Birth Control Methods
Abstinence
Cervical Cap
Condom
Depo Provera "The shot"
Diaphragm
Emergency Contraception
IUD
Nexplanon
The Patch
The Birth Control Pill
Vaginal Ring (Nuva Ring)
Abstinence
- What is it? Not having sex, this includes oral, anal or vaginal. Abstinence is 100% effective in protecting you against pregnancy and STI's as long as there has been no sexual contact, which includes engaging in activities that put your bodily fluids in contact with those of your partner.
- Does it protect against STIs? Abstinence is the only way to protect yourself 100% against an STI and unwanted pregnancy.
- What are the most common side effects? There are no side effects to abstinence.
- Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? No need to see a doctor other than your regular annual visit with your gynecologist.
- What is the average cost? There is no cost associated to abstinence.
Back to Top Cervical Cap
- What is it? It is a silicone cup shaped like a sailor's hat that is inserted in the vagina over the cervix to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus by covering the cervix. Spermicide is often put on the cap as an added protection prior to use. It can be inserted prior to having sex and left in place for up to 48 hours. However spermicide should be added every time you have sex. After sex, the cap must be left in place for at least 6 hours before being removed.
- Does it protect against STIs? The cervical cap does not protect against an STD, so you will need to use a condom to protect yourself against an STD every time you have sex
- What are the most common side effects? There are few side effects associated with this method. However, some common side effects are irritation in the vagina or surrounding skin area, cause of an allergic reaction, strong odors if the cervical cap is left in too long and, rarely but possible, is toxic shock syndrome.
- Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? You will need to see your doctor because it must be fitted in order to determine a size that is right for you. Your provider will teach you how to properly use the cap.
- What is the average cost? The average cost of a cervical cap is about $70 plus the cost of an office visit. Your insurance may cover this. The cost of spermicide will range between $7-$18. Note: the cap must be replaced every year.
Back to Top Condom
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What is it? A barrier method of contraception that is made of latex or non-latex material. Male condoms are placed on the erect penis while a female condom is inserted into the vagina. Condoms work by preventing semen from entering the vagina.
- Male condoms must be removed once the man ejaculates while still erect by holding the condom at the base of the penis as he pulls out of the vagina. The female condom is inserted into the vagina using the closed-end ring.
- Female condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours before having sex but should be removed after sex. Female and male condoms should not be used at the same time because it increases the chances of the condoms getting stuck together, slipping during sex or braking, making them ineffective.
Condoms cannot be reused; a new condom should be used every time you have sex from start to finish. It is not recommended to use oil-base lubricants when using a condom because it breaks down the rubber. Always check the expiration date of the condom, and if a condom seems dry, sticky, or stiff when removed from the package, throw it away and use a new one. Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place.
- Does it protect against STIs? When a condom is properly used from start to finish, they are very effective in protecting against an unwanted pregnancy and STIs.
- What are the most common side effects? The most common side effect to condoms is an allergy for those allergic to latex. However there are non-latex condoms. Another side effect could be irritation to the penis or vagina.
- Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? You can get a condom from your local drug store, pharmacy, gas station, or grocery store. Other places that have condoms at no charge are the following: Hartford's Health Department, your local Planned Parenthood, and school based health clinics.
- What is the average cost? The cost of condoms varies depending on the brand, but typically cost around $6-28 per pack.
Back to Top Depo Provera "The shot"
- What is it? It is a long-acting form of progesterone given as an injection usually in the upper arm or buttocks once every 3 months. This shot works by preventing the release of an egg during the monthly cycle, which means that it prevents ovulation.
- Does it protect against STIs? This shot does not protect against an STD, so you will need to use a condom to protect yourself against an STD every time you have sex.
- What are the most common side effects? Common side effects are irregular or no menstrual periods, weight gain, headaches, and breast tenderness.
- Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? You will need to see a doctor every 3 months to get the shot, a prescription cannot be given to pick up at a pharmacy or have it administered at a pharmacy. However, your school based health clinic may be able to give you this shot, just like at the doctor's office.
