Contraceptive Counseling in Wellesley, MA | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, we believe every woman deserves to feel confident and informed about her body and her choices. Birth control is not one-size-fits-all, and finding the right method can feel overwhelming when you’re navigating it alone. Here, we have reimagined contraceptive counseling to help you make the best decisions for your life, health, and goals, no matter where you are on your journey.
Our contraceptive counseling appointments are focused on you, not just the prescription pad. We see these conversations as an opportunity to understand the full range of options available to you, how each one fits your body and lifestyle, and how your needs may change over time.
Today, there are many options as it relates to birth control. To select the one that is best suited to your needs and those of your partner, you should consult with one of our obstetrician-gynecologists. Call (781) 235-4000 to schedule an appointment at our office in Wellesley, MA today!
What Is Contraceptive Counseling?
Contraceptive counseling is a consultation designed to help you navigate the many available birth control options, discuss your personal preferences regarding the methods, and ultimately choose the method that best suits your current needs and goals. During these visits, our providers help you get answers to important questions, talk through your short-term and long-term plans, and offer our personalized advice.
We hold all our contraceptive counseling sessions within a private office setting, and any information you choose to share with us is safeguarded by patient-provider confidentiality.
Contraceptive Counseling in Wellesley, MA may include:
- Health Discussion: Talk to your provider about your lifestyle, health history, and family planning goals.
- Method Review: Learn about hormonal, non-hormonal, long-acting, and permanent options, and how each one works.
- Personalized Recommendations: Receive guidance tailored to your body, your risk factors, and what matters most to you.
What Should I Expect During My Contraceptive Counseling Appointment?
In addition to discussing your general health and menstrual history, your doctor will ask about your lifestyle, future family planning goals, and any concerns you have about side effects or past methods you’ve tried. The highly trained OB/GYNs at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN are dedicated to providing the highest quality reproduction health care and will ensure you have the time you need to ask questions candidly, without ever feeling rushed or brushed off.
During your appointment, your doctor will walk you through the options that may be right for you.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills, commonly referred to as the pill, are a form of oral contraception that generally contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin, and is taken daily to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus so sperm cannot reach an egg. Birth control pills are safe, effective, and convenient, though effectiveness may be reduced for women who are very overweight. Additionally, vomiting and/or diarrhea may keep the pill from working properly to prevent pregnancy. If a woman is concerned about this, a backup method of birth control should be used.
IUD Insertion
An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. An IUD is slightly larger than a quarter and should fit comfortably inside your uterus. IUDs are long-lasting, easily reversible, and over 99% effective.
We offer two types of IUDs, including:
Mirena®
Mirena is a hormonal IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years and can also treat heavy periods. It inhibits sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg, thins the uterine lining, and thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Mirena is recommended for women who have had at least one child.
Paragard®
Paragard is the only copper IUD, and it can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. It works by interfering with sperm movement, egg fertilization, and may prevent implantation. Paragard is hormone free and can be used whether or not you have had a child.
Birth Control Implant
Nexplanon® is a thin, flexible rod that is implanted under the skin of your arm that releases progestin into the bloodstream, protecting against pregnancy for up to 5 years.
Non-Hormonal Forms of Birth Control in Wellesley
For patients who prefer to avoid hormones, we discuss barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms and help you understand proper use and effectiveness rates for each.
Condoms
Condoms are a barrier form of birth control that physically blocks the sperm from entering the vagina. They are the only form of protection that can help to stop the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like HIV and prevent pregnancy. A condom is a latex or polyurethane sheath that is closed at one end and fits over a man’s penis. Condoms are also available for females. These have a flexible ring at either end. One end is closed and inserted into the vagina, and the other end is open with the ring remaining outside the vagina. To help ensure protection, users should read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a thin rubber dome-shaped device with a springy and flexible rim. Inserted into the vagina by the patient, it fits over the cervix and is held in place by muscles in the vagina. The diaphragm is designed to hold spermicide in place over the cervix to kill sperm. To maximize the effectiveness of the diaphragm, it should be left in place for up to 6 to 8 hours. The effectiveness of birth control ranges from 86-94%. If one chooses to use a diaphragm, it must be fitted in a clinic. Additionally, weight changes, vaginal surgery, and pregnancy can affect the way a diaphragm fits, requiring that a medical provider check it to make sure it fits properly and to determine if a new size is needed.
