Understanding Your Birth Control Options
Choosing the right birth control is a personal decision, and what works well for one person may not be the best fit for another. At Mint Reproductive Health, we offer personalized contraceptive consultations to help you understand your options, answer your questions, and find a method that suits your health, lifestyle, and future family planning goals.
Whether you’re considering an IUD, a Nexplanon implant, the Evra patch, or another form of contraception, our experienced medical team is here to provide evidence-based guidance in a supportive and judgment-free environment.
There are many safe and effective ways to prevent pregnancy. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your preferences, and help you choose the method that best aligns with your needs.
Some of the contraceptive options available through Mint Reproductive Health include:
- Hormonal IUDs
- Copper IUDs
- Nexplanon® contraceptive implant
- Evra® contraceptive patch
- Birth control pills
Each option has unique benefits, durations of effectiveness, and potential side effects, so having an informed discussion is an important first step.
Hormonal and Copper IUDs
We provide both hormonal and non-hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), giving patients long-lasting reversible contraception without the need to remember a daily pill.
Copper IUD
Copper IUDs do not contain hormones. Instead, they work by releasing copper ions that create an environment where sperm cannot survive or fertilize an egg.
Some key features include:
- Plastic device wrapped with copper
- Hormone-free contraception
- Effective for up to 10 years
- Works immediately after insertion
- Can also be used as highly effective emergency contraception when inserted within seven days after unprotected intercourse
Some people experience heavier bleeding or increased cramping during the first few months after insertion, although this often improves over time.
Hormonal IUDs
Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of levonorgestrel (a progestin) directly inside the uterus.
They help prevent pregnancy by:
- Thickening cervical mucus to block sperm
- Thinning the uterine lining
- Reducing or preventing ovulation in some individuals
We offer:
- Mirena® (52 mg levonorgestrel) — effective for up to 8 years
- Kyleena® (19.5 mg levonorgestrel) — effective for up to 5 years
Many users find their periods become lighter, shorter, or even stop altogether after several months.
Nexplanon® Implant
Nexplanon® is a small, flexible implant placed just beneath the skin of the upper arm. It continuously releases a low dose of progestin to prevent pregnancy.
Benefits include:
- Over 99% effective
- Works for up to 3 years
- No daily maintenance
- Quickly reversible after removal
Because it doesn’t contain estrogen, Nexplanon may also be a suitable option for individuals who cannot safely use estrogen-containing contraception.
Evra® Birth Control Patch
The Evra® patch is a combined hormonal contraceptive that delivers estrogen and progestin through the skin.
The patch is:
- Applied once each week for three consecutive weeks
- Followed by one patch-free week
- An alternative for those who prefer not to take a daily pill
Our healthcare providers can determine whether the patch is an appropriate option based on your medical history and risk factors.
How Effective Are IUDs?
IUDs are among the most reliable reversible birth control methods available, preventing pregnancy in more than 99% of users. Their typical failure rate during the first year of use is less than 1%, making them considerably more effective than birth control pills or condoms when used in everyday life.
One of their biggest advantages is convenience. Once inserted, an IUD provides continuous protection for years without requiring daily, weekly, or monthly maintenance.
Hormonal IUDs often provide additional benefits such as lighter menstrual periods and reduced cramping, while copper IUDs offer long-term contraception without exposing the body to hormones.
Your IUD Consultation and Insertion
Our goal is to make every step of the IUD process straightforward, informative, and as comfortable as possible.
Initial Screening
The process begins with a screening appointment, which can be booked online or by contacting our clinic directly.
During this visit, your provider will:
- Review your health history
- Discuss hormonal and non-hormonal birth control options
- Determine which device may be most appropriate
- Arrange any recommended STI testing or cervical screening if required
- Send your IUD prescription to your pharmacy
- Schedule your insertion appointment
What Happens During IUD Insertion?
Your insertion appointment is performed in a calm, supportive setting with your comfort as our priority.
Mint Reproductive Health offers ultrasound-guided IUD placement, allowing your provider to confirm optimal positioning during the procedure. This additional guidance helps maximize accuracy and safety.
Following insertion, mild cramping and light spotting are common for several days.
We also schedule a follow-up appointment approximately 4–6 weeks later to confirm the IUD remains correctly positioned and that you’re recovering well.
When Is the Best Time for an IUD?
For many people, inserting an IUD during a menstrual period can make placement easier because the cervix is naturally slightly more open.
However, IUDs can often be inserted at other times in the menstrual cycle as well. If you’re changing from another contraceptive method, your provider will advise you on the ideal timing to maintain continuous pregnancy protection.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Although IUDs have an excellent safety profile, every medical procedure carries some risks.
Potential considerations include:
- Expulsion (3–5%) — the IUD may partially or completely come out, most commonly within the first few months.
- Perforation (less than 1 in 1,000) — rarely, the IUD may pass through the uterine wall during insertion.
- Infection (less than 1 in 200) — appropriate screening before insertion helps reduce this risk.
- Hormonal side effects (approximately 1–10%) — some users of hormonal IUDs may notice acne, headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes, or nausea. These effects tend to be reported more frequently with Mirena® than Kyleena®.
- Changes in bleeding — irregular bleeding is common initially. Copper IUDs may increase menstrual flow and cramping, while hormonal IUDs often result in lighter periods over time.
Your healthcare provider will review these risks in detail before your procedure.
IUD Removal and Replacement
If you’ve reached the end of your IUD’s lifespan, wish to become pregnant, or simply want to switch to another contraceptive method, IUD removal is usually quick and uncomplicated.
Our providers also perform replacement procedures during the same visit when appropriate.
Are IUDs Covered in British Columbia?
Many IUDs are eligible for coverage through BC PharmaCare, and some individuals may qualify for full funding depending on their coverage.
If you have questions about pricing or insurance, our team can help you understand your benefits before your appointment.
Not Sure Which Birth Control Is Right for You?
No single contraceptive method is perfect for everyone. Some patients prefer the convenience of an IUD, while others may find Nexplanon®, the Evra® patch, or birth control pills better suited to their lifestyle and health needs.
Our role is to provide clear, evidence-informed recommendations so you can make a confident decision about your reproductive health.
If you’re looking for compassionate, comprehensive birth control care in Vancouver, the team at Mint Reproductive Health is here to help.
Book your contraceptive consultation and explore the option that’s right for you.