- What is the average cost? The cost varies between $40-60, a side from the cost of the doctor's office but most insurance plans cover the cost.
Back to Top Diaphragm
- What is it? It is a dome shaped bowl made of flexible rubber that sits over the cervix. The diaphragm keeps the sperm from entering the uterus by blocking the cervix. Often times, spermicide is put into the bowl of the diaphragm before inserting it into the vagina. The diaphragm can be inserted up to 6 hours prior to having sex but you must use additional spermicide if sex will occur three hours after insertion or if sex is going to happen multiple times. The diaphragm must be left in place for 6 hours after having sex, but no longer than 24 hours.
- Does it protect against STIs? The Diaphragm does not protect against an STI, so you will need to use a condom to protect yourself against an STI whenever you have sex.
- What are the most common side effects? Possible side effects are: irritation from the spermicide or allergic reaction, strong odors or vaginal discharge if the diaphragm is left in for too long, and urinary track infections. In rare cases it may cause toxic shock syndrome.
- Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? You will need to see a doctor in order to get fitted for the correct diaphragm. The doctor will check the diaphragm during your annual visits in order to assure that it still fits correctly. If you gain more than 10 lbs., have a baby, or seek an abortion, you will need a new diaphragm, so let your doctor know.
- What is the average cost? The cost varies between $20-$80 dollars, however most health insurance covers this expense as well as the doctor's visit.
Back to Top Emergency Contraception
- What is it? Emergency Contraception (EC), also known as the morning-after pill, is often used after your method of contraception fails or after unprotected sex, to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. EC is a hormone pill that women take after having sex, but the sooner it is taken the more effective it will be. It can be taken up to 72 hours after having sex. The EC pill functions in a number of ways to prevent pregnancy depending on the brand. One way is by delaying ovulation, which is the release of an egg during a menstrual cycle of a female, or affect the uterine lining and disrupt the actual fertilization process. However if the egg has been implanted and you are pregnant, it will not work; it is not an abortion method.
- Does it protect against STIs? The EC pill does not protect against an STI, so you will need to use a condom to protect yourself against an STI every time you have sex.
- What are the most common side effects? The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. These effects tend to last for 1-2 days, but are often mild and soon subside. The menstrual cycle may be irregular as a result of taking the EC pill but it will re-regulate itself. The EC pill is not to be used as a regular birth control method but rather as an emergency method of contraception to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
- Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? EC is available without a prescription in the State of CT as long as you are 17 years old or older. You can get EC at your local pharmacy or school based health clinic. Your school based health clinic may be able to dispense this as long as your parent provided parental consent to be seen at the clinic for general services regardless of your age.
- What is the average cost? The cost varies between $30-$60 dollars; many health insurance cover the cost, however you may have to pay out of pocket if you go to a pharmacy without a prescription.
Back to Top IUD
- What is it? A t-shaped device that is inside the uterus by your doctor to prevent pregnancy. There are two types; one covered with copper (non-hormonal) and the other that releases the hormone progesterone. The UID prevents pregnancy by not allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg. The hormonal IUD works the same, but it also thickens the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus.
- Does it protect against STIs? The IUD does not protect against an STI, so you will need to use a condom to protect yourself against an STI every time you have sex.
- What are the most common side effects? Common side effects are spotting in between periods for a few months; heavier periods with more cramps with the copper IUD, irregular or loss of periods with some of the hormonal IUD. However if side effects persist or you experience other side effects, consult with your doctor or prescribing clinician.
- Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? You will need to see a doctor to get the IUD inserted. Insertion is commonly done during the menstrual cycle. Copper IUDs are replaced every 10 years while hormonal IUDs are replaced every 5 years. If you wish to remove the IUD at any time, you can do so by making an appointment and having your doctor remove it.
- What is the average cost? Cost of IUDs can range between $200-$400, however many health insurance cover this cost plus the cost of the doctor's visit.
Back to Top Nexplanon
- What is it? Is a small plastic tube, also known as Inplanon, which is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. This plastic tube contains hormones that prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation; the release of an egg. It also thickens cervical mucus making it hard for sperm to enter the uterus.
