Birth Control

Choosing a Birth Control Method

With so many options to choose from, selecting a birth control method can be an overwhelming task, Student Health providers are here to assist you. Consider the following questions as you decide on the method that is the best for you. 

You can make an appointment with a medical provider at Student Health Services to review your health status and discuss the birth control options that are right for you.

• Does the method you choose have enough sexually transmitted infection (STI) and pregnancy protection for you?
• Will this method fit your lifestyle and budget?
• How often do you have intercourse?
• Are you comfortable with touching your genitals?
• What level of involvement does your partner(s) have when making birth control decisions?
  
  

Birth Control Method Fact Sheets

The following birth control method fact sheets are provided by the Reproductive Health Access Project.

• Intrauterine Device (IUD): English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• Birth Control Implant: English (PDF) |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• Birth Control Shot: English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• Birth Control Pill: English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• Birth Control Mini Pill (Progestin-Only Pill): English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• Birth Control Patch: English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish  
• Birth Control Vaginal Ring: English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• Diaphragm: English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• External (Male) Condom: English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• Internal (Female) Condom: English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• Fertility Awareness Methods, including Abstinence: English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• Withdrawal: This method involves pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. Withdrawal is approximately 76% effective in preventing pregnancy.
• Birth Control Choices Chart: English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• Birth Control for Men Chart: English (PDF)  |  Chinese  |  Spanish
• Non-Prescription Birth Control Methods Chart: English (PDF)  |  Chinese
• Birth Control Across the Gender Spectrum English (PDF)

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), previously called the "morning after pill", is a method of preventing pregnancy from occurring after an incident of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure (i.e. condom breaks, etc.). The emergency contraceptive pill  works by delaying ovulation. 

EContra EZ ® and ella® , the brands of ECP carried at Student Health Services (SHS), can be taken up to 72 hours (EContraEZ) or 120 hours (ella) after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure; however, the sooner ECP is taken the more effective it will be.

• EContra EZ® does not require a prescription and can be obtained over-the-counter at the SHS Pharmacy. EContra EZ® costs approximately $20 at Student Health Services, however, if you have a prescription, it is free with SHIP.
• ella ® requires a prescription and is free with SHIP, or $48 without SHIP.  

ECP is for emergencies only. Using ECP is less effective at preventing pregnancy than using birth control that is used before or during sex (e.g. birth control pills, condom, etc.). ECP is not the abortion pill. If you are already pregnant, ECP will not cause an abortion. Note: The Copper IUD can also be used as a method of emergency contraception if placed within 5 days after unprotected intercourse.

For more information or to obtain a prescription for ECP, please contact Student Health through your MyStudentChart “ASK A NURSE”, or by calling Student Health at 858-534-3300, or the Group number for your Primary Care provider. You will be directed how to obtain the prescription.

Questions?

Contact Student Health Services at 858-534-3300 or your Group phone number to schedule an appointment with a medical provider.