Birth control that fits your life.
Starting, switching, or stopping, we'll help you find a method that suits your body, your plans, and your stage of life. IUDs and arm implants are placed right here in our clinic.
Covered by Alberta Health
Consultations are covered with a valid Alberta Personal Health Card.
Nurse practitioner-led
NPs assess, diagnose, order tests, and prescribe, with time to talk things through.
In-person or virtual
Many follow-ups can be virtual. Exams and procedures happen in clinic.
Birth control shouldn't be a guessing game
Most people try more than one method before they find the right fit. Here's what we hear most often.
Side effects you're tired of
Mood changes, headaches, spotting, or low libido. Often a different method or dose solves it.
Daily pills don't suit you
Long-acting options like an IUD or arm implant work for years without a daily reminder.
Periods that run your life
Some methods, like the hormonal IUD, can make periods much lighter and less painful.
Medical reasons to avoid estrogen
Migraine with aura, smoking over 35, or a history of blood clots? There are effective estrogen-free options.
Contraception in perimenopause
Pregnancy is still possible until menopause. Some methods also ease perimenopause symptoms.
Emergency contraception
Time matters. Book an emergency contraception consultation right away.
Book now →Methods at a glance
Effectiveness below is for typical use, meaning real life, including the occasional missed pill or late shot.
Swipe to see the full table →
| Method | How it's used | Lasts | Typical-use effectiveness | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hormonal IUD | Small T-shaped device placed in the uterus | 3 to 8 years, depending on type | over 99% | Periods often become lighter or stop. Placed in our clinic. |
| Copper IUD | Hormone-free device placed in the uterus | 5 to 10 years, depending on type | over 99% | No hormones. Periods may be heavier at first. Also the most effective emergency contraception. |
| Arm implant | Small, flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm | Up to 3 years | over 99% | Placed in minutes with local freezing. Irregular bleeding is common. |
| Injection | Shot every 12 to 13 weeks | 3 months | about 96% | No daily pill. Fertility can take several months to return after stopping. |
| Pill | Daily pill, combined or progestin-only | Daily | about 93% | Can ease cramps, acne, and heavy periods. Progestin-only if you can't take estrogen. |
| Patch | Skin patch changed weekly | Weekly | about 93% | Same hormones as the combined pill, without the daily dose. |
| Vaginal ring | Flexible ring worn in the vagina | Monthly | about 93% | Same hormones as the combined pill. You insert and remove it yourself. |
| Condoms | Used every time you have sex | Each use | about 87% | The only method that also protects against STIs. Pairs well with any method above. |
Figures are approximate typical-use rates. Your provider will talk through what fits your health history and plans.
Long-acting birth control, placed in our clinic
IUDs and arm implants are the most effective reversible methods. They work for years and can be removed whenever you want, with fertility returning quickly after removal.
Consult & plan
We review your history, help you choose between an IUD and an arm implant, and talk through pain relief options. A pregnancy test and STI screening may be done first.
Placement
An IUD takes a few minutes and causes cramping, which usually eases soon after. An arm implant is placed just under the skin of your upper arm after local freezing.
Check-in
We follow up to make sure you're comfortable and happy with your method, and we're here if anything changes.
Worried about pain?
Many people are. Cramping during IUD placement is common and usually short. We'll talk through options to make you more comfortable, go at your pace, and stop if you need a break.
If you had unprotected sex
Time matters. Book an emergency contraception consultation right away, and our team will help you with next steps as quickly as possible.
Need emergency contraception?
Fill out our short request form and we'll reach out promptly to talk through your options.
Who we can help
Your consultation helps us match a method to your health, your plans, and your preferences.
We can help if you
- Are starting birth control for the first time
- Want to switch because of side effects or convenience
- Want a long-acting IUD or arm implant
- Have heavy or painful periods, acne, or PMS that birth control may help
- Are in perimenopause and still need contraception
- Want to stop birth control and plan a pregnancy
We'll look closely if you have
- Migraine with aura, or smoke and are over 35
- A history of blood clots, stroke, or heart disease
- High blood pressure or certain liver conditions
- A history of breast cancer
- Recently given birth or are breastfeeding
- Bleeding between periods or after sex that hasn't been checked
What's covered, clearly explained
Cost shouldn't stop you from getting answers. Here's what to expect.
Covered By Alberta Health
- Consultations and follow-up visits
- IUD and arm implant insertion and removal visits
- STI testing and pregnancy testing
May have a cost Discussed up front
- The IUD, arm implant, or prescription itself (often covered by private plans)
- Emergency contraception bought at a pharmacy
- Any supplies not covered by your plan
Bring your Alberta Personal Health Card. If you have private health benefits, bring that information too so we can help you check device and prescription coverage.
From your first visit to follow-up
Book & tell us your goals
Let us know if you're interested in an IUD or arm implant so we can plan the right appointment.
Find your fit
We review your health history, cycle, and preferences, and walk through the pros and cons of each option.
Begin your method
Pills, patch, and ring can start right away. IUDs and arm implants are placed in clinic, sometimes at the same visit.
Check in
We see how it's going and adjust if you have side effects. It's okay to switch.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting an IUD hurt?
Most people feel cramping during placement, which usually eases within minutes to hours. We'll discuss options to make you more comfortable and go at your pace.
Can I get an IUD if I've never been pregnant?
Yes. IUDs are safe and effective whether or not you've had children.
How soon does birth control start working?
It depends on the method and where you are in your cycle. The copper IUD works right away. For other methods you may need a backup method, like condoms, for about 7 days. We'll tell you exactly what applies to you.
Will birth control affect my future fertility?
Fertility returns quickly after stopping most methods, including IUDs, arm implants, pills, the patch, and the ring. After the injection, it can take several months, sometimes up to a year.
When can I stop contraception in perimenopause?
Generally after 12 months with no period if you're over 50, or 24 months if you're under 50. Hormonal methods can mask this, so we'll help you decide when it's safe to stop.
Is my consultation covered?
Yes. Consultations are covered by Alberta Health. The device or prescription may have a cost, and many private plans cover it. We'll go over costs before anything is booked.
Let's find the right fit for you.
Bring your questions, your history, and anything that hasn't worked before. We'll take it from there.
Consultations covered by Alberta Health · In-person visits or virtual appointments