- Does it protect against STIs? This form of birth control does not protect against an STI, so you will need to use a condom to protect yourself against an STI every time you have sex.
- What are the most common side effects? The most common side effects are irregular or no menstrual periods, heavier or lighter periods, spotting in between periods, weight gain, headaches, acne, breast tenderness or irritation, possible scarring where the tube was inserted, and depression. However, these side effects improve over time.
- Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? You will need to see a doctor in order to have Nexplanon inserted.
- What is the average cost? The cost varies significantly, however most health insurance covers the expense of the birth control and doctor's visit. This method of birth control is only good for three years. There is a charge for removal.
Back to Top The Patch
- What is it? The Patch is a thin beige patch that sticks on the skin. It releases hormones (progesterone and estrogen) through the skin into the blood stream to prevent ovulation, which in turn prevents pregnancies. This patch also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg that may have been released. The patch is put on the first day of the menstrual cycle, and is removed at the end of the third week so that the menstruation (period) can begin on the fourth week, and then a new patch is replaced on the first day of the cycle.
- Does it protect against STIs? The patch does not protect against an STI, so you will have to use a condom to protect yourself against an STI every time you have sex. It is always best to use a second form of contraception, such as a condom, if you forget to place the patch on the first day of your cycle or begin a new form of birth control during the first month.
- What are the most common side effects? Although side effects are uncommon with the patch, some common side effects are irregular menstrual bleeding, nausea, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, mood changes, skin reactions and menstrual cramps. However if side effects persist or you experience other side effects, consult with your doctor or prescribing clinician.
- Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? You will need to see your doctor to get a prescription for the patch or you may get it at your school based health clinic.
- What is the average cost? The cost of the patch varies between $15-50 per month, but most health insurance cover this expense along with the doctor visit.
Back to Top The Birth Control Pill
- What is it? The pill is taken daily, and it contains hormones that function by preventing ovulation, which is the release of an egg during a woman's cycle. Pregnancy can't occur if there is no egg to fertilize by the sperm. The pill also thickens the cervix which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach the egg that may have been released. The pill also makes it difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the uterus. The pill is taken for four weeks or three months, depending on the type of birth control pill you choose.
- Does it protect against STIs? The pill does not protect against an STI, so you will have to use a condom to protect yourself against an STI every time you have sex. It is always best to use a second form of contraception, such as a condom, whenever you miss a dose or begin a new form of birth control during the first month.
- What are the most common side effects? Possible side effects that you may experience at the beginning are irregular menstrual bleeding, nausea, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, and mood changes. However if side effects persist or you experience other side effects, consult with your doctor or prescribing clinician.
- Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? You will need to see a doctor in order to obtain a prescription or visit your school based health clinic.
- What is the average cost? The cost for the birth control pill is between $15-$60 depending on the type and brand, but most insurance cover this expense along with the doctor's visit.
Back to Top Vaginal Ring (Nuva Ring)
- What is it? A vaginal ring is a clear flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina and releases hormones (estrogen and progesterone) through the vaginal wall into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation. The hormones released by the ring also thicken cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. A second method of birth control, such as a condom, should be used during the first seven days of use if it is your first time using the ring as a birth control method. It is unlikely that the ring will fall out, but if it does rinse it under cool water and reinsert within 3 hours.
- Does it protect against STIs? The ring does not protect against an STI so you will need to use a condom to protect yourself against an STI every time you have sex. It is recommended to use a second form of contraception, such as a condom, during the first week of using the ring or if you forget to re-insert the ring within the three hour window.
- What are the most common side effects? Possible side effects are irregular menstrual bleeding, nausea, headaches, dizziness, mood changes, and breast tenderness.
- Will I need to see a doctor or need a prescription? You will need to see a doctor in order to obtain a prescription or visit your school based health clinic. Note that your school based health clinic may or may not carry this form of contraception, but does carry others.
- What is the average cost? The cost for the ring ranges between $30-$50 per month, but most insurance cover all or some of the cost for the ring along with cost for the doctor's visit.
Use this video to learn more about the various forms of contraception