Contraceptive Options
The following methods of birth control are available at Health Services. At Health Services, students can discuss which birth control method might be best for them with a healthcare provider.
Oral Contraceptives
Contraceptive Patch
Vaginal Ring
Contraceptive Injections
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
Male Condoms
Female Condoms
Emergency Contraception
Oral Contraceptives
What is it?
Oral contraceptives are also called birth control pills.
How does it work ?
The pill contains hormones (either a combination of estrogen and progestin OR just progestin) that change the normal functions of a women’s body so that she does not become pregnant.
The pill does 3 things to a woman’s body to prevent pregnancy:
1. Stops ovulation (the release of the monthly egg).
2. Changes the uterine lining so that implantation of a fertilized egg does not occur.
3. Thickens the cervical mucous to create a hostile environment for sperm.
How do I use it?
Birth control pills require that you take 1 pill that contains hormones daily for 3 weeks. During the 4th week, placebo (“sugar”) pills that contain no hormones will be taken daily. Usually during the week of the “sugar” pills a period will occur. On most birth control pills a period then occurs about every 28 days. There is a new type of birth control pill that is taken daily for 3 months. At the end of 3 months, 1 week of placebo (“sugar”) pills that contain no hormones are taken. With this method, a period only occurs four times a year during the week of the placebo pills.
Are there benefits to taking oral contraceptives?
Some of the benefits include a lighter and more regular menstrual flow (period), less cramping with periods, decreased risk for uterine and ovarian cancers, improved acne, AND allows for sexual spontaneity.
Are there side effects of taking oral contraceptives?
Yes, there are side effects but most of them resolve over the first few months. Some of the side effects include nausea, mood swings, spotting, acne, headaches, and hypertension (high blood pressure). One of the more serious side effects is blood clots which your healthcare provider will discuss in further detail. (*These are only some of the side effects. Your healthcare provider will go over these in detail.)
How effective is it to prevent pregnancy?
If taken PERFECTLY the pill is 99% effective.
Does it protect against STIs and HIV?
They offer NO protection against STIs and HIV.
Do you need to see a healthcare provider to start using birth control pills?
Yes, a prescription is required to start taking birth control pills. Birth control pills are a MEDICATION and like any medication may not be right for everyone. You and your healthcare provider will discuss the right choice for you.
Where can I find more information about oral contraceptives?
Contraceptive Patch
What is it?
Thin, tan colored, square adhesive (looks like a bandaid) that attaches to skin.
How does it work?
The patch contains hormones (estrogen and progestin ) which are absorbed into the body through the skin.
The patch works in similar ways to the birth control pill:
1. Stops ovulation (the release of the monthly egg).
2. Changes the uterine lining so that implantation of a fertilized egg does not occur.
3. Thickens the cervical mucous to create a hostile environment for sperm.
How do I use it?
Apply a new patch to upper/outer arm, chest (not breasts), back, or buttocks each week for 3 weeks in a row. On week 4 don’t apply a patch. On this patch-free week, you should get your period.
Are there benefits of using the patch?
Some of the benefits are regular, lighter, and shorter periods. You do not need to remember to use it on a daily basis, just weekly.
Are there side effects of using the patch?
Some of the side effects of the patch include nausea, mood swings, breast tenderness, and skin reaction at the application site. One of the more serious side effects is blood clots which your healthcare provider will discuss in further detail. (*These are only some of the side effects. Your healthcare provider will go over these in detail.)
How effective is it to prevent pregnancy?
If used PERFECTLY patch is 99% effective.
Does it protect against STIs and HIV?
It offers NO protection against STIs and HIV.
Do you need to see a healthcare provider to start using the patch?
Yes, using the patch as a birth control method does require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Where can I find more information about the patch?
Vaginal Ring
What is it?
It is a flexible, bendable ring approximately the size of a half dollar.
How does it work?
The ring contains hormones (estrogen and progestin) that are absorbed through the vaginal walls into the bloodstream. The hormones stop ovulation (the release of the monthly egg).
How do I use it?
You insert the ring into your vagina (like a tampon). The position of the ring does not matter. The ring is left in the vagina for three weeks and then removed for the fourth week. On this ring-free week, you should get your period.
Are there benefits of using the Vaginal Ring?
Some of the benefits are regular, lighter, and shorter periods. You do not need to remember to use it on a daily basis.
Are there side effects of using the Vaginal Ring?
Some of the side effects are headache, nausea, mood changes, and possible increased vaginal discharge. (*These are only some of the side effects. Your healthcare provider will go over these in detail.)
How effective is it to prevent pregnancy?
If used PERFECTLY than it is 98% effective.
Does it protect against STIs and HIV?
It offers NO protection against STIs and HIV.
Do you need to see a healthcare provider to start using the Vaginal Ring?
Yes, using the ring as a birth control method does require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Where can I find more information about the vaginal ring?
Contraceptive Injections
What is it?
An injection of the hormone progestin given into the muscle.
