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Staten Island Teen RAP

Staten Island Teen RAP

We provide free and confidential health care services in the Staten Island Area.

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    • About S.I. Teen R.A.P.
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    • Birth Control
      • Barrier Methods
      • Hormonal Methods
      • LARC Methods
      • Other Methods
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      • STD Info
      • Get Tested
    • Pregnancy Testing
    • Plan B
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HORMONAL METHODS

Birth Control Pill
Depo-Provera
Patch
Vaginal Ring

    Birth Control Pill

    The birth control pill is what most people think of as “the pill”. The pill is the most common BC method and is highly effective if taken every day. It contains two hormones, Estrogen and Progesterone.

    Who uses it?

    Females who have the strong self-discipline to remember to take a pill at the same time every single day.

    How do I use it?

    Birth control pills are taken by swallowing the pill once a day, every day, at the same time for four weeks.  For some brands of birth control pills, the last week of the pill pack has no hormones – a “reminder” pill to keep you in the habit of taking a pill each day-for these brands the fourth week of pills does not have to be taken, however you must consult with your clinician about your brand of pills before doing this.  The fourth week of your pill pack is when you will get your period.  There are also pills you can take to not get your period at all.  Talk to your provider about what kinds of pills are best for you.

    Where do I get it?

    TEEN RAP can provide this method at no cost or you can get a prescription for the Pill to be filled at your local pharmacy.  Or, if you are a member of a School Based Health Center (SBHC).

    How effective are they?

    BC pills are 92-97% effective.  They are most effective when taken every day.  If you skip a pill during a pill cycle, you may be at higher risk for unintended pregnancy.

    STD Protection

    NO. For STI protection use condoms with this method.

    Pros
    • 92-97% effective
    • Can make periods more regular and cramps less painful
    • Can improve acne and PMS
    • Helps protect against uterine and ovarian cancer
    Cons
    • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI)or HIV!
    • May cause mood swings, breast tenderness, nausea and possibly irregular bleeding.  These side effects often disappear over time, or can be helped by changing to a different pill with a different amount of hormone

      Depo-Provera “The Shot”

      The BC shot (also called Depo-Provera or just Depo) is given at the clinic every 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy.  Depo has only one hormone in it, Progesterone, not two like some other methods.  This hormone stops the ovaries from releasing an egg so you can’t get pregnant.

      Who uses it?

      Females who don’t mind going to a clinic for a shot every 3 months and are not afraid of needles; people who want completely hidden BC.Females who have the strong self-discipline to remember to take a pill at the same time every single day.

      Where do I get it?

      TEEN RAP can provide this method at no cost or at your School Based Health Center (SBHC) if you are a member.

      How effective are they?

      The Depo shot is 97-99% effective.

      STD Protection

      NO. For STI protection use condoms with this method!

      Pros
      • 92-97% effective
      • Can make periods more regular and cramps less painful
      • Can improve acne and PMS
      • Helps protect against uterine and ovarian cancer
      Cons
      • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI)or HIV!
      • May cause mood swings, breast tenderness, nausea and possibly irregular bleeding.  These side effects often disappear over time, or can be helped by changing to a different pill with a different amount of hormone

        The Birth Control Patch

        The patch is worn on the skin, similar to a band-aid.  It has two different hormones in it.  Each patch works for one week, then is changed for a new patch.  During the fourth week you don’t wear a patch and your period comes.

        Who uses it?

        Females who may have trouble taking a pill every day but can remember to change a patch once a week; people who don’t mind wearing a visible patch on their body.

        How do I use it?

        The patch is worn on the skin like a band-aid and releases hormones through the skin.  A new patch is worn each week for 3 weeks.  During the fourth week no patch is worn and you will get your period.  The patch will not fall off during showering or swimming or even with exercise.

        Where do I get it?

        TEEN RAP can provide this method at no cost or you can get a prescription for the patch to be filled at your local pharmacy.  If you are a member of a School Based Health Center (SBHC)

        How effective are they?

        The patch is 92-99% effective.

        STD Protection

        NO. For STI protection use condoms with this method!

        Pros
        • 92-97% effective
        • Can make periods more regular and cramps less painful
        • Can improve acne and PMS
        • Helps protect against uterine and ovarian cancer
        Cons
        • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI)or HIV!
        • May cause mood swings, breast tenderness, nausea and possibly irregular bleeding.  These side effects often disappear over time, or can be helped by changing to a different pill with a different amount of hormone

          Vaginal Ring

          The ring is a thin, flexible, plastic ring that is worn inside the vagina to prevent pregnancy. It is sometimes referred to by its brand name, NuvaRing. You leave it in place for three weeks at a time, then take it out for the fourth week. The ring works by giving off hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. The hormones also thicken your cervical mucus, which helps to block sperm from getting to the egg in the first place.

          Who uses it?

          Females who don’t want to take their BC every day but don’t mind changing out a ring once a month; people who are comfortable with inserting a ring into their vagina (similar to tampon insertion).

          How do I use it?

          Insert a new ring into your vagina every month to prevent pregnancy.  The hormones in the ring go through the body to prevent ovulation, or release of an egg.  The ring must be removed after 3 weeks.  During the fourth week you will get your period.  After that fourth week a new ring is inserted to protect against pregnancy for one more month.

          Where do I get it?

          You can get a prescription for the ring at a clinic near you.  A prescription normally covers several months’ worth of rings.

          How effective are they?

          The ring is 93-99% effective.

          STD Protection

          NO. For STI protection use condoms with this method!

          Pros
          • Convenient and easy to use
          • Very effective and private
          • Can make periods more regular and less painful
          Cons
          • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or HIV
          • May cause spotting during the first 1-2 month

          Source: TeenSource.org  

          Call: 718.226.8336 | After Hours: 718.226.6262 | Text: 718. 701.8077 | Email: siuh_teenrap@nshs.edu

          • Birth Control
          • STD
          • Pregnancy Testing
          • Emergency Contraception (Plan B)

          Staten Island Teen RAP