The contraceptive landscape has never been broader — and never more individual. Long-acting reversible contraceptives including IUDs and implants are now the most effective methods available and are appropriate for women across age groups, including those who have never been pregnant. New IUD options and updated insertion protocols have made these methods more accessible. The clinical evidence on hormonal contraception, its benefits and its side effects, has become more nuanced. And the contraceptive needs of women change significantly across the reproductive lifespan — from the early reproductive years through perimenopause.
What has not changed is that contraceptive counseling works best when it is individualized — when it takes into account a woman’s health history, her medical conditions and medications, her reproductive goals, her lifestyle and preferences, and the specific benefits and risks of each method for her specifically. Generic guidance is a starting point. A clinical conversation is where the right choice is actually made.
At Lapeer Women’s Health, contraceptive counseling is a dedicated clinical service — not an afterthought at the end of an annual exam. Dr. Andrei performs IUD insertions and Nexplanon implant placements in the office, provides comprehensive counseling on all available methods, and follows up to ensure the chosen method is working well.
The following covers the major contraceptive categories available. Each is covered in depth on its dedicated page in this cluster.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) — The Most Effective Methods
IUDs (intrauterine devices) and implants are the most effective reversible contraceptive methods available, with failure rates below 1 percent per year. They require no daily action, are immediately reversible upon removal, and are appropriate for most women regardless of whether they have been pregnant. Hormonal IUDs additionally provide significant non-contraceptive benefits including management of heavy periods and pelvic pain. The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) provides three years of highly effective contraception with a simple in-office placement procedure. LARCs are consistently underutilized relative to their effectiveness profile, often because women are not offered them or are given outdated information about eligibility. Learn about IUDs → | Learn about Nexplanon →
Hormonal Contraception — Pills, Patch, Ring
Combined oral contraceptives, the progestin-only pill, the contraceptive patch, and the vaginal ring provide effective contraception through hormonal mechanisms. They offer non-contraceptive benefits including cycle regulation, reduction of heavy and painful periods, improvement of acne, and management of endometriosis symptoms. They have a range of side effect profiles and formulation options that make some methods better suited to certain women than others. The specific choice of hormonal method and formulation is individualized based on health history, medical conditions, and lifestyle. Learn about the pill →
Barrier Methods
Male and female condoms provide contraception with the additional benefit of STI protection — the only contraceptive method that provides this dual protection. Diaphragms and cervical caps are provider-fitted barrier methods. Barrier methods are appropriate as primary contraception for some women and as supplement to hormonal or LARC methods for STI protection. Their effectiveness is significantly user-dependent and lower than hormonal and LARC methods with typical use.
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is used after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure to prevent pregnancy. Options include levonorgestrel pills (Plan B and generics), ulipristal acetate (ella), and the copper IUD — the most effective emergency contraceptive option. Understanding which option is most appropriate in a given situation depends on timing and health history. Learn about emergency contraception →
Contraception Across the Lifespan
Contraceptive needs and optimal method choices change significantly across the reproductive lifespan. Teens and young adults benefit from LARC methods for their effectiveness and non-contraceptive benefits alongside contraception counseling appropriate to their stage of life. Women over 40 in perimenopause have specific considerations including the need for contraception until confirmed menopause, the cardiovascular considerations of combined hormonal methods, and the symptom management benefits of hormonal contraception during the perimenopausal transition. Birth control after 40 → | Birth control for teens →
Most contraceptive concerns are addressed through a scheduled appointment. Contact our office promptly if you experience:
- Significant pelvic pain or fever after IUD insertion — these warrant same-day evaluation
- Signs of possible pregnancy while using contraception — missed period, pregnancy symptoms, or a positive home pregnancy test
- Symptoms suggesting IUD expulsion — inability to feel strings combined with new pelvic discomfort
Contraceptive counseling at Lapeer Women’s Health is led by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD, PhD, FACOG — with an individualized, evidence-based approach that respects each patient’s values, reproductive goals, and health history.
Comprehensive Counseling
The counseling visit reviews your medical and reproductive history, your reproductive goals (timing, spacing, permanent vs reversible), your lifestyle and preferences, and any prior contraceptive experiences including side effects. All appropriate options are reviewed — not just the most commonly prescribed ones — with a clear presentation of effectiveness, benefits, and relevant risks for each.
In-Office LARC Procedures
IUD insertions and Nexplanon implant placements are performed in our office by Dr. Andrei. Pre-procedure counseling, the procedure itself, and follow-up to confirm correct placement and assess tolerance are all part of the LARC service at Lapeer Women’s Health. Most insertions are performed at the same visit as the counseling consultation when appropriate.
Ongoing Management and Follow-Up
Contraceptive care at Lapeer Women’s Health includes follow-up to confirm that the chosen method is working well, to address any concerns or side effects, and to reassess contraceptive needs as life circumstances and health status change. Contraceptive needs at 25 are different from those at 42 — and ongoing conversations ensure the method remains the right one.
There is no universally best contraceptive method. The right choice depends on your health history, your reproductive goals, your lifestyle, your tolerance for hormonal side effects, your willingness to manage a daily pill versus a set-and-forget LARC, and a dozen other individual factors. What we can offer at Lapeer Women’s Health is the time, the information, and the clinical expertise to help you identify which method — or combination of methods — is the best fit for where you are right now.
Both our Lapeer and Rochester Hills offices are available for contraceptive counseling and procedures. No referral required.
Contraception
Our team at Lapeer Women’s Health provides individualized contraceptive counseling and in-office LARC procedures at both our Lapeer and Rochester Hills offices. No referral required.
Schedule a Gynecologic VisitThe information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG.
Gynecologic care for women of every age
Lapeer Women’s Health — Rochester Hills
2710 S Rochester Rd, Suite 2
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Serving patients in Lapeer, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Michigan.