Birth Control - Contraception Counseling

Your First Step to Finding the Right Birth Control

  • Share your goals, preferences, and history
  • Talk through all your options, including the pill, IUD, patch, ring, implant, and more.
  • Get a prescription or plan for your next steps

Takes 3–5 minutes to create an account • No membership fee to book • Insurance accepted

Already a Tia member? Book here

Birth Control - Contraception Counseling

Your First Step to Finding the Right Birth Control

  • Share your goals, preferences, and history
  • Talk through all your options, including the pill, IUD, patch, ring, implant, and more.
  • Get a prescription or plan for your next steps

Takes 3–5 minutes to create an account • No membership fee to book • Insurance accepted

Already a Tia member? Book here

What is this appointment?

We listen to your needs

Your provider will listen to your current symptoms, concerns, and goals to understand the full picture of your health.

We review your health history

We'll go over your medical, birth control and period history to help inform your options.

We build a personalized contraception plan

We build a personalized contraception plan. Your provider will partner with you to explore a full range of options, including cycle tracking, the pill, IUD, patch, ring, or implant, to find the best fit for your body, lifestyle, and goals.

Who should have a Birth Control Consult?

You should book this appointment if you're looking to start a new birth control method, need to renew a current prescription, or want to switch to a different type of contraception.

Symptoms we care for

If you have never taken birth control before (or simply took a break from taking it), there are several reasons and symptoms that might make you a good candidate for contraception:

  • Pregnancy prevention
  • Irregular periods
  • Heavy or painful periods
  • Missed or skipped periods
  • Managing the symptoms of PCOS, like acne or hair growth

Who should have a Birth Control Consult?

You should book this appointment if you're looking to start a new birth control method, need to renew a current prescription, or want to switch to a different type of contraception.

Symptoms we care for

If you have never taken birth control before (or simply took a break from taking it), there are several reasons and symptoms that might make you a good candidate for contraception:

  • Pregnancy prevention
  • Irregular periods
  • Heavy or painful periods
  • Missed or skipped periods
  • Managing the symptoms of PCOS, like acne or hair growth

How the Birth Control appointment can help

This appointment can help you:

  • Make an informed decision: Get clarity on the pros, cons, and effectiveness of different birth control methods, so you can choose what feels right for you.
  • Get a clear roadmap: Create a practical plan for your next steps, whether that's a prescription for the pill, a separate appointment for an IUD insertion, or guidance on non-hormonal options.
  • Explore a wide range of options: Learn about hormonal and non-hormonal contraception, as well as the latest medical advancements in the field

How the Birth Control appointment can help

This appointment can help you:

  • Make an informed decision: Get clarity on the pros, cons, and effectiveness of different birth control methods, so you can choose what feels right for you.
  • Get a clear roadmap: Create a practical plan for your next steps, whether that's a prescription for the pill, a separate appointment for an IUD insertion, or guidance on non-hormonal options.
  • Explore a wide range of options: Learn about hormonal and non-hormonal contraception, as well as the latest medical advancements in the field

Common Birth Control Options

Method
How It Works - Effectiveness
Pros & Cons
The Implant (Nexplanon)
Your provider places it under the skin of your upper arm. It has to be removed by your provider.

Effectiveness: >99%
Pros: Good for five years. You may not have a period at all.

Cons:It is possible to bleed for longer than desired amounts of time and the bleeding can be unpredictable.
IUD (Paragard, Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla)
Must be placed in the uterus by your provider. Your provider also needs to remove it.

Effectiveness: >99%
Pros: Effective for up to 12 years depending on which IUD you choose. Hormonal IUDs can decrease or stop bleeding. The copper IUD does not have any hormones.

Cons: You need an appt to get the IUD inserted and removed. Paragard, the 12-year IUD, can increase bleeding.
The Patch (Xulane, Twirla)
Apply a new patch once a week for three weeks. No patch needed for week four.

Effectiveness: >93%
Pros: No need to take a pill every single day.

Cons: Depending where it’s placed on the body, it can be visible. Not ideal for swimmers or those who have increased sweating.
The Ring (NuvaRing, Annovera)
Insert a small ring into the vagina each month or annually depending on the ring of choice.

