• Implant: The implant (brand name Nexplanon) is a small, flexible plastic rod that contains the progesterone-like hormone, etonogestrel. The implant is placed under the skin of your upper arm. Nexplanon can be used for up to 3 years, and your health care provider can remove it for you at any time. The implant is the most effective method of birth control.

• Benefits: You do not have to remember to take it daily, weekly, or monthly. The implant does not require a pelvic exam. It is reversible. It is safe to use while breastfeeding. You cannot see the implant but you will be able to feel it.

• Cons: 20% of users have irregular, unpredictable bleeding. The implant does not provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Available at UHS

• Device $1562, insertion $316, removal $279

• Intrauterine device (IUD): An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that is made from flexible plastic. There are 5 kinds of IUDs, Mirena and Kyleen last 5 years and work releasing progestin. Paragard lasts 10 years. It is a non-hormonal IUD that contains copper. It can be used as an emergency birth control if it is inserted within the first 5 days after unprotected sex

• Liletta and Skyla both last 3 years and work by releasing progestin.

• Mirena, Kyleena and Paragard are offered at UHS.

• Benefits: While the initial cost is more expensive, over time IUDs are the least expensive and longest lasting method of birth control. You do not have to remember to take it every day/week/month or every time you have sex. An IUD is a good option for users who cannot use estrogen or who are breastfeeding. The ParaGard IUD (copper) does not affect your hormone levels. Hormonal IUDs may reduce cramps and make your period lighter. Periods may stop altogether, which some users consider a benefit.

• Cons: Spotting between periods for the first 3-6 months. Cramps and backache for the first month after the IUD is inserted. With time, these decrease in intensity and frequency. With Paragard, you may experience heavier periods and/or increased cramping. IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI). The IUD may slip out of the uterus, either partially or completely; this is called expulsion. If it comes out even a little bit, it must be removed. If the IUD slips out, pregnancy can happen.

• Device

• Kyleena $1442

• Mirena $1442

• Paragard $1156

• Insertion $342

• Removal $248

• Shot (depo provera)

• The shot (brand name DepoProvera) is an injection of a hormone that prevents pregnancy that is injected every 10-15 weeks.

• Benefits: you only need to get the shot about 4 times a year. It may make periods lighter, shorter, or periods may even stop after a few shots.

• Cons: The shot does not provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect, especially in the first 3 months. Less common side effects include changes in appetite, weight gain, breast tenderness, nausea, change in sex drive, depression, nervousness and dizziness.

• Medication $180

• Injection $38

• Oral contraceptive pills

• Two types:

• combination - progestin and estrogen - most

• mini pills - progestin only - those who can’t take estrogen

• How it works: prevent ovaries from releasing eggs or prevent sperm from fertilizing

• 9/100 users get pregnant every year

• Benefits: prevent pregnancy, don’t have to think about when having sex, can easily stop and get pregnant

• Decrease in menstrual cramps, lighter periods

• Helps acne, anemia, PMS, headaches, non-cancerous breast tumors, PID, ovarian cysts

• Downsides:

• Need to remember everyday, at certain time or else breakthrough bleeding may occur

• Visit healthcare provider to renew prescription every year

• Do not prevent STIs

• Breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, bleeding between periods

• Change in sexual desire

• (not on website): risk of depression increases

• Certain health risks: mixed pills have higher risk for heart attack, stroke, HBP, liver problems

• Obtaining: UHS healthcare provider - you are responsible for contacting insurance company to see if it is covered under your plan

• Cost: $29+ per pack, some insurance plans cover certain brands, generic brands sometimes covered in full with no cost sharing

• Pack can range from 21, 28, 91 pills

• 21 = all active

• 28 = 21 active, 7 inactive

• Patch

• Adhesive square worn on skin

• Hormonal birth control with progestin and estrogen that are released through the skin. Same as the pill - prevents release of egg, more cervical mucus to prevent sperm

• 9/100 users will get pregnant

• Benefits:

• Safe, convenient, effective

• Don’t have to think about it

• Shorter, lighter periods

• Can prevent period by skipping the monthly break

• Quickly reversible - stop use and can get pregnant

• Health benefits: protection against acne, anemia, ovarian cancers

• Risks = Same as pill

• Obtain: UHS

• Cost: $189 per month, ask health insurance company if it is covered

• How to use: stick on buttocks, outer upper arm, or upper torso once a week for 3 weeks, reapply on same day each week. Check everyday to make sure it stays in place

• Vaginal ring

• Nuvaring: flexible, transparent plastic ring, inserted into vagina to release hormones to prevent pregnancy.

• Estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy.

The cervical cap (FemCap) is a small, bowl-shaped latex or silicone cup. It is inserted into the vagina and fits snugly over the cervix. The cervical cap is similar to the diaphragm but smaller. It is always used with spermicidal cream or gel.

It requires a prescription and can be purchased online from FemCap, however at this time there are no UHS health care providers who prescribe the cervical cap.

For users who have never given birth, 20 out of 100 will get pregnant each year.

For users who have given birth, 40 out of 100 will get pregnant each year.

• Does not contain hormones

• You can insert it ahead of time so you do not have to interrupt sex play

• Can last up to 2 years

• Does not protect against STI, and can cause vaginal irritation which increases risk of STI. External condoms or internal condoms can be used to prevent STI.

• Not commonly available

• It is not as effective at preventing pregnancy as other methods, especially for those who have given birth.

• Must be used every time you have sex

• May be difficult to insert

• Requires a visit to your health care provider for fitting and prescription. This is a sensitive procedure and a chaperone will be provided.

• Cannot be used when you have your period.

• Before each use, check the device for holes by holding it up to the light, and then filling it with water. If you detect any holes, do not use it.

• Place a small amount of spermicide inside the device.

• Insert the device into your vagina by hand. The device should fit snugly over the cervix.

• To use for another sex act, leave the device in place and add more spermicide.

• Timing is important. You must leave both diaphragm and cervical cap in place for at least 6 hours after the last time you had sex, but:

• The diaphragm should be removed within 6-24 hours after the last time you had sex

• The cervical cap should be removed within 6-48 hours after the last time you had sex

• Wash the device with soap and warm water after each use, dry and store in its container.

The sponge (Today Sponge) is a disposable device, made of soft foam containing spermicide. It has a nylon loop at the bottom to make it easier to remove after sex. It is not available through UHS.

For users who have given birth, 24 out of 100 will get pregnant each year.

For users who have not given birth, 12 out of 100 will get pregnant each year.

• First wet the sponge with water.

• Insert the sponge into your vagina with a finger.

• The sponge must stay in place for at least 6 hours after sex; it should not be left in for more than 30 hours from the time it was first put in.

• Does not contain hormones

• You can insert it ahead of time so you do not have to interrupt sex play

• Less expensive than a diaphragm or cervical cap

• Does not protect against STI and can cause vaginal irritation which increases risk. External condoms or internal condoms can be used to prevent STI.

• It is not as effective at preventing pregnancy as other methods, especially for those who have given birth.

• Must be used every time you have sex