Birth Control Pills are taken every single day. A woman choosing this method will commit to taking ONE pill every day, at approximately the same time every single day. Pills contain two types of hormones: estrogen and progestin. In order to be eligible for Birth Control Pills, you must have a medical exam, including your medical history, internal examination and Pap test. If you choose this method of birth control, a Choices provider will give you a prescription for up to 6 months of pills; you will be required to come for a brief 6-month interval visit.
Effectiveness: 99% effective (if used correctly)
Safety: Birth Control Pills can cause minor discomforts such as breast tenderness, nausea, spotting, nervousness, and/or depression/emotional labiality. These side effects may be experienced during the first few months of taking the pill and then subside. Some women, however, find relief in changing to different brand of Pill; Choices providers will work with you to decrease any discomforts felt. More significant risks, such as stroke, blood clots, or circulatory disorders, have been reported from taking the Pill. The Pill is not right for you if you have a history of liver disease, blood clotting disorders, stroke or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Women who use hormonal birth control methods are strongly advised not to smoke, as smoking increases the risk of side effects. Choices providers will always review with you the warning signs of a serious side effect:
- Headache
- Vision Changes/Problems
- Chest Pain
- Abdominal/Heartburn Pain
- Leg Pain (in the calf)
Potential health benefits of taking oral contraceptive pills include a reduced risk of developing cancers of the uterus and ovaries, benign breast disease, pelvic infections, iron-deficiency anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and a variety of menstrual disorders. The Pill does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Personality: Effectiveness is very important to you. You like to be spontaneous and to be in control of every situation. You have no problems remembering to take medication. You are a mature individual. With the Pill, you get a monthly menstrual period.
The Nuva Ring is a soft, flexible, transparent ring containing hormones (estrogen and progestin) and is inserted into the vagina once a month. It operates like other hormonal methods (see Birth Control Pills or The Patch) where you will get a monthly menstrual period. To insert the ring for use, it is pressed together between two fingers and inserted into the vagina (to fit around the cervix). The ring is worn for three complete weeks, and then discarded. Following a complete ring-free week, a fresh ring is then vaginally inserted. In order to be eligible for the Nuva Ring, you must have a medical exam, including your medical history, internal examination and Pap test.
The Ortho Evra Patch is a small, thin, square "bandaid-like" patch containing hormones (estrogen and progestin) that is worn on the body. It operates like other hormonal methods (see Birth Control Pills or the Ring) where you will get a monthly menstrual period. To use the Patch, you apply one patch on the body and wear it for a full week. That patch is then removed and a new one is applied; this is done for 3 consecutive weeks, then you will have a week without wearing a patch. Following a complete patch-free week, a new one is applied to begin another 3 weeks of wearing. In order to be eligible for the Ortho Evra patch, you must have a medical exam, including your medical history, internal examination and Pap test.
Depo Provera is a hormonal injection shot that is administered by a healthcare professional every 12-13 weeks (approximately three months). Depo is a hormonal contraceptive method; though unlike pills, the ring or the patch, it only contains one of the hormones (progestin) and is therefore is okay for use in women who cannot take estrogen.
The Paragard IUD is a device inserted into the uterus and can be worn for up to 10 years. A woman choosing this method wants long-term birth control; yet if that changes and pregnancy is desired, the IUD can be removed at any time before the 10 year limit. The IUD is inserted by a healthcare professional during a woman's menstrual period. Most women experience little or no pain/discomfort during the insertion process. In order to be eligible for an IUD, you must have a medical exam, including your medical history, internal examination, Pap test and cervical/vaginal cultures.
The Mirena IUD is a device inserted into the uterus and can be worn for up to 5 years. Unlike the Paragard IUD, Mirena contains hormones (progestin). A woman choosing this method wants long-term birth control; yet if that changes and pregnancy is desired, the IUD can be removed at any time before the 5 year limit. The IUD is inserted by a healthcare professional during a woman's menstrual period. In order to be eligible for an IUD, you must have a medical exam, including your medical history, internal examination, Pap test and cervical/vaginal cultures.
The Diaphragm is a cervical barrier method of contraception. It is a dome-shaped device made of latex that is fit into the vagina to provide a snug seal so that sperm cannot enter the cervix. It is used with a spermicidal jelly or cream to add additional barrier protection. The Diaphragm is fitted for your vagina by a healthcare professional. The Diaphragm is a "use-based" type of birth control; you insert it into the vagina for each occasion of intercourse; it is left in the vagina for 6-8 hours following the last time your partner ejaculates (comes) and then it is removed.
Emergency Contraception is the most frequently used method to prevent pregnancy immediately after unprotected sex. Emergency contraceptive pills deliver a specific dose of hormones that is 75% effective in preventing pregnancy IF TAKEN WITHIN 3 DAYS of unprotected sex. Emergency Contraception is not effective in preventing pregnancy more than 3 days after unprotected sex. If more than 3 days has elapsed, you can discuss other options with our staff.
