Contraception management is just one of the many sexual health services HealthTap offers, although not every form of contraception or patient will qualify for virtual care. Knowing what services can and can’t be managed via telehealth is crucial for ensuring safe and appropriate care. 

With that in mind, here are some of HealthTap’s tips and techniques for optimal contraception management and what our experienced telehealth doctors can manage without an in-person visit.

What contraceptive sexual health services does HealthTap offer?

For patients looking to discuss their contraceptive options, HealthTap offers a variety of ways to do that. 

HealthTap’s doctors primarily focus on birth control pills (often called oral contraceptive pills or OCPs). After discussing a patient’s medical, family and social history, contraceptive preferences, smoking status and other related information, HealthTap’s doctors will work with their patients to find the right match. 

Why do we ask for all of that information? Although birth control pills are considered safe and effective for most patients, there are some situations where that is not the case. 

For example, patients over the age of 35 who smoke or have certain pre-existing medical conditions are often at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular side effects like blood clots or stroke. 

Virtual contraception management also involves discussing the effectiveness of the various methods. Even when used perfectly, no contraception (other than abstinence) is 100 percent effective. The incidence of unintended pregnancy increases if patients don’t take their pills at the same time every day or regularly miss pills.

Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it’s also crucial that patients protect themselves by using barrier methods with any new sexual partners. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that both partners get tested for STIs before entering into new sexual relationships.

Birth control pill options

Gone are the days when patients had just a few birth control pills to choose from. Nowadays, multiple categories of OCPs can help ensure the right fit for each patient’s medical history and situation.

Oral hormonal contraceptives usually contain one or a combination of hormones — most often a form of estrogen and/or progestin. OCPs with progestin-only (sometimes known as the “mini-pill”) are considered safer for postpartum or breastfeeding patients or those sensitive to hormone changes.

However, combined oral contraceptives (including estrogen, progestin, or levonorgestrel) are far more common. These pills, with well-known brand names like Ortho Cyclen and Tri-Sprintec, have been around long enough to be backed by significant research. They can also be safely used with medical supervision to “skip” periods — which is especially beneficial for patients who suffer from heavy or painful menstrual cycles.

In addition, although not a “pill,” the Nuvaring is another easy-to-use hormonal birth control method. Patients who choose this method will simply need to insert the vaginal ring once every three weeks, removing it only to have a period and to reinsert a new one. 

With so many different options, scheduling a contraception management appointment with one of HealthTap’s doctors is the best way for patients to narrow down their best option.

Other contraceptive methods

Other methods can be discussed with a doctor for patients who want to prevent pregnancy without taking medication. The use of contraceptives is a personal choice, and no patient should feel pressure to make a decision that goes against their morals and ethics. 

Some people choose to use natural family planning (NFP), a method of contraception that involves tracking ovulation via cervical mucus or basal body temperature (BBT). Although this may not be the most effective form of birth control, especially for people who are new to the method, it does allow patients to have greater control over their fertility without needing to rely on medication.

Barrier methods (both male and female condoms) are also effective ways to prevent pregnancy, although they do have a higher failure rate than birth control pills and other more effective methods of contraception. Using barrier methods in combination with spermicide can also increase their effectiveness.

What can’t HealthTap do for contraception management?

Although HealthTap can manage a wide range of sexual health issues, a few reproductive healthcare services can’t be safely performed with a virtual visit.

For example, HealthTap cannot prescribe long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like the Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) or the Paragard nonhormonal, copper IUD. These contraceptive devices must be placed and managed by an in-person health clinician. 

They also cannot prescribe injectable contraceptives like Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) or refer patients for permanent sterilizations (tubal ligations or vasectomy).

In addition, while HealthTap does see patients for emergency contraception services, they do not prescribe the “abortion pill.” Patients interested in the above sexual health services should contact one of their local gynecologists for further information and consideration.

Are there side effects associated with contraceptive use?

All medication has the potential for side effects, and oral birth control pills are no exception. When used appropriately, most people experience only minor side effects like temporary breast tenderness or nausea when starting the medication. 

However, some people may experience increased depression symptoms or weight gain. In rare instances, patients may develop a life-threatening blood clot.

Certain medications, like antibiotics, may also decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Patients should discuss with their doctor if a backup form of birth control is necessary while taking other medications.

Although birth control pills may soon be available over the counter, having a consultation and being managed by a doctor trained in sexual health services is the best way to ensure patients find a safe and effective method. Having these services performed via telehealth can also reduce the stress, expense and hassle of having to travel to be seen by an in-person physician.