Birth Control

We offer many different methods of birth control here at KVCAP Family Planning. Here is a list/explanation of different methods:

Abstinence - "Not engaging in sexual behaviors that put you at risk of pregnancy or STDs". Abstinence is free and available to everyone. It is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. To learn more ways to say no, please feel free to contact us.

Cervical Cap - A cervical cap is a small rubber cap that is inserted like a diaphragm and fits snugly onto the cervix. Caps come in four sizes and must be fitted by a health care provider. We currently are unable to provide this method.

Condom or "Rubber" – A condom is a latex sheath that fits onto the man's penis to catch sperm and prevent them from coming in contact with the woman’s egg. Condoms are very effective when used correctly every time. They are the only method other than abstinence that is used to prevent both pregnancy AND sexually transmitted diseases. For people who have a latex sensitivity or allergy, new poly and plastic condoms are now available. Condoms are available at family planning clinics like ours or at drugstores and supermarkets.

Contraceptive Foam and Gel – This method is used by placing a spermicidal foam or gel inside a woman’s vagina before intercourse. The foam or gel works by destroying sperm as well as blocking the sperm from reaching the egg. If you are concerned about catching an STD, discuss this with your clinician before using this method. We currently are unable to provide this method.

Depo Provera – Depo Provera is method that we provide that is given once every three months by injection (shot). It works similar to the pill by stopping the woman from releasing an egg. The hormone used in this method is a synthetic version of progesterone and does not contain estrogen; therefore, this method is often a good choice for nursing mothers or women who cannot take estrogen but want the effectiveness of a hormonal method.

Diaphragm - A diaphragm is a rubber disk that is placed into the woman’s vagina which blocks the man’s semen from entering the cervix. Contraceptive gel on the rim of the diaphragm also kills sperm that it comes in contact with. A diaphragm must be fitted by a health care provider; this is a service that we provide.

Female Condom – The female condom looks like a large version of a male condom with a flexible ring on each end, one end closed and the other open. The closed end is placed into the woman’s vagina like a diaphragm but protects like a condom. We currently are unable to provide this method; however, they can be purchased at most drug stores.

Fertility-Awareness - This natural method is used to determine when ovulation takes place by measuring daily temperature, cervical fluid, and cervix position. Using this information, a woman can abstain from intercourse when she is most fertile. Some women use this method to aid them in becoming pregnant. An appointment can be made for education on how to use fertility awareness for conception or contraception.

Implanon™ - Implanon™ is a type of birth control for women where a small flexible plastic rod is surgically placed under the skin of your upper arm. It contains a hormone, etonogestrel, that lasts for three years. There is no estrogen, latex or silicone used in this method; the rod does not dissolve and must be surgically removed. We currently are unable to provide this method.

IUD - We offer the Paraguard Copper T IUD which provides very effective birth control for up to 10 years, and the Mirena IUD that provides birth control for up to 5 years. Two appointments are usually needed, the first for an annual exam and sexually transmitted infection screening, and the second for the IUD to be inserted. A health care provider inserts the IUD by placing an inserter through the cervix and into the uterus. The IUD is best recommended for a woman who is in a mutually monogamous relationship.

Nuva Ring – The Nuva Ring is a flexible ring containing a combination of hormones that is inserted in the vagina every three weeks. It works similar to the pill by stopping the woman from releasing an egg. Although we do not stock this method, our Nurse Practitioner can write a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

Ortho Evra - The first birth control patch. It is a combination of hormones that is applied once a week. It works similar to the pill by stopping the woman from releasing an egg. Users usually continue to have a monthly period. Although we do not stock this method, our Nurse Practitioner can write a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

Pills/Minipills – Birth control pills are a method where the user takes a pill at the same time every day, which prevents pregnancy by delivering a small but steady dose of hormones. Pills are extremely safe and have advantages such as lowering a woman’s risk for cancer of the ovaries and endometrial cancer, decreasing menstrual cramps, pain, amount of flow, and sometimes even decreasing acne. At Family Planning we carry a variety of pill choices. An appointment is needed with an annual exam to follow within three months.
Please call with any questions you might have about our available methods.


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