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What Method is Right for Me?

This decision is based on several factors, including patient preference, convenience, pre-existing medical conditions, risks and benefits, and side effects. Your family planning provider at venus / Family Planning Services can help you make the choice that is right for you.

FEMALE CHOICES

Abstinence

Abstinence is the ONLY know method of birth control that is 100 percent effective against pregnancy. Abstinence means that the male’s penis NEVER touches your vagina. You can still get an STD/STI, including HIV, if you have oral or anal sex.

In the Moment

Abstinence is the ONLY know method of birth control that is 100 percent effective against pregnancy. Abstinence means that the male’s penis NEVER touches your vagina. You can still get an STD/STI, including HIV, by not having vaginal sex if you have oral or anal sex.

Condoms are important to those women who wish to be sexually active for two reasons. First, they are the only method of birth control that will help prevent STD/STIs. Second, if used properly, condoms are between 90 and 97 percent effective in preventing pregnanices. This means that for 100 unintended pregnancies that would have occurred during a given year, condoms will prevent up to 97 of them. When combined with another method of birth control, they are even more effective.

venus / Family Planning Services offers condoms FREE to anyone who wants them.

Other barrier methods include the female condom, diaphragm and cervical cap. Diaphragms and cervical caps are only about 80 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, do not prevent STD/STIs, and are not available at venus / Family Planning Services. Female condoms are available free-of-charge at venus / Family Planning Services.

Remember to Take It

Oral Contraceptives (aka "The Pill")
Also known as "the Pill," oral contraceptives are available in many different types. The Pill must be taken EVERY day to be effective. Oral contraceptives contain artificial hormones that stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. They also thicken the mucus in the cervix so it is harder for sperm to enter. Risks may include blood clots, heart attack, and/or stroke; these are very rare however, especially in young women. Your provider can help you select an oral contraceptive that is right for you. Oral contraceptives do NOT protect against STD/STIs or HIV.

Contraceptive Patch
Ortho Evra is the only brand currently available at venus. One patch is worn each week for three weeks of each month. During the fourth week, no patch is worn and your period usually occurs. The patch also contains hormones that work in the same way as the Pill. Risks are similar to oral contraceptives. The Patch does NOT protect against STD/STIs or HIV.

Non-invasive

Vaginal Contraceptive Ring
NuvaRing is the only brand currently available at venus. It is inserted inside the vagina and is left in place for three weeks. Once removed, your period should occur. A new ring is placed the following week. The vaginal contraceptive ring contains the same hormones as the Pill, and works in the same way as the Pill. The most common side effects reported by NuvaRing users are: vaginal infections and irritation, vaginal secretion, headache, weight gain, and nausea. The Ring does NOT protect against STD/STIs or HIV.

Hormone Shots
venus offers Depo-Provera, an injectable form of the female hormone progesterone. One injection every three months provides 99 percent effective pregnancy prevention, by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. Side effects can include irregular menses, mood changes, weight gain and acne. Hormone shots do NOT protect against STD/STIs or HIV.

Long-term Reversible

Implantable Contraception
Implantable contraception is one form of long-term reversible birth control (also known as long-acting reversible contraception, or LARC). Implanon is currently the only implantable contraception available at venus. It consists of a small rod containing the female hormone progesterone, which is inserted through a small incision just under the skin in the upper arm. Implanon is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy for up to three years. After three years, it must be removed. A new one can then be inserted, if desired. Side effects are similar to Depo-Provera injections. Implantable contraception does NOT protect against STD/STIs or HIV.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)
There are two forms of IUDs currently available at venus: Paraguard, which does not contain hormones and works for ten to twelve years, and Mirena, which contains the female hormone progesterone and is effective for five years. Both types work by preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg. IUDs are placed inside your uterus by a clinician at venus / Family Planning Services. Two short and thin strings are left hanging out of the cervix, and can be felt inside the vagina. These strings help with removal of the IUD. IUDs do NOT protect against STD/STIs or HIV.

Permanent

Permanent Sterilization
For women who do not want any more children, permanent sterilization in the form of a tubal ligation (commonly known as "getting your tubes tied") is available. Tubal ligation is performed by a surgeon in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. Risks include pain, scarring and anesthesia risks, including death. Tubal ligation should be considered permanent and irreversible. Its effectiveness approaches 100 percent, but there is NO protection from STD/STIs or HIV.

