Birth Control

Birth Control

Things to consider:

Contraception is a shared responsibility of both partners. It only takes one “oops” to get pregnant. So, make sure you find a contraception method that works best for you and your partner.

Once you’ve found which contraception you and your partner like best. Make sure to use it on a regular basis, and don’t forget to use condoms to protect you from sexually transmitted infections.

When considering contraception, you have various birth control options. To help pick the right method of birth control for you and your partner, consider the following questions.

What are the different types of birth control?

Birth control options may include:

• Barrier methods. Examples include male and female condoms.
• Hormonal methods. Examples include various types of birth control pills, patch (Evra), a vaginal ring (NuvaRing), and a contraceptive injection (Depo- Provera).
• Intrauterine devices. Examples include an IUD and a hormonal IUS (Mirena).
• Sterilization. Examples include tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.

It's also important to be aware of emergency contraception — such as the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP/Plan B) — which can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.

How do different types of birth control work?

Various types of birth control work in different ways. Birth control may:

• Prevent sperm from reaching the egg
• Prevent an egg from being released each month
• Alter the lining of the uterus so a fertilized egg doesn't attach to it
• Thicken cervical mucus so sperm can't easily pass through it

What is the method's effectiveness?

To be effective, any method of contraception must be used consistently and correctly. Still, failure rates vary, you should consider the level of effectiveness you need.

Is it reversible?

The method of contraception you choose depends on your reproductive goals. If you're planning pregnancy in the near future, you may want a method that's easily stopped or quickly reversible, such as an oral contraceptive or a barrier method. If you'd like to become pregnant — but not in the near future — you may want to consider an IUD.

Is it convenient?

For some people, convenience suggests ease of use, no bothersome side effects or no disruption of the sexual experience. For others, convenience means no prescription is required. When choosing a method of contraception, consider how willing you are to plan ahead or, if necessary, adhere to a rigid schedule. It's important to choose a type of birth control that suits your lifestyle.

Can you afford it?

Some methods of contraception are inexpensive, while others are more costly. Algoma Public Health offers: free condoms, and many other methods of birth control at reduced prices.

Call 705-541-7100 with any questions.

Affordable Birth Control

We provide the following methods of birth control at reduced prices:

Alesse $7.00
Brevicon .5/35 $7.00
Brevicon 1/35 $7.00
Demulen $7.00
Depo Povera $25.00
Evra $10.00
Marvelon $10
Micronor $18
Minovral $7.00
Select 1/35 $7.00
Synphasic $7.00
Tri Lo $7.00

(Prices subject to change)

*Condoms Free