Permanent Contraception
For patients who are certain they do not want future pregnancies, we discuss tubal ligation. Tubal ligation is a non-surgical procedure that seals off a woman’s fallopian tubes that carry an egg from the ovaries to the uterus. By blocking these tubes, where fertilization usually occurs, sperm is unable to reach the egg to fertilize it. Patients should be aware that the procedure provides permanent birth control and is NOT reversible.
Why Do Patients Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates for Their Contraceptive Counseling?
Since 1963, we have been a trusted name in women’s health care, and that history shapes how we approach a conversation as personal as birth control. Choosing a contraceptive method touches your daily life, your future plans, and how you feel in your own body, so we treat these appointments as a partnership, not a prescription refill. Every recommendation we make is grounded in current, evidence-based medicine and delivered in a space built for your comfort and privacy.
Our specialists take the time to understand your goals, whether that means preventing pregnancy this year, planning a family down the road, or finding relief from symptoms a current method isn’t addressing. We don’t rush you toward the most common option; we walk through what fits your body, your routine, and your peace of mind. Patients leave our office not just with a prescription, but with a clear understanding of why that method makes sense for them, and the confidence that comes from feeling truly heard.
Schedule Your Contraceptive Counseling Appointment Today
Experience Women’s Health Care Differently.
At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, our specialists are proud to offer the individualized, supportive care today’s women need from their doctors. Each contraceptive counseling appointment is designed around the woman you are today and the life you’re building for tomorrow. Gone are the days of sterile, clinical care. Our carefully curated office is designed to welcome you into a safe space where you can show up authentically. When your care team can care for you as you are, you can show up in the world confidently.
When it comes to birth control, you have options. To schedule your contraceptive counseling appointment in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000 to request an appointment online. We have redefined women’s health care for you.
Contraceptive Counseling FAQs
How do I know which birth control method is right for me?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right method depends on your health history, lifestyle, whether you plan to have children in the future, and your personal preferences around hormones, maintenance, and effectiveness. Your provider will walk through these factors with you to find the best fit.
Is contraceptive counseling confidential?
Absolutely. All contraceptive counseling sessions are held in a private office setting, and everything you share with us is protected by patient-provider confidentiality.
Can I switch birth control methods if the one I choose isn’t working for me?
Yes. Many women try more than one method before finding the right fit. If you’re experiencing side effects or your needs change, we encourage you to schedule a follow-up visit, so we can help you transition to a different option.
Can I bring up questions not directly related to birth control with my provider?
Absolutely! We encourage our patients to freely discuss all their concerns, including sexual health, emotional wellness, future family planning, and any other questions that come to mind during your visit.
Does insurance cover contraceptive counseling and birth control?
Most insurance plans cover contraceptive counseling visits and many birth control methods at little to no out-of-pocket cost, though coverage varies by your plan and the method chosen by you and your doctor. Our scheduling team can help verify your benefits before your appointment so that there are no surprises.
How soon can I start birth control after my consultation?
In many cases, you can start your chosen method the same day as your appointment. Timing depends on the method you select and where you are in your menstrual cycle, which your provider will walk you through during your visit.
Do I need a referral to schedule a contraceptive counseling appointment?
No referral is needed. You can schedule a contraceptive counseling visit directly with our office, whether you’re a new or existing patient.
Can I discuss emergency contraception during my visit?
Yes. If you have questions about emergency contraception, whether for a specific situation or as a backup plan, your provider is happy to discuss your options and how they work.
When can I start birth control after having a baby?
The right timing depends on your delivery, whether you’re breastfeeding, and the method you’re considering. We recommend discussing postpartum contraception at your appointment, so you can leave with a plan that fits your recovery and lifestyle.