CONTRACEPTION

and

BIRTH CONTROL

Choosing a method that's right for you.

For a Limited Time - WHC is offering to MN residents FREE I.U.D.'s, Implanon Depo Provera, Nuva Rings and Birth Control Pills!  generously provided through grant funding from the Healthier Minnesota Community Clinic Fund - Expires December 2013 

As no two people are the same, there are several methods of birth control available.  The information provided here is to help you, with the help of your health care provider, decide which method works best for your needs and lifestyle.  WHC staff are available by appointment to help you decide which method is right for you.

Combination Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)

How do combination oral contraceptive work?

The process of ovulation is directed by hormones, chemicals made by the body.  Some hormones signal for egg follicles to mature in the ovary; others trigger the thickening of the uterine wall.  Combination oral contraceptives consist of man-made versions of two of these hormones, estrogen and progestin; taken daily, they block the usual hormone messages that direct ovulation.  No eggs are produced, so conception is prevented.  Other effects of combination oral contraceptives help prevent sperm from reaching the egg and reduce the chance of the egg implanting in the uterus.

There are several kinds of combination oral contraceptives, with different levels and types of hormones.  Some pills contain a constant dose of both hormones (progestin and estrogen).  Others, called "phasic birth control pills", deliver varying levels of hormones throughout your cycle.

Every woman's cycle is different and so are her needs in an oral contraceptive.  Your doctor or health care provider can determine the type of oral contraceptive that is right for you.

What do I have to do?

Combination birth control pills are a very simple birth control method to use, as you only need to take them one time per day. Depending on which contraception has been ordered for you, you may take a break by either stopping for seven days or by taking an inactive placebo pill.  During this seven day period of time, you will usually experience bleeding similar to a normal menstrual period.  When taking the inactive pills, you must take one every day in order to be protected.  Some oral contraception brands have you take a pill every day throughout the packet and experience no period, or a very light period.

Are oral contraceptives right for me?

Oral contraceptives are one of the most effective forms of reversible birth control currently available.  Only your doctor or health care provider can determine if you are a good candidate for birth control pills.  When used correctly, they are more than 99% effective, making oral contraceptives the most popular method of contraception.  Oral contraceptives are considered safe for most women.  The pill does not offer protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).  Women who smoke and are 35 years of age or older, also have an increased risk for heart related diseases.  Serious as well as minor side effects have been reported in women using oral contraceptives.  You should discuss these risks with your doctor or health care provider.

I.U.D. - Intrauterine Device

How does the IUD work?

The IUD is a small, soft and flexible plastic device which gently gives when you press it.  IUD's prevent sperm from reaching the egg and fetilizing it.  It is also believed that IUDs prevent the egg from attaching to the uterus.   Non-Hormonal IUD's contain copper - such as the ParaGard^® paragard.com.  Other IUD's contain the hormone levonorgestrel, a nonestrogen hormone - such as the Mirena^® Mirena-us.com.  Both types of IUD's are placed in the uterus by your doctor or health care provider during an office visit.  The copper IUD, ParaGard^® begins working from the moment of insertion and may be used for up to 10 years and is 99.4% effective.  Hormonal IUD's, such as the Mirena^®, may be used up to five years and are 99.9% effective.

Birth Control Method Comparison Charts