How does it work?
The contraceptive injection, Depo Provera, stops ovulation (the release of the monthly egg).
How do I use it?
The injection is given every 11 to 13 weeks by a healthcare provider.
Are there benefits of using Depo Provera?
After a few months, you will not have any more periods. You do not need to remember to use it on a daily basis, just every 11 to 13 weeks.
Are there side effects of using Depo Provera?
Some of the side effects are decreased bone strength and growth, increased weight gain, and initially very irregular bleeding. (*These are only some of the side effects. Your healthcare provider will go over these in detail.)
How effective is it to prevent pregnancy?
If used PERFECTLY it is 99% effective.
Does it protect against STIs and HIV?
It offers NO protection against STIs and HIV.
Do you need to see a healthcare provider to start using Depo Provera?
Yes, using Depo Provera as a birth control method does require a prescription by a healthcare provider. The injection must be given by a healthcare provider.
Where can I find more information about Depo Provera?
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
What is it?
A small device inserted into the uterus and for up to 5 to 8 years.
How does it work?
There are 2 types of IUDs, Paragard copper-T and Mirena. An IUD stops an egg from being fertilized. The exact mechanism of how this is done is unknown.
How do I use it?
The IUD needs to be inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider.
Are there benefits of using an IUD?
The IUD offers a semi-permanent form of birth control since it does not need replacement for a long time.
Are there side effects of using an IUD?
Some of the side effects are bleeding, increased menstrual cramping, and pelvic inflammatory disease. (*These are only some of the side effects. Your healthcare provider will go over these in detail.)
How effective is it to prevent pregnancy?
If used PERFECTLY it is 98 to 99.8% effective.
Does it protect against STIs and HIV?
It offers NO protection against STIs and HIV.
Do you need to see a healthcare provider to start using an IUD?
Yes, a healthcare provider is required for insertion of an IUD.
Where can I find more information about IUDs?
Male Condoms
What is it?
A latex or polyurthethane (if allergic to latex) sheath
How does it work?
It acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the vagina.
How do I use it?
The condom is placed on the erect penis during intercourse or oral sex.
Are there benefits of using a male condom?
YES, it protects from STIs and HIV. It is inexpensive, readily available, and does not require a prescription.
Are there side effects of using a male condom?
Condoms can slip off, or tear during sexual acts. It can also cause decreased sensation and some people have allergic reactions to them.
How effective is it to prevent pregnancy?
If used PERFECTLY it is 88-98% effective.
Does a condom protect against STIs and HIV?
YES, YES, YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!
Do you need to see a healthcare provider to start using a male condom?
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!
AND FREE condoms are available at Health Services.
Where can I find more information about male condoms?
Female Condoms
What is it?
A polyurethane sheath that lines the inside of the vagina
How does it work?
It creates a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the vagina.
How do I use it?
A woman inserts the female condom into her vagina.
Are there benefits to a female condom?
YES, it protects from some STIs and HIV. It is inexpensive, readily available, and does not require a prescription.
Are there side effects to a female condom?
It may be difficult to put into the vagina, it may irritate the vagina and/or penis, and it may slip into the vagina during sex.
How effective is it to prevent pregnancy?
It used PERFECTLY it is 79 to 95% effective.
Do they protect against STIs and HIV?
YES, YES, YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!
Do you need to see a healthcare provider to use a female condom?
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!
Where can I find more information about female condoms?
Emergency Contraception
What is it?
A pill that prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex.
How does it work?
Plan B contains one hormone, progestin, that works in 3 ways.
1. Stops release of egg from a woman’s ovary.
2. Prevents fertilization.
3. Prevents implantation of the possible fertilized egg into the uterine lining.
How do I use it?
Plan B must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, the sooner the better. Plan B should only be used in emergency situations and NOT as a routine form of birth control.
Plan B is indicated if:
1. a condom breaks, slips, or was not used
2. you have unprotected sex and
- you are not on birth control
- your ortho-evra patch was off for 24 hours or more, left on for more than 9 days straight, or you are more than 2 days late putting the patch back on;
- your vaginal ring is taken out for more than 3 hours, left in for more than 5 weeks in a row, or you are more than 2 days late putting the ring back in;
- your last Depo-Provera shot was greater than 14 weeks ago;
- you missed 2 or more birth control pills in a row, or you were 2 or more days late starting your pill pack.
Are there any side effects?
Plan B may cause nausea, abdominal cramping, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, period changes, and breast tenderness.
How effective is it to prevent pregnancy?
Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy by 89%. (The sooner that you take Plan B the greater the effect of reducing pregnancy.)
Do I need to see a healthcare provider to use emergency contraception?
No, in Massachusetts, emergency contraception, Plan B, is available over the counter without a prescription for any female 18 years of age or older. You must obtain it from the pharmacist. A prescription is necessary if you are under 18 years of age. Plan B is available at Health Services.
Where can I find more information about Plan B, emergency contraception?