Birth Control Options

Hormonal methods

Birth control pill (taken every day)

• Must take at the same time every day
• Hormones stop ovulation (monthly egg release)
• Changes cervical mucous, making it difficult for sperm to get into the uterus
• Can regulate period, reduce bleeding and cramping
• When used properly, it's over 99 per cent effective

The patch (applied once a week)

• Patch placed on the buttocks, upper outer arms, lower stomach, or upper body (not breasts)
• Applied once a week for three weeks, then removed for one week (patch-free week)
• Hormones are released into the skin, and it works like the pill
• 99 per cent effective

NuvaRing (used once a month)

• Flexible plastic ring is inserted into the vagina (by you) for three weeks, and then removed for one week (one ring-free week)
• Hormones are released from the ring into the walls of the vagina
• Works to prevent pregnancy like the pill and the patch
  
• 99 per cent effective

Depo-Provera (shot given every three months)

• Hormone injection given by a health professional in the arm or buttocks
• Stops the ovaries from releasing an egg and thins the lining of the uterus
• 99.7 per cent effective

Intrauterine system (inserted every three to five years)

• T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health professional at an office appointment
• Contains the hormone progestin, which thins the lining of the uterus and thickens cervical mucous
• Can reduce bleeding and cramping
  
• 99.9 per cent effective

Non-hormonal methods

Intrauterine device (inserted every three, five or 10 years depending on type)

• T-shaped piece of plastic and copper inserted into the uterus by a health professional at an office appointment
• The copper changes the chemistry of the uterus and stops sperm from fertilizing the egg
• 99 per cent effective

Male / external condom

• Fits over the penis
• Prevents sperm from entering the vagina
• Comes in different sizes, colours, flavours and styles
• Free at any Public Health location
• Protects against some sexually transmitted infections
• When used properly, they are 97 per cent effective

Female / insertive condom

• Inserted into the vagina by you
• Lines the inside of the vagina and covers the woman's genitals
• Free at any Public Health location
• Protects against some sexually transmitted infections
• When used properly, they are 95 per cent effective

Morning After Pill - Plan B

• Delays or prevents ovulation
• Use within five days of unprotected sex. The sooner you use it, the better it works.
• Available at walk-in clinics, Sexual Health Centres or pharmacies
• No prescription needed
• When used in the first 48 hours after unprotected sex, it's 85 per cent effective in preventing pregnancy

Public Health

Sexual Health

• Sexual Health Centres
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Outreach Nursing
• Sexual Orientation