Essure
A new procedure, known as Essure, can be performed in a physician’s office. Considered permanent, Essure is:

• Hormone-free;
• Surgery-free; and
• Anesthesia-free

The procedure involves placing soft plugs into the fallopian tubes. The plugs are placed into the tubes through the vagina and cervix. Recovery is short since there is no surgery. After three months, a test is performed to make sure the tubes are effectively blocked. For more information, visit the Essure website at: www.essure.com.

venus / Family Planning Services does not currently offer permanent contraceptive procedures, however, we can provide referrals to practitioners who do offer these forms of birth control.

Emergency

Plan B Contraception
If your primary method of birth control fails (for example, the condom breaks) emergency contraception gives you a second chance to prevent an unintended pregnancy after sex.

What is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy when taken as directed within 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. “Plan B” (as it is commonly known) is now available over the counter, at participating pharmacies, for women aged 17 or older and can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy by 89 percent. Women aged 14 and up can get Plan B at venus / Family Planning Services. They can be assured complete confidentiality.

How is Plan B taken?
Plan B is a pill that is either taken once or twice depending on the brand. In order for it to be effective, it must be taken as directed within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.

How Does it Work?
Emergency contraception (EC) can prevent pregnancy in several ways, just like regular birth control pills. It may stop the egg from being released, prevent fertilization, or affect the lining of the uterus, so an egg cannot attach and grow. If you are already pregnant, Plan B is not effective.

What Methods Are Available?

There are three methods of EC available in the United States:

1. Progestin pills – Plan B as discussed above.
2. Combined pills – These must be obtained through a healthcare provider or family planning clinic. The chance of pregnancy is less than 3 percent.
3. Copper-T IUD – An intrauterine device must be placed by a healthcare provider or family planning clinic. It must be placed within five days after unprotected sex. The chance of pregnancy is less than one percent (0.6%). (See Birth Control Methods for further discussion of IUDs.)

MALE CHOICES

Abstinence

Abstinence is the ONLY know method of birth control that is 100 percent effective against pregnancy. Abstinence means that your penis NEVER touches the girl's vagina. You can still get an STD/STI, including HIV, if you have oral or anal sex.

In the Moment

Abstinence is the ONLY know method of birth control that is 100 percent effective against pregnancy. Abstinence means that your penis NEVER touches the girl's vagina. You can still get an STD/STI, including HIV, if you have oral or anal sex.

Condoms are the main alternative for those who wish to be sexually active. If used properly, condoms are between 90 and 97 percent effective in preventing unintended pregnancies. This means that for 100 unintended pregnancies that would have occurred in a given year, condoms may have prevented up to 97 of them.

Permanent Options

For males who do not want any more children, permanent sterilization is available. This procedure is called a vasectomy. This is an office procedure done under local anesthesia. Pain and complications are usually very minimal. Vasectomies should be considered permanent and irreversible. The effectiveness of the procedure approaches 100 percent, although occasionally there are reports of a pregnancy following a vasectomy; however, these usually occur soon after the procedure and are likely due to residual sperm in the vas deferens.

venus / Family Planning Services does not currently offer this procedure; however, we can provide referrals to practitioners who do offer this form of birth control.

What Else Men Need to Know

Men play a big role in unintended pregnancies. Both men and women are the decision-makers. Where appropriate, men should be given accurate information and encouraged to take an active role in the decision-making process regarding family planning and birth control. This will help to ensure that joint responsibility is taken for family planning and birth control decisions and will maximize communication between partners.

What is your situation?

LGBTQI

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Questioning Intersex (LGBTQI) - may not be looking for birth control, but LGBTQI health requires specific attention from health care and public health professionals. Did you know:

• LGBTQI youth are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide.
• LGBTQI youth are more likely to be homeless.
• Lesbians are less likely to get preventive services for cancer.
• Gay men are at higher risk of HIV and other STDs, especially among communities of color.
• Lesbians and bisexual females are more likely to be overweight or obese.
• Transgender individuals have a high prevalence of HIV/STDs, victimization, mental health issues, and suicide, and are less likely to have health insurance than heterosexual or LGB individuals.
• LGBTQI populations have the highest rates of tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use.

Resource: www.healthypeople.gov

What services does venus / Family Planning Services offer?

• Confidential, individualized, affordable services
• Cervical cancer screening and breast exams
• Pregnancy testing and counseling
• Annual exams
• Problem visits (urinary tract infections, discharge, etc.)
• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STD/STIs)
• HIV testing, counseling, and education
• Various birth control options
• Free male and female condoms
• Educational materials and information
• Male services
• LGBTQI-friendly services
• Teen-friendly atmosphere
• Referrals to other appropriate services, such as mental health, substance abuse, or smoking cessation.

Why venus / Family Planning Services:
venus / Family Planning Services offers services regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Services are always confidential.