The SHC offers a variety of prescription contraceptives. Some are available for purchase within the Center, others may be obtained at an outside pharmacy with a prescription. Condoms do not require a prescription. The SHC recommends the use of condoms or other barriers (dental dams) every time you have sexual contact to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI's).

What methods can be purchased at the SHC?

Currently two brands of generic oral contraceptive pills (birth control pills) are available for purchase at the SHC. These are pills containing hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that are taken on a daily basis to prevent pregnancy. In addition, we offer Depo Provera and the Nuva Ring. Depo Provera is an injectable contraceptive administered every three months. Depo has no estrogen, only progesterone. The Nuva Ring is a small flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina and changed once a month. Like birth control pills, it contains both estrogen and progesterone. The hormones from the ring are absorbed into the body through the vaginal tissue.Women may be fitted for diaphragms and given prescriptions for purchase. Counseling is also available for methods such as abstinence and natural family planning.

How do I get a prescription for one of these contraceptive methods?

The first step is to make an appointment with a SHC provider to review your medical history, have an exam and discuss birth control options. Contraceptives purchased in the SHC must be prescribed by a SHC provider. If you have had a gyn examination and Pap test within the past year with a provider outside the SHC, we may be able to prescribe birth control for you without repeating your exam.You need to schedule an appointment with a SHC provider. Bring (or have faxed) a summary of your last gyn exam and Pap Test report. If you wish to continue purchasing your contraceptives in the SHC, subsequent exams will need to be scheduled with a SHC provider.

What about emergency contraception?

See Emergency Contraception for a discussion of E.C.
Please keep in mind that emergency contraception should not be used as a substitute for a more effective, regularly used contraceptive method. Please consider making an appointment for a contraceptive consultation before you need it.

Where can I purchase condoms?

On campus, condoms can be purchased at the Corner Store on the A-level in Nathaniel Rochester Hall (NRH), Sol’s, a store located in Sol Heumann, and at The Cafe and market at Crossroads. There are several drug stores and supermarkets near campus that stock condoms. The SHC recommends latex condoms and water based lubricant. Spermicides such as Nonoxynol 9 can interfere with normal vaginal balance and should be avoided.

See also www.plannedparenthood.org/bc