|
New contraceptive options Implanon, Mirena IUDs and Paraguard IUDs are now available at the Student Health Center! If you are currently unhappy with your contraceptive, or have a hard time remembering to use it, make an appointment at Women's Health to see if there is an alternative that would better meet your needs.
Make your appointments online at HealthWeb or call 919-515-7762.
Contraception can be hormonal or non-hormonal (hormone free). For a comparison of options, click here.
Hormonal Options
|
| Pills |
Birth control pills work by inhibiting ovulation. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) can be progestin only (Camilla or Micronor) or combined to contain both estrogen and progesterone. "How to Take OCPs." |
| Patch |
The Patch is Ortho Evra and is the same medication in birth control pills, just a different delivery system. "How to Use the Patch."
|
| Vaginal Ring |
The vaginal ring, called Nuvaring contains estrogen and progesterone, just like a pill. The ring is a flexible plastic ring that is worn in the vagina for three weeks and then removed for one week.
|
| Injection |
Depo Provera is a progesterone-only injection that lasts for 3 months. Many women who use Depo have irregular periods for the first 1-2 injection periods. After this point, many women will stop menstruating. Depo Provera has been shown to cause bone loss, especially after 2 years of use. If you are taking Depo we encourage you to take calcium and vitamin D supplementation. We are glad to discuss alternatives with you.
|
| Hormone-containing IUD |
Mirena is the only hormone-containing IUD on the market in the U.S. at this time. This is a plastic T-shaped device that is placed by a health care provider in the office. The device releases low levels of progesterone. Mirena works in three ways for contracption: it slows sperm motility, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the uterine lining. |
| PLAN B |
Plan B is a progesterone-containing pill that is used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex to decrease the chances of pregnancy. Plan B has recently been changed to a one-dose formulation called Plan B One Step, which is available over the counter for persons 17-years-old or over. You may have to ask the pharmacist for this as it may be “behind the counter,” even though no prescription is needed. Plan B One Step is available at the Student Health Pharmacy for $40. |
| Implanon |
Implanon is a progesterone-containing implant that is placed just under the skin between the biceps and triceps muscles and lasts for 3 years. The implant is placed in the office using local anesthesia. Implanon is now available at the health center.
|
Non-Hormonal Options
|
| Spermicide |
Spermacides are chemicals that kill sperm. They can be in the form of gels, foams or vaginal contraceptive film. They must be used prior to each act of intercourse. |
| Diaphragm |
The Diaphragm is a flexible cup that is filled with spermacide and inserted around the cervix prior to intercourse. This should be left in place 8 hours after the last episode of intercourse. You can be fitted for a diaphragm at the health center. If your weight changes more that 5 lbs, you may need a new size and should be refitted. |
| Contraceptive Sponge |
The Sponge is a circular sponge filled with spermacide. It is wetted and placed in the vagina against the cervix prior to intercourse. It should be left in for 6 hours after intercourse. |
| Cervical Cap |
The cervical cap is a rubber cap that is fitted around the cervix. We do not fit women for cervical caps at the health center. This is a method that is not widely used at this time. |
| Condoms |
( Male and Female) - Both male and female condoms are available at the Student Health Pharmacy. Latex and polyurethane condoms protect against transmission of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Condoms don’t protect completely against Herpes and genital warts, but do decrease the risk of transmission.
Condoms should not be used with oil based lubricants as they can break down the condom. Use water-based lubricants, such as Astroglide or KY Jelly. |
| Non Hormonal IUD |
Paraguard is the non-hormonal IUD. It is placed by a health care provider in the office. It lasts for 10 years, but may be removed sooner if pregnancy is desired. Some women who use Paraguard experience heavier bleeding and cramping with their periods. |
How to Take Oral Contraceptive Pills or OCPs
1. Start the first active pill (the first one in the pack) on the first day of your period.
2.
Take the pill the same time every day.
3.
If you have nausea with the pill, try taking it with food or taking your pill at night.
4. When you finish your first pack, go directly to the next pill pack even if you are still menstruating. In effect, you should be taking a pill every day.
If you have concerns about side effects or problems with your pills, please call and make an appointment at Student Health before stopping your pills. Stopping pills will often lead to bleeding and contraceptive failure.
How to Use the Patch
1. Start the patch the first day of your period.
2. Change the patch weekly.
3. Use the patch for 3 weeks in a row.
4.
The fourth week wear no patch and expect to get your period.
5.
Exactly one week after the third patch is removed, put a new patch on. You should
start your new month of patches even if you are still menstruating.
|
