Contraceptive Methods

At Clínica Hispana La Caridad you get guidance on birth control methods, and pills and the injection are started here. For other methods, the visit is for answering questions and knowing what to ask for and where.

What happens at the visit?

• Review of medical history, blood pressure and family background
• Pregnancy test before starting a method
• Choosing the method that fits your situation, not a generic list
• Starting pills or the injection, with the schedule explained
• Follow-up to review tolerance and side effects

Which method suits you?

The question is not which is best, but which fits your life:

• Pill: daily control, stopped whenever you decide, but it depends on taking it at the same time
• Injection: every three months, leaving less room for forgetting; fertility may take longer to return after stopping
• Implant and IUD: long-acting and with no daily upkeep. They are not placed here, but guidance is given and an already-placed implant can be removed
• Condom: the only one that also protects against sexually transmitted infections

No hormonal method protects against sexually transmitted infections. Where there is risk, they are combined.

Before starting, it helps to mention

• If you smoke, and your age, because it changes which estrogen methods are advisable
• If you get migraine with aura
• If you have had clots, high blood pressure or liver problems
• If you are breastfeeding
• Which other medication you take, natural remedies included

What about side effects?

The first months usually involve adjustment: irregular bleeding, breast tenderness or mood changes. If at three months it is the same or worse, do not put up with it: the method can be changed.

Seek care immediately for severe chest or leg pain, shortness of breath, a very severe headache or loss of vision.

Walk-in and no insurance

Monday through Sunday, 9 AM to 9 PM.