Birth Control Methods
What methods are there?
There are many different types of birth control. Abstinence is the only 100% effective method, although many other types come close if used correctly.
Most women choose Hormonal Methods of birth control. These include:
- birth control pills – taken by mouth daily
- contraceptive patch – placed on the skin and changed weekly
- vaginal ring – inserted into the vagina and changed monthly
- the "shot" – given every three months
- single-rod implant – inserted under the skin on upper arm and is effective for three years
Hormonal methods of birth control are reversible and highly effective at preventing pregnancy. They work primarily by preventing a woman's ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation).
Intrauterine Contraceptives (IUC)
There are two types of intrauterine contraceptives available– the Paragard® which is effective for 12 years and the Mirena® which is effective for at least 5 years. IUCs are inserted by a physician or an advanced practice nurse who is skilled in placement. IUCs are small, "T-shaped" devices made of flexible plastic that contain copper or a hormone. Both types of IUCs are T-shaped, but they work in different ways. The hormonal IUC (Mirena®) releases a small amount of progestin into the uterus. This thickens the cervical mucus, which blocks the sperm from entering the cervix. It may make the sperm less mobile. It also affects the endometrium. This keeps a fertilized egg from attaching and makes menstrual periods lighter.
The copper IUC (Paragard®) releases a small amount of copper into the uterus. A copper IUC does not affect ovulation or the menstrual cycle. It causes a reaction inside the uterus and fallopian tubes. This can prevent the egg from being fertilized or attaching to the wall of the uterus. The copper seems to work as a kind of spermicide. It prevents sperm from going through the uterus and into the tubes. It also reduces the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. (Source: American College of Obstetrcians and Gynecologists)
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods include the diaphragm, Lea’s Shield® and FemCap®. Your clinician will teach you how to use these. Some are inserted a few hours before sex and are removed at various times after sex. Other barrier methods are the male and female condom and various types of spermicidal products that you may purchase at the drug store.
Permanent Methods
Permanent methods of birth control are available for men and women. A vasectomy for men is intended to permanently block the tubes that carry sperm. A tubal sterilization for women is intended to permanently block the tubes where sperm join the egg. Currently, there is a grant program in Michigan that will pay some or all of the expenses of sterilization. Please call Planned Parenthood of South Central Michigan at 269-372-1205 for more information
Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning or fertility awareness method (FAM) involves timing intercourse when the woman is most often infertile. There are special counseling sessions with a clinician to learn about this method. Rhythm, or the old calendar method, is not very effective and is not recommended to be used as the sole means of contraception.
Emergency Contraception
If unprotected sex occurs—a condom breaks, a sexual assault occurs, you've missed birth control pills or taken them too late—there is emergency contraception. Plan B® is taken as soon as possible to be most effective, but can be used within 5 days of unprotected sex. Emergency contraception pills work primarily by keeping the ovary from releasing an egg. ECPs also thicken the cervical mucus, which inhibits fertilization and changes the lining of the uterus in such a way that a fertilized egg may not attach and develop into a pregnancy. A recent study found that ECPs most often reduce the risk of pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation (Marions, et al., 2002). A more recent study suggests that ECPs only work by preventing ovulation or fertilization and have no effect on implantation (Croxatto, et al, 2003). ECPS are available over the counter at a drug store for those 18 years of age and older. For women under 18, a prescription is needed.
If you are an IUC candidate, the Paragard can also be used as an emergency contraceptive. It needs to be inserted by a clinician within 7 days of unprotected sex.
Click here for more information on emergency contraception
How Effective is Birth Control?
- Click here to check effectiveness of various methods
- Click here for more information on birth control methods
How do I pay for the methods?
Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan offers a full range of affordable contraceptives. We accept cash, checks, money orders, VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card. Payment is expected at the time of your visit. If full payment is not received, you may arrange to send it in or have a bill sent to you. Ask if you qualify for state/federal grant dollars which may be available to help you. If you have Medicaid, bring your card with you. Almost all, if not all, services are covered. If you have private insurance, we can give you a receipt that you can send in to your company to see if they reimburse for the services you received.
Click Here for Plan First information
Do I need an appointment/exam to get a method of birth control?
If you want a hormonal method, you will need an appointment to get a prescription. In some cases, you may elect not to get a physical exam, but these are highly recommended! Call 1-800-230-PLAN to reach your nearest health center.
Click here for center locations and hours.
What about condoms?
Female and male condoms are available at all of our centers. They are either free or sold at a very low cost. Condoms are highly recommended to prevent many sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Always use a condom if you or your partner has other sex partners.