Birth Control

Care for Her provides birth control support to patients of child-bearing age based on their needs and goals. Some people want birth control that allows for short-term support, such as a daily pill, while others prefer long-term support, such as an IUD or a contraceptive implant in the arm. Still others seek non-hormonal remedies such as natural birth control methods like fertility awareness and timing. There is also male birth control, including barrier methods such as condoms and spermicides.  There are many types of birth control, including those below.

Barrier methods, including condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges.

Short-acting hormonal methods, such as birth control pills, vaginal rings, skin patches, and contraceptive injections. These are “short-acting” because you have to remember to use them on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Long-acting hormonal methods, such as the copper IUD, the hormonal IUD, and the contraceptive implant. These last for three to 10 years after insertion or until you decide to have the device removed.

Sterilization. This is a permanent type of birth control, including tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.

Spermicide or vaginal gel. These nonhormonal options include spermicide, which is a type of contraceptive that kills sperm or stops it from moving. You put these products in the vagina right before sex.

Fertility awareness methods, which focus on which days of the month you are fertile, often based on basal body temperature and cervical mucus. To avoid getting pregnant, you do not have sex on or around the days you are fertile, or you use a barrier method of birth control.

Here at MCHC Health Centers, we offer pills, vaginal rings, patches, and IUDs. Patients can consult with their Care for Her provider to discuss any reproductive questions or concerns.

Family planning for teens 

As a Family PACT provider, we provide free and confidential family planning healthcare to all teen girls in our community who seek these services. If you are a teen girl in need of any family planning services, please call us at (707) 468-1010 to schedule an appointment.