Prevent Pregnancy

Condoms: Condoms are also protective against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which are linked to infertility and death. If you’ve had unprotected sex in the past, it’s important to get tested for STDs. They often have no obvious signs or physical symptoms, so regular screenings are critical. There are male and female options. 

Diaphragm: A diaphragm is a shallow, dome-shaped cup made of silicone, it’s only a few inches in diameter. You insert the diaphragm into your vagina and it covers your cervix and keeps sperm out of your uterus. However, for a diaphragm to work effectively, you need to use it with spermicide.

Cervical Cap: A cervical cap is a silicone cup you insert in your vagina to cover your cervix and keep sperm out of your uterus, it is about an inch and a half wide and one inch high. However, you need to use a cervical cap with spermicide for it to be most effective.

Birth Control Implant: A birth control implant is a small thin plastic rod that is placed by a provider in a woman’s upper arm during an office visit. The implant releases hormones that prevent you from getting pregnant. It provides contraception for up to 3 years.

Birth Control Pills: Oral contraceptives, also known as “The Pill”, are available in a variety of formulations and are taken by mouth daily to prevent pregnancy.

Contraceptive Ring: The ring is a small, flexible piece of plastic that's inserted into the vagina to provide birth control. It works like the pill, but only needs to be inserted once a month.

Emergency Contraception: Often referred to as the “Morning After Pill”, emergency contraception can be used up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex to reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. It’s more effective the sooner you use it after unprotected sex. Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, Take Action, and My Way emergency contraceptives are available over-the-counter at pharmacies and without a prescription. Ask your provider what type of emergency contraception is recommended for you.

Spermicide: “Spermicide” describes a bunch of different creams, films, foams, gels, and suppositories that contain chemicals that stop sperm from moving. You insert it deep in your vagina, so it also keeps sperm from getting through your cervix and into your uterus.

Patch: The contraceptive patch (brand name Ortho-Evra), is a thin, beige piece of plastic that looks like a square bandage. It's easy to use and works like the pill via hormone-releasing, but you only need to change your patch once a week. 

Birth Control Shot: Depo-Provera is a contraceptive injection given in your provider’s office once every 3 months. It works by releasing a progestin hormone which prevents ovulation and makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the cervix.

Sterilization: Male and female sterilization procedures are permanent forms of contraception. Sterilization for women can be done surgically or as a procedure in the office.

IUD: The IUD (Intrauterine Device) is a small, T-shaped device that a provider places in your uterus during an office visit. IUDs work by preventing sperm from reaching an egg. There are 2 types of IUDs: non-hormonal copper IUDs (ParaGard), and hormone-releasing IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla). The hormone-releasing IUDs secrete a small amount of a progestin hormone which helps prevent pregnancy.

• Paragard lasts up to 12 years.

• Mirena is good for up to 8  years.

• Kyleena is good for up to 5 years.

• Liletta is good for up to 4 years.

• Skyla IUD is good for up to 3 years.