Complex Contraception Clinic

Complex Contraception Clinic 

The UCLA Health Complex Contraception Clinic provides individualized, patient-centered contraceptive care for people whose medical conditions, medications, or prior experiences make birth control decisions more complex. 

Our team specializes in caring for patients with chronic or complex medical needs that may affect contraceptive choice, safety, or effectiveness. This includes, but is not limited to, people with congenital or acquired cardiac disease, seizure disorders such as epilepsy, history of cancer, organ transplantation, chronic kidney disease, clotting or bleeding disorders, and those taking medications that may be harmful during pregnancy. We also provide affirming contraceptive care and/or menstrual suppression for patients receiving or planning gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgeries. 

We offer counseling and access to the full range of contraceptive options, including long-acting reversible contraception (intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants), short-acting hormonal and non-hormonal methods, and permanent contraception. Permanent contraception options include surgical sterilization procedures such as tubal ligation and removal of the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), with counseling tailored to each patient’s medical history and reproductive goals. 

The clinic also cares for patients who have had prior difficult or unsuccessful contraceptive procedures, including challenging IUD or implant insertions or removals, non-palpable implants, or IUDs with non-visible strings. For patients who have experienced side effects or dissatisfaction with previous methods, we emphasize shared decision-making to identify options that align with both health needs and personal priorities. 

Our approach centers on evidence-based guidance, reproductive autonomy, and close coordination with other medical specialists to support safe, effective, and affirming contraceptive care. 

Who Should Be Referred 

Patients who may benefit from referral to the Complex Contraception Clinic include those who: 

• Have medical conditions that complicate contraceptive choice, such as cardiac disease, epilepsy, cancer, clotting or bleeding disorders, chronic kidney disease, or history of organ transplantation