imi Family Planning

Safe, self-determined and individual: your path to the right contraception with imi.

Make the right decision together with imi: personalised contraceptive solutions, tailored to your life.

Contraception as a consciously lived expression of personal responsibility — medically sound, freely chosen.

Choosing the right method of contraception is a significant decision — one that touches not only your body, but your lifestyle, your relationships and your future. Contraception is, above all, an act of self-determination: it gives you the freedom to decide when the time is right for a pregnancy — or to decide consciously against one — without having to compromise on intimacy or quality of life.

With the wide range of options that modern medicine offers today, finding the right individual solution is not always straightforward. You may have had unsatisfying experiences with previous methods. Your current method may be causing side effects — or it may simply no longer fit your present stage of life. Or you may have questions about how different methods work, their tolerability or their long-term implications, and want to compare them in detail before making the decision that is right for you.

It is precisely with these personal questions and concerns that our medically grounded, genuinely empathetic approach at imi comes in. We take the time to understand your individual needs and analyse your health profile in detail. Because contraception is not a one-size-fits-all product — it is a personal path, and one we want to help you navigate safely, thoughtfully and with complete confidence.

Contraception today: between freedom, trust and medical diversity.

Contemporary family planning is more than just contraception — it is part of your life. At imi, we guide you with empathy, expertise and a personalised approach to your ideal solution.

The imi Centre for Contraception and Family Planning, located in the heart of Vienna, is one of the leading centres of expertise for comprehensive counselling and individually tailored contraceptive strategies. Drawing on many years of experience, modern diagnostics and personal accompaniment, we help you find the contraceptive solution that is right for you — well-founded, empathetic and always aligned with your personal circumstances.

The contraceptive options available today — and what you should know about them.

Modern gynaecology offers a wide range of contraceptive methods today — each with its own advantages, mechanisms and forms of application. But just as no two women are the same, no single method suits every life. This is why choosing the right contraception is always a process — one that we at imi accompany with great care.

The best-known hormonal methods include:

Combined oral contraceptives containing oestrogen and progestogen
Progestogen-only pills (“mini-pill”)
Vaginal rings or contraceptive patches
Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), which act locally
Contraceptive implants (Implanon®) or depot preparations

At imi, we approach the selection of the right hormonal method together with you from a sound endocrinological basis — taking into account your individual needs and preferences, cycle stability and any existing health conditions. We carefully consider factors such as mood, skin, body weight, cycle pattern, migraine and thrombosis risk in order to identify the safest and best-tolerated option for you. Many hormonal methods — the hormonal IUD in particular — can also be used therapeutically, for example in cases of:

Heavy or painful periods
Irregular cycles in younger women
Fibroids
Endometriosis

There are also well-established non-hormonal options:

Gold or copper IUDs and copper chains
Condoms and diaphragms
Cycle apps and computers (e.g. for natural family planning)
Sterilisation, for those whose family is complete

These methods are particularly suited to women who prefer to avoid hormones, or who do not tolerate certain hormonal preparations.

Every method has its advantages — and its potential drawbacks — depending on hormonal tolerability, lifestyle, age and individual health profile. At imi, we discuss all options with you openly and at eye level, so that you can make a well-informed decision that fits your life and feels right for you.

The right contraception at every stage of life.

Contraception is not a one-time decision — it accompanies many women across decades, from puberty through to the menopause. And it changes with life: what felt right at 20 may no longer feel right at 35. During periods of hormonal change — after pregnancy, when cycle patterns shift, or in the transition towards the menopause — a fresh approach and a new solution are often needed.

Throughout all of these phases, we are with you — with experience, sensitivity and clinical foresight. We give careful consideration to:

Your individual hormonal characteristics
Any changes in your cycle
Existing conditions such as migraine, PMS or endometriosis
Your personal circumstances — lifestyle and professional life as much as your relationship and emotional well-being

At imi, we follow a clear philosophy: contraception should make your life easier, not more complicated. That is why we work together with you to develop a coherent personal contraceptive concept — one that feels right in every sense, medically and emotionally alike.

Having an IUD fitted? We take your questions and concerns seriously — in every detail.

Many women choose a gold, copper or hormonal IUD for reliable long-term contraception — either entirely hormone-free or with localised hormonal action — without having to think about contraception every day. Yet having an IUD fitted raises many questions: “Will it hurt?” “What does the procedure involve?”

We understand these concerns fully and from long experience — and we meet them with both clinical knowledge and genuine empathy. IUD insertions at our clinic are therefore carried out with the utmost regard for your comfort and safety.

