Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives are taken daily.
There are different hormonal formulations, and the choice depends on, among other things, history, contraindications, tolerance and preferences.
Sexual and reproductive health · Saint‑HyacintheNursing consultation
Contraception: choosing a method suited to your health and your needs
Personalized contraception, based on your situation.
There is no single contraceptive method that automatically suits everyone. The choice depends on, among other things, your health, your preferences, your lifestyle, your history, your reproductive goals and how you want to use your contraception day to day.
At Clinique IPS du Palais, the contraception assessment aims to help you understand the different options available, their benefits, their limitations and the health factors that may influence the choice.
When appropriate, a contraceptive method may be prescribed or started following the assessment.
Assessment
Why have an assessment before choosing your contraception?
Some contraceptive methods may be very appropriate for one person and less suitable for another.
The goal is to choose contraception that is effective, safe and realistic for you.
The assessment provides an opportunity to discuss, among other things:
- your needs;
- your preferences;
- your lifestyle habits;
- your medical history;
- your medications;
- your previous experiences with contraception;
- any past adverse effects;
- your pregnancy plans;
- and factors that may influence the choice of a method.
The options
What contraceptive methods are there?
Several options are available in Canada. Health Canada lists, among others, oral contraceptives, hormonal or copper intrauterine devices, vaginal rings, contraceptive injections and hormonal implants.1 The main categories include:
Vaginal ring
The contraceptive ring is a hormonal method placed in the vagina according to a set schedule.
It may suit some people who prefer not to take a pill every day.
Injectable contraception
Some hormonal methods are given by injection at regular intervals.
They require follow-up to keep to the administration schedule and assess tolerance.
Long-acting
Long-acting contraception
Some methods provide contraception for several years without requiring daily intake.
They include, among others, hormonal intrauterine devices, copper intrauterine devices and subcutaneous contraceptive implants. Health Canada considers these methods among the contraceptive options available in Canada.1
- Hormonal IUD
- Copper IUD
- Subcutaneous implant
Long-acting methods
The Nexplanon contraceptive implant
Nexplanon is a hormonal implant containing etonogestrel. It is placed under the skin of the arm and provides long-term contraception.
Depending on your situation, a prior consultation makes it possible to check whether this option is appropriate and to discuss:
- how the implant works;
- its benefits;
- possible adverse effects;
- possible changes to the menstrual cycle;
- and insertion or removal.
The intrauterine device
The intrauterine device, often called an IUD, is placed in the uterus. There are two main categories:
Hormonal IUD
It releases a progestin-type hormone.
Copper IUD
It contains no hormones.
Both options provide long-term contraception, but their characteristics and their effects on periods may differ. The choice depends on the patient’s medical situation and preferences.
Hormonal or not
How to choose between a hormonal and non-hormonal method?
The choice depends on many factors.
Some people want to avoid hormones, while others are looking for certain effects associated with hormonal methods.
During the assessment, the nurse may discuss, among other things:
- your menstrual cycle;
- how often you have periods and how heavy they are;
- menstrual pain;
- your preferences;
- your medical history;
- and your medium- or long-term goals.
Safety
Is hormonal contraception right for everyone?
No.
Certain medical conditions may influence the choice of a hormonal method. The contraception assessment therefore includes a search for factors that may change the balance between benefits and risks.
The choice must always be tailored to the situation.
Depending on the method being considered, this may include, for example:
- a history of certain cardiovascular conditions;
- certain types of migraine;
- certain risks of thrombosis;
- certain diseases;
- certain medications;
- and other individual factors.
Before the prescription
Is blood pressure important?
Yes, especially when a method containing estrogen is being considered.
Blood pressure is one of the factors that may be checked before prescribing or renewing certain contraceptive methods.
Is a blood test necessary?
Usually, a blood test is not required simply to choose a contraceptive method.
However, tests or analyses may be ordered if the medical situation warrants it. They are therefore not routine for everyone.
Is a gynecological exam mandatory?
Not necessarily. For many contraceptive methods, choosing one does not automatically require a gynecological exam.
However, an exam may be necessary depending on:
- the method chosen;
- the symptoms present;
- the insertion of a device;
- or another clinical indication.
