cycles. Progestin-only methods and IUDs frequently alter bleeding patterns. The implant may cause irregular spotting. Non-hormonal methods (copper IUD, barrier methods) avoid hormonal side effects entirely. Birth Control Visit What to expect from a Birth Control visit