Birth Control
What PLU offers:
- Counseling regarding what type of birth control method is best for you
- Free condoms
- Emergency Contraception/morning after pill (Plan B $20, Ella $20)
- Learn more here: Emergency Contraception
- Birth control pills & injections (about $18/month, 3 months for $40)
Take 1 pill every day, at the same time of day. Birth control pills only work if you take them every day. If you miss a day, use a backup method.
If you miss 1 or more pills, use a backup method of birth control for the next 7 days. If you have had vaginal intercourse before you realize you have missed pills, you can consider taking emergency contraception (morning after pill) up to five days after unprotected intercourse (the sooner you take emergency contraception the more effective it is).
What type of pill you are taking
Where you are in your cycle
How many pills you missed
Your provider will help you get back on schedule.
For more information visit:
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000655.htm
Birth Control Options
| Method | What is it? | Where do I get it? | Pros & Cons | Efficacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Control Pill | A medication taken daily to prevent pregnancy. | Provider | Pros: ● Safe, effective, and convenient. ● Easy to get with a prescription. ● Costs about $0–$20 a month. Cons: ● Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases. | 99% |
| Birth control shot (Depo-Provera) | A shot in the arm that prevents pregnancy. (Long acting reversible contraception) | Provider | Pros: ● No daily pill to remember. ● Long-term birth control (3 months) ● Some people feel it increases spontaneity. Cons: ● Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases. ● Depression ● Weight gain | 99% |
| Birth Control Patch | A small, beige, patch that sticks to your skin to prevent pregnancy, Use one new patch for 3 weeks, then remove the patch for 1 week. | Provider | Pros: ● Safe, effective, and convenient. ● Easy to get with a prescription. ● Costs about $0–$80 a month. Cons: ● Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases. | 99% |
| Birth Control Implant | A matchstick-sized rod that is inserted in the arm to prevent pregnancy. (Long acting reversible contraception) | Provider | Pros: ● Costs between $0 and $800 up front, but lasts up to three years. ● It gives continuous long-lasting birth control without sterilization. There is no medicine to take every day. Nothing needs to be put in place before vaginal intercourse. Cons: ● Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases. ● Irregular bleeding is possible | 99% |
| Nuvaring | A small ring you put in your vagina once a month for three weeks to prevent pregnancy | Provider | Pros: ● Safe, effective, and convenient. ● Easy to get with a prescription. ● Costs about $0–$80 a month. ● Same hormones as birth control pills but different delivery system Cons: ● Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases. | >99% |
| Condom | A latex or plastic sheath to be placed over the penis at the time of sexual intercourse. | Over-the-counter | Pros: ● Protect against sexual diseases. ● Convenient. ● Can be used for vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Cons: • Must be worn before any genital contact ● Some people have latex allergies. ● Some find condoms to decrease sensation. | 98% |
| IUD | A small “T” shaped device (containing either copper or hormones) that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. (Long acting reversible contraception) | Provider | Lasts up to 12 years. Pros: ● One of the longest lasting forms of birth control. ● Can reduce menstrual cramps and make periods lighter. Cons: ● Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases. ● Insertion can be mild-moderately painful. ● Might cause irregular periods and/or spotting | >99% |
| Female Condom | A latex “pouch” inserted into the vagina or anus. It has a flexible ring at each end. The ring that is inserted helps keep it in place, while the ring at the open end holds the condom open. | Over-the-counter | Pros: ● Provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases. ● Can be used for vaginal or anal sex. Cons: ● It can slip into the vagina or anus during intercourse. ● It can reduce feeling during intercourse (roughly the same as a traditional condom). | ~95% |
| Spermicide | Foam, gel, cream, or film that contains chemicals that stop sperm from moving. It can be used alone or with other forms of birth control. It is always used with the diaphragm or cervical cap. | Over-the-counter | Pros: ● Easily obtained. ● Does not have an effect on women’s hormone. Cons: ● Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. ● Can be irritating to the vaginal tissue. ● Some people find it messy. | ~85% |
| Tubal ligation (women)/ Vasectomy (men) | Tubal ligation: A surgical procedure in which the provider closes or blocks a woman’s fallopian tubes. Vasectomy: A surgical procedure in which a provider closes or block the tubes that carry sperm. | Intended to be permanent birth control. Pros: ● No other form of birth control is necessary to prevent pregnancy. Cons: ● Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. | 100% |
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2014). Birth Control: Also called: Contraception. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/birthcontrol.html
Planned Parenthood. (2014). Birth Control. Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control