Tolerance and follow-up
What side effects may occur?
Possible effects depend on the method chosen. Depending on the contraceptive, some people may experience, among other things:
- changes in periods;
- irregular bleeding;
- nausea;
- headaches;
- breast tenderness;
- or other treatment-related effects.
Most effects do not occur in all users. Follow-up makes it possible to assess tolerance and change the method if necessary.
What if my contraception no longer suits me?
Contraception is not a permanent choice. It can be reassessed if:
- you experience adverse effects;
- your needs change;
- your health changes;
- your satisfaction decreases;
- you want a method that is simpler to use;
- or you want to plan a pregnancy.
Follow-up is precisely what makes it possible to adjust the method when relevant.
Why have contraception follow-up?
Follow-up makes it possible to check:
- your satisfaction;
- tolerance;
- adverse effects;
- adherence;
- changes in health;
- new medications;
- and how your goals have evolved.
Contraception can then be renewed, changed or adjusted depending on the situation.
Protection
Does contraception protect against STBBIs?
Most contraceptive methods do not protect against sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.2
Oral contraceptives, implants, IUDs or other methods used to prevent pregnancy therefore do not replace barrier methods for reducing the risk of STBBIs.
Condoms can help prevent both certain STBBIs and unplanned pregnancies when used correctly.2
What should I do after unprotected sex?
Emergency contraception may be considered in certain situations after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
There are several options, including certain emergency oral contraceptives and certain intrauterine devices, depending on the situation. Health Canada notably lists emergency oral contraceptives among the methods available in Canada.1
The choice depends on, among other things, the time elapsed, the context and clinical factors.
A prompt assessment is preferable when emergency contraception is being considered.
Contraception and pregnancy plans
Contraception can be adapted to your plans. If you want to become pregnant soon, some methods can be stopped quickly. If your plans are further off, a long-term method can sometimes be a good option.
The discussion helps you choose an option consistent with your reproductive timeline.
Your appointment
How does the initial assessment work?
Discussion of your needs
The nurse discusses your goals, your preferences and your past experiences.
Assessment of your health
Your history, medications and factors that may influence the choice of contraception are reviewed.
Presentation of options
The different methods appropriate to your situation are explained.
Shared decision
The method is chosen with you, based on your preferences and medical factors.
Prescription or start of treatment
When appropriate, a contraceptive method may be prescribed or started in accordance with the applicable clinical framework.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I start contraception at the first appointment?
In many situations, yes, when the assessment is complete and nothing requires prior investigation.
Can I switch pills if I have side effects?
Yes. Tolerance to a method can be reassessed and another option can be discussed.
Should I stop my contraception before coming to the appointment?
No, unless a professional has given you specific instructions.
Does contraception cause weight gain?
Effects on weight vary depending on the method and the person. It should not be assumed that all contraceptive methods necessarily cause weight gain.
Can I use contraception if I have migraines?
It depends on, among other things, the type of migraine and the method being considered. This information should be discussed during the assessment in order to choose an appropriate option.
Can I use a condom at the same time as another form of contraception?
Yes. Using a condom together with another method can help prevent pregnancy while reducing the risk of transmission of several STBBIs.
Fees
Contraception at Clinique IPS du Palais
Clinique IPS du Palais offers contraception consultations in Saint-Hyacinthe provided by a nurse.
Contraception — initial assessment
105 $
An appointment to discuss your needs, your preferences and the different contraceptive methods. The nurse assesses your health, your history and the factors that may influence the choice of contraception. When appropriate, a contraceptive method may be prescribed or started.
Contraception — follow-up or adjustment
60 $
Follow-up of a contraceptive method already in use to assess satisfaction, adverse effects and any change in health. Contraception can be renewed, changed or adjusted depending on the situation.
Sources
- Health Canada. Document d’information : Accès universel à la contraception. February 29, 2024, accessed October 4, 2026. canada.ca
- Public Health Agency of Canada. Condoms et digues dentaires. Modified February 11, 2025, accessed October 4, 2026. canada.ca
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes and does not replace an assessment by a health professional.