The Health Center offers several types of reversible
hormonal methods of birth control.
There are many different types of birth control pills
available. Combined pills contain both
estrogen and progesterone. They need to
be taken at the same time every day. If
you are a smoker, have a history of blood clots or of breast cancer, you should
let your medical provider know. Side
effects can vary per person depending on the strength of the pill. Typical use failure rate is 7%. (Typical use is defined as how effective the
method is during actual use which includes inconsistent and incorrect use.)
The progesterone-only pill is an option for women in
whom estrogen is contraindicated. It needs
to be taken at the same time every day. Typical
use failure rate is 7%.
Depo-Provera is an injection of a progesterone-only
hormone. It is given every three months
in the arm or buttocks. It is known to cause a decrease in bone density while used and so women who use this type of
contraceptive need to take extra calcium supplementation. Typical use failure rate is 4%.
The patch is a combined estrogen/progesterone hormone
patch. You place a patch on your hip, buttock
or shoulder once a week for 3 weeks. You
do not wear a patch on the fourth week at which time you will have a
period. Typical use failure rate is 7%.
The vaginal ring is a combined estrogen/progesterone hormone ring
that is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks.
It is removed during the fourth week at which time you will have a
period. Typical use failure rate is 7%.
The Health Center does not provide non-hormonal
birth control such as a diaphragm at this time.
Some ob/gyn (obstetrician/gynecologist) offices are still able to obtain
these and the Health Center can refer you.
This is a barrier method that is placed inside the vagina to cover the
cervix to block sperm and is used in conjunction with spermicides. It requires that a person be fitted for the
proper size. Typical use failure rate is
17%.
The Health Center can counsel you on the effectiveness of
female/male condoms, the withdrawal method and natural family planning method.
The Health Center can refer you to an ob/gyn for placement of an intrauterine device
or an implant. The ob/gyn will discuss with you the risks and benefits of having a small procedure to have either device placed, the effectiveness of either contraceptive and discuss which option is best for you.
The Health Center does not offer any permanent methods of
birth control.
Please review the CDC website for the most up-to-date
information on contraceptives and the available options.