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.