Northeast Nebraska Family Health Services

What's right for me?

Birth control allows us to prevent pregnancy and plan the timing of pregnancy.

Deciding what method of birth control to use isn't easy.  Here are some questions to ask yourself.  Your answers will help you decide which method is right for you.

Q-Is it important that I don't get pregnant right now?

A-Would an accidental pregnancy be a problem?  Do I plan to have children in the future?

Q-Do I have religous or moral feelings about birth control?  Does this method fit with my religious beliefs?

Q-Is this method safe for me?

A-Do I have any health concerns that woud make this method risky for me to use?

Q-How does my partner feel about birth control?

A-can we work together to use this method?

Q-Is this method easy to use?

A-Will I use it the right way every time-even if it's sometimes a hassle?

Q-How much will this method cost?

A-Can I afford it?

Q-How often do I have sex?

A-Do I want a method that is alway in my body (examples: the pill, depo, IUD)? Or can I pick a method I use only when I have sex (example: condom, diaphragm).

Q-How do I feel bout touching my body?

A-Do I need to touch my genitals in order to use this method? If you aren't comfortable touching your vagina, you won't feel comfortable using certain methods such as the Nuva Ring, Diaphagm or IUD.

Methods of Birth Control 

• Natural Family Planning - This method requires training to identify a woman’s fertile period, and may involve taking your temperature and/or checking cervical mucus. This method is 85% - 97% effective, and offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
• Condom - The condom is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, if you use it correctly and consistantly each time you have sex. This method also offers protection from STDs.  The condom fits over a erect penis and catches sperm when the man "comes". You can buy condoms almost anywhere--drugstores, gas stations, Wal-Mart etc. Easy to use and easy to carry.
• Female Condom: A pouch inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy.  It works to reduce the risk of STDs.  The female condom is safe, effective and convenient.  Cost is about $4 each 

Please click on the link below to watch a PSA on the female condom and how to use it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjmoQlAQP4Y&feature=player_embedded

        *Nuva-Ring-The nuva-ring is a round ring that releases hormones and is placed inside you.  You will wear the ring for 3 weeks.  Take it out on the 4th week to have your period.  Use a new ring every month. 96-99% effective.  Stops ovaries from releasing egg.  Thickens mucus in cervix (opening to womb) so it is hard for sperm to enter womb.

• Diaphragm - The diaphragm is 80% to 90% effective if used perfectly. It does not offer protection against sexually transmitted disease.  It is a small rubber cup that fits inside the vagina, over the cervix and must be fitted by a health care provider.  Some women say it's hard to put in and take out and it can be messy (when used with contracepive cream or jelly that kills sperm).  Can be put in 6hrs before sex and must be left in for 6 hours after sex.  Offers no protection from STDs
• Oral Contraceptives, "The Pill" - There are many types and brands of pills, and your clinician will choose the one that is right for you. The pill is 95% to 99% effective if used correctly. Simple and easy to use.  Doesn't interfere with sex and helps by having less bleeding and cramping during periods.  Decreases your chances of ovarian or endometrial cancer with pill.  Some pills can reduce the number of periods in a year or eliminate perios at all.  May not be a good method for woman over 35 who smoke or are over weight.  It does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
• Evra patch - It is an adhesive skin patch, less than 3 inches square, that is applied once a week. If used correctly, the patch is 95% to 99% effective. The patch does not offer protection against sexually transmitted disease.
• Injectable (Depo-Provera or Lunelle shot) - These forms of contraception must be given at specific time intervals, and must be administered by a health care provider. They are 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy, but offer no protections against sexually transmitted disease.
• IUD - The IUD is a small plastic or metal device that is inserted into the uterus by a clinician. The IUD is 97.4% to 99% effective. The IUD does not offer protections from sexually transmitted disease. IUD can be used for up to 5 or 10 years and taken out at any time.
• Emergency Contraception Plan B the "Morning After Pill") - If you have unprotected intercourse or your contraceptive fails, you can call the clinic to receive emergency contraception.

Plan B, when taken as directed witin 3 days (72hrs) after unprotected sex can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89%.  The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.

Plan B is approved by the FDA and it contains the same birth control hormone that doctors have been prescribing for more than 35 years. 

Plan B is NOT the RU-486 abortion pill.  Because Plan B is used to prevent an unplanned pregnancy, it is not effective if you are already pregnant.

If you are 17 or older, you can get Plan B without a prescription at the pharmacy counter or Family Planning.  You will have to show your ID to verify age.  If you are under 17, you can get Plan B with a prescription from your health care provider or Family Planning.

For more information about Plan B, visit www.go2planB.com

.

Birth Control Options
Accurate information is available on all of the following types of birth control:

• Abstinence
• Depo-Provera
• Birth Control Pills
• Birth Control Patch
• Diaphragm
• Nuva-Ring
• IUD (Intrauterine Device)
• Foams & Suppositories
• Condoms
• Emergency Contraception
• Natural Family Planning
  

Family Planning offers:

Several brands of the birth control pill, depo provera shot, IUD, condoms and Nuva-Ring samples.

Our clinician can write you a prescription for other forms of birth control that we don't carry.  You can fill that prescription at your local pharmacy.