With the right preparation, which may include:

Choosing the optimal point in your cycle
Antispasmodic medication and relaxation measures
Local anaesthesia (which we always apply at imi)
Regional anaesthesia (pain-free, without sedation)
Brief, pain-free sedation — ideal for patients with heightened pain sensitivity or anxiety about the procedure (optional, and available exclusively for personal appointments with Dr. Martin Imhof)

the procedure can be made significantly more comfortable, or entirely pain-free, for most women. At imi, one principle always applies: your safety, your health, your physical well-being and your personal choice come first, without exception.

We are equally available — with the same expertise and care — for the removal of IUDs or other contraceptive devices requiring medical assistance.

We find the right answer to every contraceptive question.

Even if previous contraceptive methods have not suited you well, or you have not yet found the solution that truly fits — in almost every case, there is a path to a comfortable, safe and well-tolerated approach that works for you.

That is why at imi we place the greatest importance on thorough, up-to-date diagnostics — to get to the root of any problems and their causes without exception. Because sometimes all it takes is a careful look at your hormonal baseline, at previously undetected intolerances, or at the rhythms of your everyday life — and new possibilities for your ideal contraceptive solution emerge.

Our clear goal at imi is to explore and make full use of this wide range of options together with you — with precise, evidence-based diagnostics, extensive clinical experience and an attentive, open ear for everything that matters to you.

imi | Klinik 1010 Wien | Behandlungsraum Kinderwunsch

What patients say about imi

"The contraceptive consultation at imi changed my life — the options were discussed with me thoroughly and with great sensitivity, and together we found my personal, ideal solution. Thank you!"

Vroni K.

"The pill has transformed my skin and made the terrible period pain almost completely disappear. Thank you for the wonderful and thorough consultation."

Leonie M.

"Copper IUD fitted — zero hormones, no mood dips. Best decision ever."

Melanie K.

"After extensive counselling, I have had the hormonal IUD for three years now. My period has almost vanished, no more cramps — I feel liberated. Thank you, imi."

Carina H.

"The pill has banished my migraines and regulated my cycle — my life is finally manageable again!"

Karin St.

Your personal path to a tailor-made contraceptive solution.

Contraception as a conscious choice: at imi, we develop your individual contraceptive concept together with you — one that fits your body, your stage of life and your everyday reality, safely, competently and with complete trust.

Contraception is far more than a routine medical question — it is part of how you shape your life. That is why at imi we advise and accompany you with an approach that brings together medical precision and personal attentiveness. Our goal: a solution that is as safe as it is right for you — in harmony with your body, your stage of life and your individual values.

At the imi Clinic Vienna, we take a holistic view of contraception and family planning. We take the time to get to know your health profile, your hormonal situation and your personal wishes in detail.

On this basis, we develop your tailor-made contraceptive concept together with you — one that is not only medically effective, but also practical for daily life and well-tolerated. Because contraception is not a one-time decision, but a dynamic process: what suited you in earlier years may need to evolve as priorities, relationships and life goals change. We support you in navigating these changes in a way that is both medically sound and fully considered.

Knowing today what will matter tomorrow.

Modern medicine offers an impressive range of safe and individually adaptable contraceptive methods — from hormonal preparations and copper or barrier methods through to entirely hormone-free or natural approaches. The focus is not only on protection against unwanted pregnancy, but also on well-being, hormonal balance and quality of life.

Many women look for alternatives when their current method is causing side effects, no longer feels right, or simply no longer suits their present stage of life. This is precisely where our approach comes in: we offer you orientation, knowledge and personalised recommendations, so that you can feel confident and at ease with your decision.

imi klinik wien | Familienplanung Arztgespräch

Contraception with confidence — safe, individual and in harmony with yourself.

Every contraceptive method has its own particular characteristics. That is why at imi we discuss all options openly and clearly with you — from hormonal approaches to natural or hormone-free alternatives. Our goal: for you to feel secure, informed and free — with a method that is medically sound and gives you what matters most: confidence in your body and in your decision.

Together we find the solution that fits your body, your daily life and your stage of life — medically safe, well-tolerated and right for you. Because contraception is not a fixed concept, but a personal path that is allowed to evolve with you. Regular reviews and sensitive adjustments ensure that your method remains optimal even as your hormonal or health circumstances change.

Contraceptive options at imi:

Individual contraceptive counselling: comprehensive anamnesis and diagnostics, taking into account pre-existing conditions, tolerability concerns and life stage
Hormonal methods: combined pill, mini-pill, hormonal IUD (e.g. Mirena, Kyleena)
Non-hormonal options: gold IUD (standard/mini), copper IUD, copper chain (under the personal care of Dr. Martin Imhof)
Brief sedation with propofol for comfortable IUD insertion (under the personal care of Dr. Martin Imhof)
Further contraceptive options: patch, depot injection, vaginal ring (e.g. NuvaRing®, GinoRing®), subdermal hormonal implant (e.g. Implanon®)

Contraception and family planning at imi: how does our consultation and care process work?

