Most of the following birth control methods are available through Cattaraugus County Health Department. Contact us for more information.

Nuva Ring

NuvaRing(r) is the first monthly vaginal ring for birth control. It is a soft, flexible, transparent ring that is easily self-administered and provides month-long contraceptive protection. NuvaRing(r) is inserted into the vagina and is designed to release etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol for 21 days. The exact positioning of NuvaRing(r) within the vagina is not critical for it to work. Visit the NuvaRing website for more information.

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are taken daily and contain synthetic hormones which prevent ovaries from releasing eggs and it causes a woman's uterine lining to change. A woman's chances of becoming pregnant while on a birth control pill are 0.1 - 3.0%.

Some possible problems with birth control pills are circulatory, blood pressure and heart problems; blood clots may occur; increased risk for smokers and diabetics; no protection from STDs and AIDS. May experience Abdominal pain; chest pain or shortness of breath; severe headaches; loss of vision; severe leg pain

For more information, please visit thePill.com - ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN LO, Your Birth Control Pill

Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera

Ortho Evra (patch)

Ortho Evra is a highly effective, weekly hormonal birth control patch that is worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. Ortho Evra combines the efficacy of the pill with once-a-week dosing. Ortho Evra is 99% effective when used correctly and prevents pregnancy the same way as birth control pills. OrthoEvra.com - The only once-a-week birth control patch

Condoms

A condom is a thin rubber sheath which fits over the penis and catches semen as male ejaculates (comes), blocking sperm from reaching egg. A female's chances of becoming pregnant using a condom are 3-12%.

Condoms are easily obtained and they help prevent the transmission of STDs and AIDS.

Some possible problems with condoms are Possible allergic reaction; use a new condom with each act of intercourse; requires cooperation of both partners; use of petroleum jelly instead of spermicide will cause condom to deteriorate

American Social Health Association: How to use a condom

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Small plastic/copper device placed in the uterus which prevents implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus for up to 5 years. A woman's chances of becoming pregnant using an IUD are 0.1-2%.

Some possible problems with IUDs are Heavier periods; anemia; infection; tear in the uterine wall; no protection from STDs and AIDS. Users may experience some of the following side-effects: Continuous heavy bleeding; rise in temperature; abnormal vaginal discharge; missed period; pain; strings missing.

Mirena: Keep life simple with Mirena IUC contraception

Implanon

Implanon: 3-year single-rod implantable contraceptive

Diaphragm/cervical cap

A diaphragm/cervical cap is a soft rubber cup which fits snugly over the cervix and prevents sperm from entering the uterus. A woman's chance of becoming pregnant using a diaphragm/cervical cap are 9-36%.

It offers continuous protection for 48 hours and some protection from sexually transmitted disease.

Some possible problems are: increased abnormal Pap tests; risk of toxic shock syndrome; allergy to rubber; difficulty with insertion

May experience sudden high fever; vomiting; diarrhea; dizziness; faintness; weakness; sore throat; aching muscles and joints; sunburn-like rash

For more information, please visit What is a diaphragm?

Natural Family Planning

CycleBeads: Plan or prevent pregnancy naturally

Abstinence

Simply do not have sex ... use other means to express intimacy. SmarterSex.org: Abstinence

Sterilization/ Vasectomy/ Tubal

Operation which permanently prevents pregnancy by cutting a man's vas deferens or woman's fallopian tubes to prevent sperm from meeting egg. Extremely effective and is considered permanent. It is easier to reverse a vasectomy (male sterilization) than reverse a female's sterilization. A woman's chances of becoming pregnant are 0.1 - 4%.

Doctor performs operation; done as inpatient or outpatient surgery.

Some possible problems are infection; difficult to reverse; no protection from STDs and AIDS. After surgery may experience Severe pain; swelling; rise in temperature after procedure.

PlannedParenthood.org: Sterilization for Women

ClevelandClinic.org: Sterilization for Men

Contact Reproductive Health Services of Cattaraugus County

Stop by or contact us about Birth Control Methods.