Birth Control

Diaphragms are soft rubber barriers that are intended to fit securely over the cervix. Used with a spermicidal cream, they prevent the sperm traveling to the uterus. Both are available by prescription and are fitted to the individual by the clinician. The diaphragm can be left in place for up to 24 hours.

Condoms are sheaths of thin latex or plastic worn on the penis during intercourse. They are available dry or lubricated. Sometimes they are called "rubbers", "safes", or "jimmies". Condoms reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection and are also available over-the-counter. When used consisently and correctly, condoms are 97-98% effective in preventing HIV/AIDS and pregnancy.

Depo Provera ("the shot") is a contraceptive injection containing progestin that is administered by your provider every 12 weeks. The shot prevents the release of the egg, thickens cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from joining with the egg, and prevents fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus. It is a 99.7% effective method of birth control but is NOT effective against sexually transmitted infections.

Emergency Contraception (E.C.) is a hormone pill taken within 120 hours after unprotected intercourse to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. The hormones in E.C. are the same hormones contained in birth control pills. It is a one time method of birth control and is not meant to be used as an on-going method.

Intrauterine Contraception (IUC) is a small device made of plastic that contains copper or a natural hormone. It is inserted into the uterus and may be left in place for 5 to 10 years, depending on the IUC. IUCs work by preventing fertilization of the egg. PPMMA offers two different types of IUCs. They are available by prescription. Insertion and removal is done by a clinician.

*NuvaRing (the Ring) is a small, flexible ring that delivers low doses of two female hormones: estrogen and progestin. This helps prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and causing the mucus on the cervix to thicken, which helps prevent sperm from reaching the egg. It is inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks, then removed for the fourth week to allow for a period.

Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills) are monthly series of hormone pills that are taken once a day. The hormones in the pills are similar to the hormones that the body makes to regulate the menstrual cycle. The pills work by preventing ovulation and by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from joining the egg. There are many different kinds of pills, and a clinician will help decide which is right for the individual.

*Ortho-Evra (the Patch) is a weekly hormonal birth control patch that is worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. The patch is worn for one week and replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks, with the fourth week "patch-free."

*Implanon  is a tiny rod that is injected underneath the skin of the upper arm. The Implanon rod slowly releases a progestogenic hormone called etonogestrel over the course of three years.

The Implanon rod contains 68 milligrams of etonogestrel that is released over the three-year period. After the third year, Implanon will continue to release some hormone, but it will be at ineffective low levels. The etonogestrel thickens cervical mucus, which in turn prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg and from allowing any egg that does happen to get fertilized from implanting itself in the uterine wall. Implanon also completely inhibits the release of eggs from the ovaries during the first two years, and continues to do so during the third year, but less effectively.

Over the counter contraceptives
Over the counter contraceptives include condoms, sponges, spermicidal foams and creams, the female condom, and contraceptive films. We also provide counseling on the most effective methods and their use.

Safer sex counseling
Safer sex counseling includes information on the behaviors which involve the least risk for becoming pregnant and contracting or spreading a sexually transmitted infection.