Step 1 – Initial consultation (concept clarification and risk assessment)

The contraceptive consultation begins with a thorough initial conversation. The goal is to identify an individualised method that is medically appropriate, workable in everyday life and sustainable over the long term.

Topics covered in the anamnesis:

Reproductive goals (near- or medium-term desire for a child)
Cycle pattern, menstrual flow, dysmenorrhoea
Pre-existing conditions, thrombosis risk, migraine, current medications
Hormonal preferences (hormone-free vs. hormonal)
Therapeutic goals (e.g. cycle regulation, reduction of menstrual bleeding)

Step 2 – Overview of contraceptive methods

Below you will find a structured overview of the contraceptive methods currently available — from barrier and hormonal methods to long-acting intrauterine options, as well as permanent and emergency contraception.

Barrier methods and natural approaches:

Condom (additional protection against sexually transmitted infections)
Cervical cap / diaphragm
Symptothermal methods (cycle computers)

Hormonal contraception:

Combined hormonal preparations (pill, vaginal ring, transdermal patch)
Progestogen-only preparations (mini-pill, desogestrel-based pills)
Depot preparations (three-monthly injection)
Subdermal implant (etonogestrel implant)

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC — intrauterine methods):

Copper IUD / gold IUD
Copper chain (GyneFix)
Hormonal IUDs in various sizes, hormone doses and durations of use

Therapeutic use:

The pill, progestogens or hormonal IUDs can be used therapeutically in addition to contraception — for example in cases of heavy menstrual bleeding (hypermenorrhoea), dysmenorrhoea or cycle-associated symptoms.

Permanent methods:

Female or male sterilisation. In female sterilisation, removal of the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) is increasingly preferred, as this approach also offers a significant reduction in the risk of ovarian cancer. Current evidence suggests that many so-called ovarian cancers in fact originate in the fallopian tubes.

Emergency contraception:

Oral emergency contraceptive preparations
Copper IUD — the most effective emergency contraceptive option

Step 3 – Selection and planning

Once a decision has been reached, the next step is the targeted selection of the most appropriate method, together with the logistical and medical preparation for the way forward.

Following the decision:

Selection of the optimal method or IUD type
Appointment scheduling
Preparation (e.g. cervical priming medication to facilitate insertion)

Step 4 – Insertion procedure for IUDs and implants

This step covers the various insertion approaches available — from standard insertion to pain-relieving options including local anaesthesia or brief sedation.

Standard procedure:
Insertion under routine clinical conditions with prior patient education.

Local anaesthesia (paracervical block):
Local infiltration anaesthesia at the cervix significantly reduces the discomfort of dilation.
The application takes only a few minutes and meaningfully improves comfort both during and after insertion.

Brief sedation:
Where pain sensitivity is heightened, anxiety is significant or cervical passage is difficult, insertion under brief sedation is an option. Performed exclusively under standardised safety conditions with dedicated medical monitoring.

Step 5 – Medical assessment prior to contraception (guideline-based)

Before starting any contraceptive method, a guideline-based, individually adapted medical assessment is carried out — ensuring the necessary safety while avoiding unnecessary investigations.

Our guiding principle:

Targeted assessment rather than routine over-investigation
Exclusion of existing pregnancy
Clinical gynaecological examination and assessment of uterine position
Blood pressure measurement for combined hormonal methods
STI risk assessment; microbiological testing only where clinically indicated or where risk is elevated
Routine bacterial swabs are not generally required in asymptomatic patients

Method selection follows the international criteria for medical eligibility (WHO-MEC).

Step 6 – Follow-up and long-term management

Die Nachkontrolle sichert eine optimale Langzeitanwendung, indem Follow-up care ensures optimal long-term use by reviewing the adjustment period, monitoring progress in a structured manner and addressing any side effects on an individual basis.

Monitoring and support during long-term use:

Discussion of expected adjustment phases (changes in bleeding pattern, hormonal adaptation)
Structured follow-up
Individual adjustment in response to side effects

Step 7 – Additional counselling topics

Supplementary counselling supports individual decision-making, clarifies differences in efficacy and expected changes in bleeding patterns, and outlines options for additional protection or emergency measures.

