Need
birth control?
It's easier than you think!
We have heard from several sources that
some women have delayed seeking birth control (especially birth
control pills) because they believe that they must first get a
pelvic examination.
While
that was true a decade ago, it is no longer so. Students who wish to
start pills (or other forms of hormonal contraception) can make an
appointment at the Health Center.
You
will be asked some questions to make sure it is safe for you to take
the pill (or other forms of hormonal contraception), and your blood pressure will be checked. Assuming
everything is okay, you can start the pills (or other forms of
hormonal contraception) without undergoing a
pelvic exam. However, if you wish to continue receiving these
medications from
the Health Center, you will need to get a
pelvic exam sometime in the nine-month period after you start the
medications. An exam is needed to screen for sexually transmitted
infections and to obtain a Pap smear (a screening test for cervical
cancer).
Don't
forget that free condoms are available in all our bathrooms. No
questions asked!
Remember
there is more to contraception than running to the drug store!
last
modified
04/07/2008
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Did
you know that the "sponge" is back?
The
Today® contraceptive sponge is once again back
on the market.
Popularized
by Elaine on Seinfeld, the Today® sponge
was temporarily discontinued in 1995 after
problems with manufacturing.
A
new manufacturer, Allendale Pharmaceuticals, has
since taken up production, and the sponge
is making a comeback. It is now currently sold
in stores in Canada. It is not available here in
U.S. stores yet. The manufacturer is currently
awaiting FDA approval to sell it here in the
U.S.
Although
the Today® sponge is not the most effective form
of birth control, it provides yet another option
for women.
The
Today® sponge is a donut shaped contraceptive
device which contains spermicide. It does not
require a visit to a health care provider. It is
inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix up
to 24 hours prior to intercourse. It does
not protect against sexually transmitted
diseases. It's method-effectiveness is anywhere
from 89% to 91%. (Birth control pills are
approximately 99% effective)
For
women in the U.S. who really want to use the
Today® sponge, it is available online. www.contraceptivesponges.com |
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