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Which prescription contraceptives are available at the Student Health Center?

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Which prescription contraceptives are available at the Student Health Center?

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Oral Contraceptive Pill --> once a DAY

-       Different versions will either contain one hormone (progestin) or two (estrogen and progestin) and prevents the body from ovulating every month.

-       Safe for continued long term use for pregnancy prevention
-       AVOID: do not use this method if you are not able to take a pill at the same time every day

Contraceptive Patch --> once a WEEK

-       Contains both hormones progestin and estrogen and the patch should be placed on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or posterior upper arm.

-       Replace the patch weekly for 3 weeks and on the 4th week no patch is placed so you can have a menstrual period

-      AVOID: do not place the patch on or around the breasts

Contraceptive Nuva Ring --> once a MONTH

-       Contains both hormones progestin and estrogen

-       You will insert the ring into your vagina which will stay in place for 3 weeks, until you remove it during the 4th week when you have your period
-        AVOID: use cautiously if you have predisposed conditions that increase your risk for infections

Contraceptive Shot --> once every 3 MONTHS

-       Contains the hormone progestin and is a shot given by your provider every three months to suppress ovulation

-       AVOID: Do not use this contraceptive method for longer than 2 years

(CDC, 2022)
(Mayo Clinic, 2022)
(Nationwide Children's Hospital, 2022)

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“Birth control causes cancer”

-        Extensive research studies have been conducted and there is no evidence supporting this claim. Birth control options such as the pill, the patch and the ring have actually been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer

“This will make me gain weight”

-       Everyone responds to medications differently, however usually any initial weight gain is related to water retention and is more common in contraceptive methods that contain both progestin and estrogen

“The ring will fall out during sex”

-       After the ring is properly (and easily) inserted, it should stay in place regardless of sexual or physical activity. If the ring does fall out, it can be re-inserted within 48 hours after rinsing it with room temperature water.

(Nationwide Children's Hospital, 2022)
(Mayo Clinic, 2022)

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Reversible Birth Control are an overall safe way to prevent pregnancy

- The shot is 96% effective in preventing pregnancy.  The pill, ring, and patch are 93% effective in preventing pregnancy

Only condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted infections

-External: Latex and non-latex condoms that are worn on the penis

-Internal: AKA female condoms that are put inside the vagina or anus

Emergency Contraception

-Plan B is a pill that can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is sold over the counter at most pharmacies

-A copper intrauterine device (IUD) implanted by a health care provider after unprotected sex may also act as emergency contraception

Birth Control can help with more than preventing pregnancy

-Some options provide relief from symptoms of heavy, painful periods.

-Benefits may include lighter, more regular periods, fewer menstrual cramps, lower risk of ectopic pregnancy

-The IUD, birth control shot, implants, vagina rings, patch and pill may safely skip periods.

(CDC, 2022)
(Hernandez, 2021)

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The pill, ring, shot, or patch:

-Common: Headache, skin irritation, stomach upset, nausea, changes in mood, sore breasts, changes in periods from light to absent, spotting in-between periods (Office on Women’s Health, n.d).

-Less common: Serious risks include blood clots, stroke, and heart attack (Office on Women’s Health, n.d).

Condoms:

-Use a new condom each time you have sex.

-May tear, break or slip off.

-May experience skin irritation or allergic reaction

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-  Tell your prescriber if you have a personal or family history of blood clots, autoimmune disorders, heart disease or breast cancer.

-  Your provider should be aware if you previously or currently smoke tobacco or use nicotine products including: juul, vaping and the use of e-cigarettes.

- Tell your provider if you start any new medications while on birth control, as certain medications can interfere with   contraception effectiveness.

-  Discuss your contraceptive timeline and other birth control options not offered here at the student health center.

-  It is important to remember that birth control is not one size fits all and make sure to update your health care provider on any concerns you might have before, during or after starting birth control.

(Mayo Clinic, 2022)
(Planned Parenthood, 2022)

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 1). Contraception and Birth Control Methods. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d). Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm

Hernandez, J. (2021). 6 things you should know about birth control. Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-orange-san-bernardino/about-us/blog/6-things-you-should-know-about-birth-control

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, February 22). Depo-Provera (contraceptive injection). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/depo-provera/about/pac-20392204

Planned Parenthood. Birth Control Methods & Options: Types of birth control (2022) . Planned Parenthood. Available at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control (Accessed: November 4, 2022).

Office on Women’s Health. (n.d). Birth Control Methods. U.S Department of Health and Human Services.  https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods.