Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning
Key Takeaways
- UChicago Medicine offers a range of birth control options — from daily pills to long-lasting IUDs and permanent contraception (sterilization).
- Our experts provide confidential, judgment-free care at 5 Chicagoland locations.
- If you have a health condition that makes choosing birth control more complicated, we can help you find the safest option for you.
- UChicago Medicine accepts most insurance plans and financial assistance for patients who need it.
Choosing birth control is a personal decision. Whether you're looking for a short-term option or something more permanent, our experts are here to help you understand your choices — without judgment.
Our contraception and family planning specialists offer confidential, compassionate care for people who are:
- Looking for a birth control method that fits their life
- Dealing with a health condition that makes choosing birth control harder
- Considering emergency contraception
- Interested in permanent birth control options
We see patients at locations across Chicago and in the south suburbs:
No referral is needed.
Birth Control Options
The University of Chicago Medicine offers a range of birth control options, including short-term and long-term methods.
Short-Term Methods
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives): taken daily
- Birth control patch: worn on the skin, changed weekly
- Vaginal ring (such as NuvaRing or Annovera): a small, flexible ring that you insert into your vagina monthly or annually
- Birth control shot (injectable contraceptive, such as Depo-Provera): given every 3 months
- Emergency contraception: sometimes called the "morning-after pill," Plan B or Take Action pill
Long-Lasting Reversible Methods
- Birth control implant (such as Nexplanon): a small rod placed under the skin of your arm; lasts up to 5 years
- Intrauterine device (IUD): a small device placed inside the uterus; hormonal and non-hormonal options available; lasts 3-12 years depending on type
Permanent Birth Control
- Tubal ligation: Surgical procedure to close or block the fallopian tubes
- Tubal removal (salpingectomy): Surgical removal of the fallopian tubes
- Vasectomy: A surgery that prevents sperm from being released through the penis
Birth Control When You Have a Health Condition
Some health conditions make choosing birth control more complicated. Our specialists have experience helping patients with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Blood clotting disorders, such as Factor V Leiden
- Cancer
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- HIV/AIDS
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Lupus
- Migraines
- Obesity
- Organ transplantation
- Perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause)
- Stroke
Your doctor will review your health history and help you find the safest, most effective method for your needs and goals.
Emotional Support and Behavioral Health Counseling
Contraception decisions can involve a lot of emotions. Our team includes a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in reproductive health. They can help you work through feelings and make a plan that's right for you.
Our behavioral health team can also support you with:
- Family or relationship concerns
- Sleep problems
- Depression, anxiety or other emotional challenges
- Lifestyle changes, including healthy sexual practices and weight management
Our team of complex family planning specialists provides confidential, expert care for birth control, miscarriage, first trimester complications and abortion.
Insurance and Payment
- Our services are covered by most insurance plans.
- We partner with agencies to help connect patients with financial assistance.
Call 773-702-6118 for more information about costs and payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can call us directly at 773-702-6118 or schedule online without a referral.
Generally, the most effective methods are those that do not depend on you taking action daily. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) — like IUDs and implants — are among the most effective options available. Permanent methods like tubal ligation are also highly effective.
However, the method that is best for a patient is the method they are most comfortable with. Your doctor can help you compare options based on your health and goals.
Our specialists have experience helping patients with complex health conditions, including diabetes, lupus, heart disease, epilepsy and more. We will review your health history and help you find the safest choice for you.
Yes. Emergency contraception, sometimes called the morning-after pill, Plan B or Take Action, is available through our clinic. Additionally, hormonal and copper IUDs are highly effective for emergency contraception are available. Talk to your doctor about which is best for you. All methods of emergency contraception are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
Yes. Your privacy is our priority. UChicago Medicine is committed to making every visit supportive and fully confidential. Your personal and medical information will not be shared without your consent.
Schedule an appointment online or call 773-702-6118.