Contraception means methods of preventing unplanned pregnancy that are chosen individually, allowing a woman to plan her family in line with her health, lifestyle and personal needs. At Baltic American Clinic in Vilnius, an obstetrician-gynaecologist advises on contraception, helps you choose the most suitable hormonal or non-hormonal method and provides the gynaecological care you need.
Choosing contraception depends not only on how effective a method is, but also on a woman’s age, the nature of her periods, her health, the medicines she takes and her plans for future pregnancy. During the consultation, the advantages of the different methods, possible side effects, contraindications and practical aspects of use are discussed.
Your health, needs, lifestyle and pregnancy plans are taken into account.
We help you compare the different contraceptive options and choose the most suitable one.
If needed, a gynaecological examination, tests and procedures for the chosen contraception are carried out.
Advice on preventing pregnancy after childbirth, while breastfeeding and as menopause approaches.
When is a contraception consultation recommended?
- When you want to start using contraception and choose the most suitable method.
- When your current contraception does not suit you or causes unwanted effects.
- When you want to switch from hormonal to non-hormonal contraception or the other way round.
- When you are planning long-acting contraception, such as an intrauterine device (IUD).
- After childbirth or while breastfeeding.
- When you have heavy or painful periods, as certain hormonal methods may help reduce the symptoms.
- When you have a chronic condition or take medicines that may affect the choice of contraception.
- During perimenopause, when periods become irregular but pregnancy is still possible.
Which contraceptive methods can be chosen?
Hormonal contraception
Combined contraceptive pills
They contain an oestrogen and a progestogen. Used correctly, they protect effectively against pregnancy and may help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce heavy bleeding and period pain.
Progestogen-only pills
They may be suitable for women who are advised not to take oestrogens. How they are taken depends on the specific product.
Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD)
A long-acting contraceptive placed in the uterus that releases levonorgestrel. Depending on the type of device, it protects against pregnancy for several years and may reduce menstrual bleeding.
Contraceptive ring and patch
Hormonal methods that do not need to be used every day. Their suitability is assessed according to your individual health risk factors.
Contraceptive implant
A long-acting progestogen contraceptive inserted under the skin of the upper arm. Its suitability and availability are discussed during the consultation.
Non-hormonal contraception
Copper intrauterine device (IUD)
A long-acting contraceptive without hormones. How long it works depends on the specific model. In some women it may make menstrual bleeding or pain worse.
Condoms
A barrier method of contraception that also helps reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Other barrier and fertility awareness-based methods
They can be chosen according to individual needs, but their effectiveness in typical use varies.
IUD insertion and removal
An intrauterine device is one of the most effective methods of reversible contraception. It can be hormonal or copper.
Before inserting an IUD, the obstetrician-gynaecologist assesses your health, the likelihood of pregnancy, possible contraindications and the risk of infection. If needed, a gynaecological examination, an ultrasound scan or other tests are performed.
The IUD is inserted through the cervix into the uterine cavity. You may feel brief pain or cramping during the procedure. Pain relief options are discussed before insertion.
The IUD is removed when its period of use ends, when you are planning a pregnancy or when there is a medical reason. Fertility usually returns quickly.
What happens during a contraception consultation?
1. Health assessment
The doctor discusses your menstrual cycle, previous pregnancies and births, health conditions, the medicines you take and your experience with contraception.
2. Comparing contraceptive methods
The doctor explains how the different methods work, how effective they are, how long they last, their possible side effects and contraindications.
3. Choosing a method for you
A contraception plan is made based on medical indications, your needs and your choice.
4. Procedure or prescription
Depending on the chosen method, a prescription may be issued or an IUD insertion may be scheduled.
5. Follow-up care
If needed, the doctor reviews how well you tolerate the chosen method and any side effects, and decides whether your contraception should be adjusted.
Which tests may be needed?
Laboratory tests or a gynaecological examination are not always needed before choosing contraception.
Depending on the chosen method and your health, the following may be performed:
- Blood pressure measurement, especially before prescribing contraception that contains oestrogen.
- A gynaecological examination when an IUD insertion is planned.
- A pregnancy test if pregnancy needs to be ruled out.
- Tests for sexually transmitted infections if there are risk factors.
- A pelvic ultrasound scan when there are clinical indications.
- Further tests for coexisting conditions or other health problems.
How to prepare for the consultation
No special preparation is needed for a contraception consultation.
It helps to know the first day of your last period and to have a list of the medicines you take and information about contraceptive methods you have used before.
If an IUD insertion is planned, the doctor explains the procedure, the right timing and how to prepare in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Which contraception is the most effective?
Intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants are among the most effective methods of reversible contraception. Their effectiveness depends very little on daily habits. The most suitable method is chosen individually.
Can hormonal contraception affect my weight?
Weight changes depend on the specific method and how your body responds. Significant weight gain is not typical for most combined hormonal contraceptives, but if you notice changes, it is worth discussing them with your doctor.
Can hormonal contraception reduce period pain?
Yes. Some hormonal methods can reduce period pain and heavy bleeding. The choice of method depends on the cause of the symptoms and your health.
Is an IUD suitable for women who have never given birth?
Yes. An IUD can also be suitable for women who have not given birth, provided there are no medical contraindications.
Is IUD insertion painful?
You may feel pain or cramping during the procedure; how strong it is varies from person to person. Before the procedure, the doctor discusses possible pain relief.
Can I get pregnant soon after stopping hormonal contraception?
After stopping most hormonal methods, fertility usually returns quickly. After contraceptive injections, it may take longer for fertility to return.
Which contraception is suitable while breastfeeding?
While breastfeeding, only progestogen-only or non-hormonal methods may be chosen. The most suitable option depends on the time since birth, your health and other factors.
Do I need contraception during perimenopause?
Yes, as long as pregnancy is still possible. Ovulation can still occur even when periods are irregular.
Do contraceptive pills protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. Hormonal contraception and IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are used to reduce this risk.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
No, you do not need a referral for a paid obstetrician-gynaecologist consultation.
Price of contraception consultations and procedures
The obstetrician-gynaecologist consultation, IUD insertion or removal and other procedures are charged according to the Baltic American Clinic price list in force. Any additional tests and contraceptives that may be needed are discussed during the consultation.