Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation

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Health Services - Family Planning Program

Prescriptions

Birth Control Pills contain two hormones: estrogen and progestin. It protects against pregnancy by preventing ovulation (the ripening and release of an egg from the ovary), thickens the cervical mucus, and thins the lining of the uterus.

To receive birth control pills you will need to get a prescription (visit NEICAC Health Service or a family physician). During the visit your medical history will be discussed and you may need to have an exam.

Birth Control Pills can be purchased at a drugstore or clinic. (Family Planning clinics usually charge less)

For new pill takers there are different ways to start taking the pill. You will be instructed on how to start and take the pill. It is important that you take 1 pill at the same time each day (within 2 hours) until you finish all the pills in the pack and begin a new pack the next day.

What to expect after starting the pill:

most adjust to the pill with few or no problems
most common side effects that usually clear up in 2 to 3 months are:
- bleeding between periods
- breast tenderness
- nausea and vomiting

The pill is 92% effective for typical users, meaning 80 out of 1000 women will become pregnant in the first year of use. 99.7% effective for perfect users, meaning 3 out of 1000 women will become pregnant in the first year of use.

Ortho Evra (Patch) is a contraceptive patch that contains estrogen and progesterone (like birth control pills). It is a thin, beige, plastic patch that sticks to the skin.

To receive Ortho Evra you will need to get a prescription (visit NEICAC Health Service or a family physician). During the visit your medical history will be discussed and you may need to have an exam.

The patch can be purchased at a drugstore or clinic. (Family Planning clinics usually charge less)

How do I start Ortho Evra?

If you are starting EVRA for the first time, apply the EVRA patch on the first Sunday after you get your menstrual period. You must use back-up contraception for the first week.
The patch should be applied to clean, dry, intact healthy skin on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm or upper torso, in a place where it won�t be rubbed by tight clothing. It should NOT be placed on skin that is red, irritated or cut, and should NOT be placed on the breasts.
Replace the patch the next Sunday with a new patch. Remove the patch and apply a new one immediately. The used patch still contains some active hormones-it should be carefully folded in half so that it sticks to itself before throwing it away. Patch changes may occur at any time on the Change Day. The patch should be applied to anew spot on the skin to help avoid irritation, although they may be kept within the same anatomic area.
Wear patches for three weeks. The fourth week is patch-free. You should never have a patch off for more than 7 days in a row.

What to expect after starting on Ortho Evra

you may have more regular, lighter, and shorter periods
you may have bleeding between periods
breast tenderness
nausea and vomiting

Correct and consistent use of the EVRA patch by patients is approximately 88.7% effective. (This is defined as 21 consecutive days of drug followed by a 7-day drug-free period.) When used correctly, the effectiveness of the EVRA patch is 99%.

The Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing) is a clear, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina. The ring contains a combination of progestin and estrogen.

To receive the Vaginal Ring you will need to get a prescription (visit NEICAC Health Service or a family physician). During the visit your medical history will be discussed and you may need to have an exam.

The ring can be purchased at a drugstore or clinic. (Family Planning clinics usually charge less)

To use the Vaginal Ring, insert the ring within the first 5 days of your period. Leave NuvaRing in place for 3 weeks and remove it for one week, then start over with a new ring.

What to expect after starting on the ring

you may have regular, lighter or shorter periods
you may have bleeding between periods
breast tenderness
nausea and vomiting
may have an increase in vaginal discharge, vaginal irritation, or infection

NuvaRing is highly effective. In early studies of NuvaRing, the pregnancy rate of users was less than 1 per 100 women or 99% effective.

Shot (Depo-Provera) (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a long slightly acting injectable contraceptive.

To receive Depo-Provera you will need to get a prescription (visit NEICAC Health Service or a family physician). During the visit your medical history will be discussed and you may need to have an exam. You need to go to a clinic or NEICAC Health Services Family Planning for an injection every 3 months to prevent pregnancy.

What to expect with Depo-Provera

you may have irregular bleeding
you may not have a period at all
change in appetite or weight gain
headache
nausea
breast tenderness

The effectiveness of Depo-Provera is more effective (99.7%) than the combination oral contraceptive (99.5%) because you do not have to remember a pill every day. The injection must be repeated every three months. There are currently millions of women worldwide using this method with up to 90% continuation rate after one year of use.

Implant (Implanon) is a progesterone only implantable birth control method. It is a flexible plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin of your arm in an in office procedure. The implant will last for 3 years.

To receive Implanon you will need to see a health care provider that has been specially trained in inserting and removing Implanon. They will go over your medical history and make sure that implanon is right for you, and may need to do an exam.

What to expect after you get Implanon

you may have irregular periods
your periods may become fewer, lighter or not have them at all
your periods may be longer or heavier
you may have pain at the insertion site

Implanon is more than 99% effective if inserted correctly.

The Diaphragm is a dome-shaped cup that fits securely in the vagina to cover the cervix and block the opening to the uterus.

To receive a Diaphragm, you will need to get fitted (visit NEICAC Health Service or a family physician). During the visit your medical history will be discussed and you may need to have an exam. The provider will determine the right size.

What to expect after getting a Diaphragms

may be difficult for some to insert
can not be used during menstruation
diaphragm may require refitting
the Diaphragm may be pushed out of place by some sexual positions
may develop frequent bladder infections
you may have irritation or itching in the genital area
redness or swelling of the vulva or vagina
unusual discharge from the vagina

How to use Diaphragms

one should check for tiny holes before each use
spread spermicide jelly or cream around the edge or rim of the diaphragm and on the inside
it must be left in place at least 6 hours after intercourse and may be left in up to 6 hours before intercourse. It should not be left in longer than 24 hours.
wash the diaphragm with soap & water. Store where it is cool and dark - away from extreme heat
if one has repeated intercourse, do not remove the diaphragm but insert more cream or jelly with the plastic applicator

The Diaphragms effectiveness varies (81-98%) and improved with consistent use. Perfect use 9% pregnancy, typical 20% pregnancy.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD or ParaGard) is a small "T-shaped" device made of flexible plastic. ParaGard contains copper and is effective for 12 years. Mirena IUD releases a small amount of progestin and is effective for 5 years.

To receive an Intrauterine Device, you will need to see a trained health care provider for insertion of the IUD or ParaGard. During the visit your medical history will be discussed and you may need to have an exam.

What to expect after getting an Intrauterine Device