Birth control consult

Choose & start a contraceptive

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed June 2026

About Birth control consult

A contraception visit reviews medical history, reproductive goals, and preferences to select a method that is safe and acceptable. The most effective methods are long-acting reversible contraceptives — copper and hormonal IUDs and the subdermal implant — which work for 3 to 12 years. Combined hormonal methods (pill, patch, ring) are widely used but contraindicated with migraine with aura, smoking after age 35, uncontrolled hypertension, and certain VTE risks. Progestin-only options are safer in those settings. Many methods also reduce menstrual blood loss, cramps, and acne.

Common questions