Services Offered

The Pill (birth control pills or oral contraceptives)

What Is It?

Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin.

How Does It Work?

Thickens cervical mucus, blocking sperm. Prevents ovulation. Prevents implantation of fertilized egg.

How Is It Used?

Birth control pills are prescribed for woman. A pill must be taken by mouth every day for 21 or 28 days each cycle. The pill should be taken at the same time each day. Pills must be taken on schedule, month after month.

How Well Does It Work?

Typical use: 95%. Perfect use: 99.9%. Failure rate increased when combined with some medications, missed pills or taking pills late. Use back-up method for: first cycle, any missed pills, discontinuing pill or if taking some medications, such as antibiotics. (Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a medication you are prescribed may interfere with how well the pill works.)

What Are Its Main Advantages?

Reversible. Does not interfere with sex. Medically safe for most women. Regulates periods, lighter periods. Decreases menstrual pain and PMS. May improve acne. Decreases risk for ovarian and endometrial cancer.

What Are Some Possible Problems?

Side effects include nausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, break-through bleeding (spotting between periods). More serious complications include depression, liver tumors. May increase risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots and high blood pressure for some women (especially women over 35 who smoke). Possible increased risk for breast cancer and cervical cancer.

Depo-Provera ("the shot")

What Is It?

A long-acting form of the hormone depo-medroxyprogesterone Accetate (progestin) given by injection

How Does It Work?

Thickens cervical mucus, blocking sperm. Prevents ovulation. Prevents implantation of fertilized egg.

How Is It Used?

The woman is given an injection into the upper arm or buttocks every three months.

How Well Does It Work?

Typical use: 100%. Perfect use: 100%. Works for 12 weeks. Failure rate increased if shot is not repeated every 12 weeks.

What Are Its Main Advantages?

Lasts for 3 months. Does not interfere with sex. Can be used by women with a history of seizures (reduces seizures) or sickle cell anemia. Can be used while breastfeeding.

What Are Some Possible Problems?

Need to return for shot every 3 months. Menstrual changes are common including: irregular bleeding, spotting, missed periods, or no periods. Side effects: weight gain, depression, breast tenderness, headaches, allergic reaction. Side effects may last for up to 6 months after the last injection. May cause delay in ability to get pregnant after discontinuation. May cause bone density changes or bone loss; adverse effects on lipids.

Diaphragm with Spermicide

What Is It?

Dome-shaped rubber cup with a flexible rim which covers the cervix

How Does It Work?

Cup acts as barrier to semen contact with the cervix. Spermicide kills sperm. Fertilization does not occur.

How Is It Used?

Clinician fits women with proper size and teaches correct use. Spermicide cream or gel/jelly is placed in the cup before insertion. Before sex, diaphragm is placed in the vagina, covering the cervix. Diaphragm is left in place for at least 6 hours after sex. Additional application of spermicide is needed for each act of intercourse.

How Well Does It Work?

Typical use: 80%. Perfect use: 94%. Failure rate increases with increased sexual activity (more than 3 times a week).

What Are Its Main Advantages?

Reversible. Can be used with or without partner cooperation. Can be placed in vagina up to 6 hours before sex.

What Are Some Possible Problems?

Requires a prescription and clinic visit. May be difficult for some women to insert. Some individuals are allergic to the rubber or the spermicide. Pelvic pressure, vaginal discharge, or vaginal irritation if left in too long. Increased risk for vaginal and urinary tract infections. Increased risk for toxic shock syndrome; must be removed within 24 hours. Cannot be used with oil-based lubricants or vaginal medications.

IUD (intrauterine device)

What Is It?

A medicated, plastic device that is placed into the uterus; a string attached to the IUD hangs down into the vagina. The ParaGard® (CuT 380A) contains copper. The Progestasert® releases the hormone progesterone

How Does It Work?

May inactivate sperm and/or egg, preventing fertilization. Creates an inflammatory condition in the uterus preventing implantation of fertilized egg.

How Is It Used?

Requires a simple medical procedure for insertion and removal. The device is placed into the uterus, where it remains until it is removed. The woman can check the correct placement of the device by feeling for the string.

How Well Does It Work?

The ParaGard® (CuT 380A) is effective for up to 10 years. Typical use: 99.2%. Perfect use: 99.4%. The Progestasert® is effective for 1 year. Typical use: 98%. Perfect use: 98.5%.

What Are Its Main Advantages?

Reversible method. Does not interfere with sex. Nothing to remember (except checking the string). Long-acting (up to 10 years with the CuT 380A).

What Are Some Possible Problems?

Up to 10% of women expel IUD during the first year of use. Insertion requires a minor medical procedure which may be somewhat uncomfortable. Must be removed by a clinician. Possible uterine perforation at time of insertion. May cause menstrual problems, including heavy bleeding and cramps. Increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may lead to infertility; may not be a good choice for women who have not had children. Should not be used by women who are high risk for HIV/AIDS/STDs. Should not be used by women with diabetes, HIV infection, other impaired immune conditions, or anemia. IUD may not stay in place (may fall out , move out of reach or become imbedded). Partner may feel the string during sex.

Male Condom ("rubber")

What Is It?

A sheath that covers the penis. May be made of latex, plastic, or animal "skin". May be pre-lubricated and/or contain spermicide.

How Does It Work?

Creates a barrier between the penis and the vagina. Collects and holds the semen. Egg and sperm do not meet. Fertilization does not occur.

How Is It Used?

Condom is unrolled over the erect penis before sex. Male must hold the base of the condom to penis when withdrawing. Condom is removed and discarded without spilling the semen near the vagina. Condoms cannot be reused.

How Well Does It Work?

Typical use (condom alone): 84%. Perfect use (condom alone): 97%. Using a condom with spermicide increases the effectiveness up to 99%.

What Are Its Main Advantages?

Latex condoms reduce the risk for transmitting and contracting HIV/AIDS and STDs. No prescription needed: can be purchased at most drugstores. No health risks or side effects caused by method (except for those allergic to latex). Delays premature ejaculation.

What Are Some Possible Problems?

Condoms may slip off or break. Proper use may interfere with spontaneity. May affect sexual sensations. May cause irritation or discomfort. If allergic to latex can have a severe reaction; plastic condoms may be used. Latex condoms should not be used with oil-based lubricants.

Natural Family Planning (Periodic Abstinence, Sympto-Thermal, Billings/Ovulation Method, Basal Body Temperature)

What Is It?

A variety of methods that help to detect the fertile days of the menstrual cycle. Abstinence from sex during fertile days ("unsafe days").

How Does It Work?

Users abstain from sex on fertile days to prevent egg and sperm from meeting. Fertilization does not occur.

How Is It Used?

Instruction from a qualified NFP instructor or clinician is recommended. Observing and charting daily signs of fertility or ovulation (release of the egg). Basal body temperature (BBT) method: the temperature is taken and charted each day. Cervical mucus method: the cervical mucus is evaluated for signs of ovulation. Sympto-thermal method: combines BBT and cervical mucus methods, along with checking position of the cervix.

How Well Does It Work?

Typical use: 81%. Perfect use: 91-99%.

What Are Its Main Advantages?

No health risks or side effects caused by method. Accepted by most religions. Can be used to determine fertile days when pregnancy is desired. Responsibility can be shared by couple.

What Are Some Possible Problems?

Have to abstain from intercourse on fertile days (back-up method can be used on fertile days, if couple chooses not to abstain). Temptation to take risks may occur. Care is needed to keep records and observe signs. Fertility signs and symptoms may be difficult for some women to identify.