Get clarity on the pros, cons, and effectiveness of different birth control methods, so you can choose what feels right for you.
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.
Learn about hormonal and non-hormonal contraception, as well as the latest medical advancements in the field.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It depends on the method and when you start it. If you begin the combination pill, patch, or ring within the first five days of your period, you are protected right away. Start outside that window and most methods take about seven days to become effective, so you'll want a backup method like condoms in the meantime. The IUD and implant work almost immediately when placed early in your cycle. Your provider will tell you exactly when you're protected based on the method you choose.
It depends on the type. Hormonal methods like the pill, patch, ring, implant, and shot work primarily by stopping ovulation, so most people do not ovulate while using them correctly. The hormonal IUD works mainly by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining, so some people may still ovulate occasionally. The copper IUD does not affect ovulation at all. Your provider can explain how your chosen method works in your body.
For the vast majority of antibiotics, no. The long-standing belief that common antibiotics reduce birth control effectiveness has not held up in research. The main exception is rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, which can lower the effectiveness of hormonal methods. Certain other medications and supplements can interact with birth control too, so it's always worth sharing your full medication list with your provider.
Spotting between periods is common, especially in the first few months on a new method as your body adjusts. Taking the pill at an inconsistent time or missing doses can also cause breakthrough bleeding. For most people, spotting settles down within three to six months. If bleeding is heavy, persistent, or new after a long stable period, it's worth checking in with your provider, who can determine whether an adjustment would help.
Some people notice mood changes on hormonal birth control, though research shows that most do not experience significant effects, and some find their PMS symptoms actually improve. Responses are highly individual, and if one method affects your mood, a different formulation or a non-hormonal option may suit you better. If you have a history of mood concerns, share that with your provider so you can choose a method together with that in mind.
Costs vary widely by method, from monthly pill packs to one-time IUD or implant placements. Under most insurance plans, FDA-approved birth control is covered at no out-of-pocket cost, and Tia will bill your insurance for your consultation. If you're paying without insurance, your care team can walk you through pricing and help you find the most affordable option for your situation.
This varies by method. The hormones in the pill, patch, and ring leave your body within a few days of stopping, and the implant or IUD stops working as soon as it's removed. Fertility typically returns quickly after these methods. The birth control shot is the exception, as its effects can last several months and it may take up to 10 months for regular ovulation to return after your last shot. Your provider can walk you through what to expect when starting or stopping any method.
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.
