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If you are a client wanting more information about birth control or reproductive health services, please take time to learn the facts about current choices based on scientific research. There are so many hormonal and non-hormonal options for birth control today, but the most important part is that you chose a method that works for you. Birth control must be used accurately and consistently to prevent pregnancy; don’t forget that condoms are the best way to protect against sexually transmitted infections including HIV. There are also many other medical reasons why you and your provider may decide that birth control is a good option to keep you healthy. Remember, you want to select a method that is highly effective, requires minimal work/stress on your end, and has low side effects. Your provider can help you decide, but the resources below are a great place to start learning about your options to decide which one is right for you. And the great part is that Illinois medical assistance covers all FDA approved contraceptives, including permanent male and female sterilization!
Birth Control Options:
- Bedsider website - Contraceptive Methods
- UpToDate website - Patient Information: Birth control; which method is right for me? (Beyond the Basics)
- Centers for Disease Control - Contraception - Reproductive Health
- Effectiveness of Family Planning Methods (pdf)
- Are you wanting a long term method that gives you peace of mind from risk of pregnancy and also decreases your periods? Have you heard things that scare you about the insertion of an IUD. See what Ruchika has to say about her Mirena IUD: Ruchika, 27, Mirena IUD
- Are you considering taking the birth control pill, but not sure if it will work for you and your partner? See what Elliot has to say about his girlfriend who started oral contraceptive pill for the first time. See this video for more information: Elliott, 24, the pill
- Do you want to finish school, get a job, and make future plans without worrying about pregnancy? See how Brittany uses the 10 year Paragard to reach her dreams. Even though Brittany paid for her Paragard, your medical assistance card covers Paragard and all FDA approved birth control at 100%. See this video for more information: Brittany, 24 Paragard
- Do you feel your periods cause you to feel really bad every month? Are you always worrying about staying on a reliable form of birth control? See how Ashley uses the single rod implant to control her premenstrual symptoms (PMS) and protects her from the risk of an unplanned pregnancy. See this video for more information: Ashley, 19, Implanon (now known as Nexplanon)
- Perhaps you are not wanting children or done with having any more children. Consider this relatively low risk, quick recovery procedure, known as a vasectomy, that can end you and your partner’s worry about an unintended pregnancy. Remember it’s permanent so be sure to discuss thoroughly with your healthcare provider. See this video for more information: Daniel, 26, sterlization
Frequently Asked Questions about Birth Control, especially for Teenagers
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) - Frequently Asked Questions Especially for Teens
Frequently Asked Questions about the Intrauterine Device and the Implant, otherwise known as Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hormonal Birth Control: Pill, Patch, Ring
Frequently Asked Questions about Emergency Contraception
ACOG - Emergency Contraception
Frequently Asked Questions about Sterilization for Men (Vasectomy) and Women
Association of Reproductive Health Professionals - Health Matters Fact Sheets - Vasectomy