Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (Plan B) can be used when you have unprotected sex or the condom (male or female) breaks. Plan B is NOT the "abortion pill" RU486. Emergency contraception can be administered up to 72 hours after intercourse, however, it should be used as soon as possible. Emergency contraception can reduce the occurrence of pregnancy by as much as 80-90%. For more detailed information on emergency contraception you can call our main office at (907) 563-7228 and speak with our triage nurse. For more general information and information on where in Alaska to obtain emergency contraception visit the following websites:
Medication Methods of Birth Control
Depo Provera - Depo Provera is a hormone injection that prevents pregnancy for three months. Depo Provera contains a high dose of synthetic progesterone (but no estrogen) which causes a woman's ovaries to stop releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus and causes changes in the uterine lining (endometrium) which make it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Depo Provera does NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases. For more information visit the following websites:
Implanon - Implanon is a small, thin, hormone releasing plastic rod that is injected into a woman's arm and is effective as birth control for three years. Implanon is about the size of a matchstick and usually cannot be seen after insertion. Implanon must be inserted by a trained medical professional (this includes physicians, phyician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives). Implanon does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. For more information visit the following websites:
Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCD's or IUD's) - There are two types of IUCD's. A hormone secreting IUCD (Mirena levonorgestrel-releasing IUCD) and a non-hormone secreting IUCD (ParaGuard copper IUCD). IUCD's are inserted through the cervix into the uterus and can remain in place from 5 - 10 years (depending on the IUCD that was chosen). IUCD's can also be removed at anytime if you decide you want to become pregnant. Fertility returns immediately after the removal of the IUCD. Both types of IUCD's have a failure rate of less than 1%. The Mirena IUCD has a failure rate of 0.1% while the ParaGuard IUCD has a failure rate of less than 0.8%. For more information visit the following websites:
NuvaRing - NuvaRing is a flexible plastic ring (a contraceptive vaginal ring) that is inserted into the vagina and releases low doses of progesterone and estrogen into the vagina for three weeks and then removed. You will then have your menstrual period, at the end of which you will insert a new NuvaRing. NuvaRing is available by prescription only and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. For more information visit the following websites:
Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP's) - There are different types of OCP's (Birth Control Pills). There are estrogen and progesterone releasing OCP's and there are progesterone releasing OCP's. Both types work as birth control by preventing an egg from being released for fertilization. For more information visit the following websites:
Ortho Evra Patch - The Ortho Evra patch is a once-a-week birth control patch. You put on a new patch once a week for three weeks. Then you go without a patch for one week and have your menstrual period. Then you put on a new patch and begin the cycle again. The Ortho Evra patch contains progestin and estrogen and releases these hormones steadily during the week. These hormones keep your ovaries from releasing eggs, it thickens your cervical mucus to block more sperm, and it changes the uterine lining (endometrium) making implantation much less likely. For more information visit the following websites:
Barrier Methods of Birth Control
Cervical Cap - A cervical cap is a flexible silicone or latex thimble shaped device that is placed over the cervix (most cervical caps work via suction, hence the thimble shape). This is another type of barrier birth control. Cervical caps are available by prescription only because a provider must perform a cervical cap fitting to ensure that you use the proper size cervical cap. For more information visit the following websites:
Condoms (male and female) - Condoms, both male and female, are simple and inexpensive to obtain and are one type of barrier birth control. They also protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). However, condoms have a 3% failure rate when used correctly (if the condom breaks or is used incorrectly then the failure rate is as high as 21%).
Diaphragm - A diaphragm is also a barrier method of birth control. A diaphragm is a silicone or soft latex dome that has a spring molded into the rim. This spring creates a seal against the vaginal walls preventing sperm from entering the uterus. Diaphragms come in different sizes and you must have a fitting appointment with your medical provider. A properly fit diaphragm will cover the cervix and fit snugly against the pubic bone. For more information visit the following websites:
Lea's Shield - Lea's Shield is a flexible silicone cervical barrier. It is a one-size-fits-all reusable device about the size of a diaphragm. Lea's shield does not require a fitting appointment by a medical provider but it is only available by prescription. For more information visit the following website:
Sponge - A contraceptive sponge is a sponge that is full of spermacide. The sponge must be placed over the cervix prior to intercourse and must remain in place for six hours after ejaculation into the vagina. Contraceptives sponges do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The Today sponge is currently the only contraceptive sponge available in the United States. For more information visit the following websites:
General Barrier Method Websites:
