LONG ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS

Non-Hormonal and Hormonal

The IUD (intrauterine device) is a tiny “t” shaped plastic device, about the size of a quarter, which works by changing the lining of the uterus so that sperm can’t make their way to an egg to cause pregnancy.  A clinician places it inside a females’ uterus. IUDs offer years of protection—between three and twelve, depending on the type you get.  And if you want to get pregnant, you can have the IUD removed at any time.  We currently offer the Mirena, Paragard and LILETTA.

IUD Birth Control Options | Learn About Copper IUDs & Hormonal IUDs (bedsider.org)

Females who want long-acting, low-maintenance pregnancy prevention and who don’t want to have to remember to take their BC for several years.

The IUD is inserted into the Uterus by your GYN provider during an office visit.

The Center for Women’s Health located at 440 Seaview Ave. offers IUD placements. A clinician will fit you for the IUD and insert it.  You can have this method placed at no cost or at low cost depending on the status of your insurance.  Since the IUD keeps working for 3 to 12 years, it is a great investment.

The IUD is more than 99% effective, and it is one of the most effective reversible BC methods currently available.

*With the Para-Gard IUD menstrual periods can be heavier and crampier.

NO. For STI protection use condoms with this method.

Pros:

• May be safely left in place up to 12 years
• It is 99.2-99.4% effective at preventing
• Very private and hidden.
• Provides a hormone-free BC option
• After Paragard insertion, you don’t have to think about BC again for 12 years

Cons:

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV
• Paragard may cause occasional cramps and heavier periods for some people
• Paragard can be expensive, but most young people can get most or all of it covered even if you don’t have insurance, or you don’t want your parents to know ( Find a clinic that provides IUDS at low to no cost )

Pros:

• May be safely left in place up to 7 years
• It is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy
• Very private and hidden
• Can provide relief for people who experience heavy periods, bad cramps and PMS
• After Mirena insertion, you don’t have to think about BC again for 7 years

Cons:

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV!
• Mirena can be expensive, but most young people can get most or all of it covered even if you don’t have insurance, or you don’t want your parents to know. Find a clinic that provides IUDS at low to no cost.

The Implant that we currently offer is called Nexplanon. Nexplanon is a tiny plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.  It’s placed under the skin in the inner part of the upper arm by a clinician.  Placement of the implant is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes.

Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon) | Costs, Benefits & Side Effects (bedsider.org)

Females who know they don’t want to get pregnant for several years and who want hands-free forgettable BC.

After numbing your skin, the implant is placed into your upper arm by a clinician at a clinic. 

Teen RAP+ as well as our Center for Womens Health

The implant is more than 99% effective.

NO. For STI protection use condoms with this method.

• May be left in place up to 3 years
• It is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
• Private and mostly hidden (Most people cannot see it, but you may be able to feel it by touching the skin over the implant).

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV!
• May cause irregular bleeding, spotting, heavy periods, or no period at all