What is the goal here?

To help you choose a birth control method that fits your health, lifestyle, side-effect preferences, menstrual needs, and future fertility plans.

Methods at a glance

·

·

·

Most effective (typical-use failure <1%/yr): implants, IUDs/IUCDs (copper and levonorgestrel).

Highly effective: injections (depot medroxyprogesterone), combined pills/patch/ring, progestin-only pills.

Barrier & others: external/internal condoms (also protect against STIs), diaphragms, spermicides, fertility awareness methods; emergency contraception (levonorgestrel or ulipristal pills; copper IUD is the most effective emergency option and provides ongoing contraception).

IUD/IUCD placement

·


·


·

Types: Copper (non-hormonal; can increase flow/cramps initially) and **levonorgestrel-releasing** (lighter periods over time; sometimes used to treat heavy bleeding).

Procedure: usually a brief clinic visit; check for pregnancy, discuss STI screening if needed, measure the uterus, place the device through the cervix. Cramps for a day or two are common; most people return to normal activities the same day.

Follow-up: you may check strings periodically; we review any unusual pain, fever, or abnormal discharge.

Choosing a method

We consider medical conditions (e.g., migraines with aura, high blood pressure, clot history), medications, menstrual symptoms, and personal preferences (period-free vs. regular cycles, hormones vs. non-hormonal).

Fertility after contraception

Rapid return for most methods once stopped/removed; with the injection, fertility can take several months to return.

Deep Dive

Effectiveness in practice (typical use): IUDs/implants <1% failure per year; pills/patch/ring \~7% without perfect adherence; condoms \~13% but add STI protection; fertility awareness methods vary with training and consistency.

Side - effect profiles:

28 -


29 -

30 -

31 -

32 -

33 -


34-

Combined hormonal methods: can improve cramping, acne, and PMS; avoid with migraines with aura, certain clotting risks, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Progestin-only pills: good for those who can’t take estrogen; must be taken at the same time daily.

Injection: convenient every 3 months; may cause irregular bleeding or weight gain; bone density changes are reversible after stopping.

Copper IUD: hormone-free; may increase cramps/flow initially.

LNG-IUS: commonly causes lighter or absent periods; spotting may occur in the first months.

Emergency contraception: ulipristal works up to 5 days after sex and may be more effective closer to ovulation; copper IUD works immediately and is the most effective option.

IUD insertion day: mild cramping is common; most people return to routine activities the same day. Warning signs after insertion include severe pain, fever, or foul discharge—contact us if these occur.
   
   FSH/LH/E2: high FSH suggests decreased ovarian reserve or primary ovarian insufficiency; low
   FSH/LH suggests hypothalamic suppression (stress/weight/exercise).

   Bone health: with long-term low estrogen, we may recommend calcium/vitamin D, weight-bearing
   exercise, and in some cases hormone therapy to protect bone density.

   Fertility planning: many causes are reversible; even with primary ovarian insufficiency, spontaneous
   ovulation can occur unpredictably—contraception is still needed if pregnancy is not desired.

To Understand and Learn more about the following subject, you may consult me
via Booking an Appointment. Click below to book an appointment