Why the right birth control prescription matters
Choosing birth control isn’t just about preventing pregnancy—it’s about finding something that fits you. Beyond pregnancy prevention, the right method supports your health, routine, and future goals. Whether you're into low-maintenance options like IUDs or implants, or you favor daily control with pills, patches, or rings, the key is the birth control prescription that aligns with your priorities.
Recent data shows 65% of U.S. women ages 15–49 use contraception, with pills at 14% usage and LARCs (IUDs and implants) at ~10.4%. With effectiveness rates ranging from <1% typical use failure for IUDs and implants to about 9% for pills, your choice really depends on what matters most to your life—reliability, ease, hormones, or access.
What matters most when choosing
- Effectiveness & ease: LARCs deliver near-perfect (<1%) performance with no daily action, whereas pills, patches, and rings have ~7–9% typical-use failure .
- Health risks & side effects: Estrogen-based methods carry more risk for smokers over 35 or individuals with migraines—progestin-only options offer safer alternatives.
- Convenience & access: With Viv Health’s text-based system, you can get a renewal of your birth control prescription without stepping foot into a clinic—true virtual women’s health at your fingertips.
- STI protection: Remember—only condoms offer STI protection, so pairing is important.
- Cost evaluation: Pills range $0–$50 per month, while IUDs may cost $500–$1,300 upfront but provide coverage for several years
Birth control options explained
Long‑acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)
- Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena): 3–8 years, >99% effective
- Copper IUD (Paragard): Up to 10 years, ~99% effective, hormone-free
- Implant (Nexplanon): 3–5 years, >99% effective
Short‑acting hormonal methods
- Combination pills: ~91% typical-use effectiveness
- Progestin-only pills: Ideal if you're avoiding estrogen
- Patch (weekly) & ring (monthly): ~93% typical-use effectiveness
- Shot (Depo‑Provera): ~96% effective with quarterly injections
Barrier & natural methods
- Condoms: 87% effective—only STI-protective method
- Diaphragm/sponges: 70–86% effective
- Fertility-awareness: User-dependent; 77–98% if used consistently
Permanent methods
- Sterilization (tubal ligation or vasectomy): >99% effective
Voices from real women
“I love my Mirena… no periods, no pregnancy scares, and the insertion was like regular cramps.”
“If you don't want any risk of hormonal side effects, the copper IUD could be a good option.”
“My doctor first recommended me on a low-dose pill … then switched once I had no issues.”
How to find the birth control that fits your life
- Clarify your priorities – What matters most: effectiveness, simplicity, hormone use, STI protection, fertility planning?
- Match method to routine – Want hormone-free? Go for a copper IUD. Prefer routine control? Pill, patch, or ring may fit better.
- Evaluate medical risk – Over 35 and a smoker? Have migraines or clotting issues? Our OB‑GYNs guide you based on your history.
- Stay adaptable – Switching methods is normal. With virtual women’s health, your birth control prescription can be updated quickly.
- Start or renew online – Through Viv Health’s platform, initiate or adjust contraception with just a few text messages.
Why virtual women’s health—with Viv Health—works
- Chat-based convenience: Text your OB‑GYN anytime—no video calls or waiting rooms.
- Fast, reliable prescriptions: Get your birth control prescription delivered quickly.
- Personalized guidance: Licensed OB‑GYNs review your history and tailor recommendations.
- Affordable & discreet: Transparent pricing, secure messaging, complete privacy.
With Viv Health’s virtual women’s health model, your contraception aligns with your lifestyle—whether pills, implants, IUDs, or beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an exam before starting birth control?
For pills, patch, and ring, chat screening is enough. LARCs like IUDs or implants may require a partner clinic visit—and your provider will help schedule that.
Can I switch methods through messaging?
Yes—just tell us how the method feels, and your provider can update your birth control prescription accordingly.
What about side effects?
Our licensed OB‑GYNs monitor you closely. If anything comes up, you can switch to an alternative that works better for your body.
Bringing it all together
Choosing the right birth control prescription is a unique journey, and virtual women’s health care simplifies it. With Viv Health, you get:
- A streamlined digital experience
- Expert OB‑GYN guidance
- Efficient, secure prescriptions
- Support that evolves with your life stages
Viv Health ensures your contraception fits your lifestyle—no office visits, no stress.
By combining evidence-based guidance with convenient virtual women’s healthcare, Viv Health makes treatment seamless, safe, and personalized—for every stage of your life.