Effectiveness: >93%
Pros: Easy to start and stop when desired.

Cons: You need to remove and replace the ring. Some might want to remove it for sex, though it can stay in the vagina during sex.
Depo Shot (Depo Provera)
Your provider will give you a shot every three months (13 weeks).

Effectiveness: >96%
Pros: You only need to think about it every three months.

Cons: It’s a shot! You need to come to the clinic every three months for it.
The Pill
Daily pill.

Effectiveness: >93%
Pros: You can control your bleeding by continuously cycling. You can start and stop the pill easily.

Cons: You need to remember to take it every day.

Your Birth Control Appointment: What to Expect

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before your appointment, we recommend updating your medical history, including any past or current medications. Think about your goals for contraception and any questions you have.

During Your Appointment

You’ll meet with one of Tia’s providers who is well versed in contraception options. Your provider will review your medical history, period history, medication history, and contraception goals. You'll also have a discussion about the pros, cons, and effectiveness of each birth control option, as well as potential risks or side effects.

After Your Appointment

You’ll leave your appointment with a clear plan for next steps. These may include:

  • Prescription: If you choose a method like the pill, patch, ring, or shot, your provider can send a prescription to your pharmacy.
  • Procedure: If you and your provider decide on an IUD or implant, your Care Coordinator will help you schedule a separate in-person appointment for the placement.
  • Continued Support: If you have any questions, your care team will be available to support.

Insurance and Pricing

Is this covered by insurance?

Yes! We will bill your insurance for this visit.

Insurance and Pricing

Is this covered by insurance?

Yes! We will bill your insurance for this visit.

Our experts in Birth Control

Where to get an appointment

Virtual & in-person care

Los Angeles

Culver City, Pasadena, Playa Vista, Silver Lake, Studio City, and West Hollywood.

Virtual & In-Person Care
Virtual & In-Person Care

Scottsdale

15051 N. Kierland Blvd Suite #200 FB1
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Virtual Care Now Available in CA, AZ, NY, MA, NJ, CT

FAQs

Can I get a prescription for birth control at this appointment?

Yes, if you choose a method like the pill, patch, ring, or shot, your provider can send a prescription to your pharmacy on the same day.

Can I get an IUD or implant placed at this appointment?

No, IUDs and implants require a separate in-person placement visit after your consultation. Your Care Coordinator will help you schedule this follow-up appointment.

Will birth control impact my mood or weight gain?

Research shows that most birth control methods, including the pill, patch, ring, IUDs, and implant, do not cause weight gain. While some people may experience mood changes with hormonal birth control, it's not a severe effect for most, and for some, it may even improve PMS symptoms. Your provider can discuss potential side effects and help you find a method that aligns with your body and preferences.

Does birth control affect my fertility?

Birth control does not have long-term effects on your ability to conceive. With most methods, you can get pregnant right away after you stop using them. The one exception is the birth control shot, where it can take up to 10 months for fertility to return to normal.

Can you get pregnant on birth control?

It is possible to get pregnant while on birth control, but the likelihood depends on the method and how consistently you use it. Methods like the implant and IUD are over 99% effective with typical use. The pill, patch, and ring are about 91-93% effective with typical use, which accounts for missed doses or inconsistent use. Your provider can discuss the effectiveness of each option with you.

Where can I get birth control?

You can meet with a Tia provider virtually or in-person to discuss your birth control options and get a prescription or plan for a procedure like an IUD insertion.

Can I get birth control online?

Yes. Tia offers virtual appointments where you can meet with a provider to discuss birth control options, get a prescription for methods like the pill, patch, or ring, and have it sent to a pharmacy for pickup. You can also get a plan for a future in-person procedure, such as an IUD or implant insertion.

Book an appointment

Choosing the right birth control is an important part of caring for your health and planning your future. A birth control counseling appointment helps you explore your options, from pills and patches to long-acting methods like IUDs and implants, so you can find what fits your body, your lifestyle, and your goals with personalized guidance from your care team.