Key counselling points:

Efficacy comparison as a decision-making aid
Combined strategies (e.g. IUD plus condom for STI protection)
Honest, realistic information about changes in bleeding during the first few months
Rapid access to emergency contraception when needed

FAQs — Contraception and family planning: your questions, clearly answered

Knowing all your options, you can make your choices with greater confidence. Here you will find our answers to the most frequently asked questions, and comprehensive guidance for your personal contraceptive strategy.

Contraception and family planning are deeply personal — and at the same time can be medically complex. Which method best suits my body and my daily life? When is it worth reconsidering my current approach? What health factors should I be aware of?

To help you make informed decisions, we have compiled the most important questions and answers on contraception, both hormonal and non-hormonal methods, and family planning options. You will find out what options exist today, how they work and which considerations may be relevant to your personal situation.

Our goal is to give you confidence and clarity — with straightforward, well-founded information that translates easily into everyday life. At imi, the focus is not only on the medical decision itself, but equally on the knowledge that empowers you to make the right choice for you with real confidence.

Why is contraception about more than just preventing pregnancy?
When contraception is thoughtfully planned, it encompasses far more than avoiding an unwanted pregnancy. It is also an expression of autonomy and freedom, a means of protecting your sexual health, and a foundation for living life on your own terms.

Beyond this, many contraceptive methods — when chosen well — can have positive effects on your well-being: for example in cases of hormonally driven acne, painful periods or PMS.
How and when do you choose the right contraceptive method?
The right method depends on many factors — including your age, your health profile, any future desire for children and your current life situation.

There is therefore no simple standard solution when it comes to contraception. With us, you receive careful, individualised counselling that places your personal needs and wishes at the centre. Contraception can also serve a preventive or therapeutic purpose — for example in cases of hormonal imbalances or cycle disorders.
What do I need to know about hormonal contraception?
Hormonal contraception today is highly varied and nuanced:
- Classic combined pills contain the synthetic oestrogen ethinylestradiol and have a long, well-established track record.
- As an alternative, we offer preparations containing natural oestrogens such as oestradiol valerate, which are often better tolerated.
- Progestogen-only pills (“mini-pill”) are an option when oestrogens are not suitable.
- Specialist preparations can be specifically tailored to symptoms such as acne or migraine.
What localised hormonal contraceptive methods are available?
Localised methods act directly on site and often have fewer systemic side effects:
- Hormonal IUDs are available in various sizes and progestogen doses, and are well suited to longer-term use.
- Vaginal rings release hormones continuously and are straightforward to use.
The key distinction from systemic methods: localised approaches act primarily on the uterus, which is frequently associated with better tolerability.
How can an IUD be inserted with minimal discomfort?
Many women have concerns — or even anxiety — about pain during IUD insertion, most often due to sensitivity of the internal cervical os. However, discomfort is not inevitable — we offer a range of strategies to make the procedure as comfortable as possible:
- Choosing the optimal point in the cycle for insertion
- Pharmaceutical preparation, including antispasmodic medication
- Post-procedure treatment to ease any crampin
In some cases, brief sedation may also be appropriate. Counselling, clear information and trust are particularly important to us throughout this process.
What hormone-free contraceptive alternatives are available?
Not every woman wishes to use hormonal contraception. We can offer you a broad range of information on alternative approaches:
- Copper IUDs and copper chains provide long-acting, entirely hormone-free protection.
- Barrier methods such as condoms or diaphragms offer additional protection against sexually transmitted infections.
- Cycle computers and hormone tracking help identify fertile days.
- Natural family planning (NFP) can be used as a complementary approach, but has its limitations and requires proper training.
How does contraception change across different stages of life?
Your body and your needs evolve over the course of your life — which is why we adapt your contraceptive approach to each stage with precision:
- Young women and adolescents often need a particularly well-tolerated method.
- From the age of 35, or in the presence of risk factors such as smoking or migraine, specific safety considerations come into play.
- Once your family is complete, a range of options is available — as is appropriate support during the transition to perimenopause.
- Hormonal systems can also be used to manage heavy menstrual bleeding.
What permanent contraceptive options are available?
If your family is definitively complete, a permanent solution can be an excellent and highly reliable option:
- Salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes) offers the additional benefit of significantly reducing the risk of certain cancers.
- If you would prefer a reversible long-acting method, options such as IUDs or depot injections can provide highly effective contraception that can be discontinued when desired.
We will counsel you thoroughly and from extensive experience on the advantages and disadvantages of surgical versus reversible long-acting contraceptive methods — so that you can make your decision with complete confidence.

Your first step towards the child you are hoping for

Have your hormonal balance assessed with state-of-the-art imi Basis Diagnostics® — and let us accompany you on the path to natural conception.

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