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Find a Birth Control Option That Works for You.

Need birth control? Our expert clinicians can tell you about all the options and help you choose the one that works best for you. Make an appointment!

Guide to getting birth control

Guide to getting birth control

Find out what it's like getting birth control at a Planned Parenthood health center. 

Why Birth Control? 

People use birth control for a variety of reasons. It's not just for preventing pregnancy. People who aren't sexually active or aren't having sex that can cause a pregnancy may still be interested in birth control. 

Our clinicians are birth control experts and can help you understand whether birth control is right for you, and what option is best for your lifestyle and body. Don't want a hormonal method, or don't want to think about birth control every day? No problem! We have options!

Make an appointment 

Make a same-day or next-day appointment! Why wait, find a health center near you and make an appointment today.

Call 714-922-2476

Types of Birth Control Methods

Abstinence

Abstinence is highly effective when used all the time. This means not having vaginal sex.

Birth Control Implant

The implant is a highly effective method. It is a tiny rod that includes hormones and is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It can prevent pregnancy for up to four years. It doesn’t protect you from STDs, so use a condom with your implant to help stop pregnancy and STDs.

Sterilization (Tubal Ligation)

Sterilization is highly effective. A healthcare provider closes or blocks the tubes that carry sperm or eggs. This method works for the rest of your life. It doesn’t protect you from STDs, so it’s smart to also use a condom. 

IUD

The IUD is a highly effective method. It is a t-shaped piece of plastic that gets put in your uterus. Some contain hormones and some don’t. It offers pregnancy protection for 3 -12 years, depending on the type you get. It doesn’t protect you from STDs, so use a condom with your IUD.

Birth Control Shot

The shot is a highly effective method. It is a shot that contains hormones that prevent pregnancy for three full months. It doesn’t protect you from STDs, so use a condom with the shot.

Birth Control Vaginal Ring

The ring is a moderately effective method when used exactly as directed. It is a small, bendable ring that contains hormones to prevent pregnancy. You insert it into the vagina for three to four weeks at a time. It doesn’t protect you from STDs so use a condom with your ring.

The Patch

The patch is moderately effective. It is a thin, beige piece of plastic that looks like a square Band-Aid. You stick the patch on your skin and it gives off hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. It doesn’t protect you from STDs, so use a condom with your patch.

Birth Control Pill

The pill is moderately effective when taken exactly as directed. The pill is taken at the same time each day. The hormones in the pill help prevent pregnancy, but it doesn’t protect you from STDs so it’s good to also use a condom.  

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a less effective method, and it must be used exactly as directed and with spermicide. It is a shallow, dome-shaped cup made of silicone that is inserted into your vagina and blocks sperm.  It doesn’t protect you from STDs, so use a condom with your diaphragm to help stop pregnancy and STDs.

External Condoms

An external condom is a less effective method and must be used exactly as directed. It slips over the penis to block sperm, help prevent pregnancy, and lower the risk of STDs. Use another birth control method with a condom for even more pregnancy preventing power.

Internal Condom

An internal condom is a less effective method, and it must be used exactly as directed. It is inserted into the vagina and blocks sperm. It helps protect you from STDs. Use another birth control method with your internal condom for even more pregnancy  preventing power.

Payment and Insurance Options

Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties offers quality services at low-to-no-cost. Fees are determined on a sliding scale based on your income and family size.

We accept Medi-Cal, some private insurance, and we can help you sign up for FamilyPACT, a California program that covers family planning services.

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