There are now more options for birth control than ever before! A variety of factors influence one’s decision about which method is best at a particular time in one’s life. Talk openly with your health care provider, and ask plenty of questions, to figure out which method is right for you.
NEW! Check out the interactive Method Finder on Bedsider.org for an easy way to explore all of your birth control options. It's easy..
Planned Parenthood’s website contains an excellent comparison of the various birth control methods: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control-4211.htm
Emergency Contraception (EC)
ECP, also known as the morning-after pill or Plan B, is an over-the-counter, safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception pills are available at Hammond Health Center, Planned Parenthood, and local pharmacies. ECP can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected intercourse. The sooner you take it, the better it will work. While emergency contraception should not be delayed, there is a prescription form of emergency contraception available that remains effective up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse.
You may want to use ECP if:
• You had vaginal intercourse without using a condom or any other form of birth control.
• The condom broke or slipped off during vaginal intercourse.
• You do not know if a condom was worn during vaginal intercourse.
• You forgot to take your birth control.
• You were sexually assaulted.
How Can IC Students Obtain Birth Control?
Hammond Health Center at IC offers:
Hormonal methods: Students can receive a prescription for oral contraceptive pills by making an appointment with a medical provider at the health center. A medical exam is not required.
Hammond Health Center medical providers can also provide prescriptions for the Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing), Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera), and the Birth Control Patch (Ortho-Evra).
Students who are interested in obtaining the IUD or the Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon) can find these methods at Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes (PPSFL) in Ithaca, or at a private GYN practitioner’s office.
Free condoms are available in the lobby of Hammond Health Center and on the lower (basement) level of Hammond Health Center in the Center for Health Promotion (CHP) and in the LGBT Center Resource Room.
For more information:
Hammond Health Center
https://www.ithaca.edu/sacl/healthcenter/
607-274-3177
Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes (PPSFL) in Ithaca provides a variety of birth control methods, either free or on a sliding scale.
For more information:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppsfl/
314 W. State St., Ithaca, NY
607-273-1513