Birth Control

What is it?

Oral contraceptive pills (OCP, The Pill) are a hormonal birth control method that mimics the effects of progesterone and estrogen. They are prescribed tablets that are often taken once a day at the same time for maximum effectiveness. 

There are two types of OCPs—combination pills containing estrogen and progesterone and progestin-only pills, which do not have estrogen. There are many pill options that are just as effective in preventing pregnancy and come with lower doses of hormones. 

Overall, OCPs (OCPs) are a widely used and suitable choice for individuals in good health, irrespective of age, and can be taken for an extended period of time. As multiple brands of OCPs are available, individuals may have to try a few before they find one that works best for them. Talk to a doctor or nurse to discuss the best option for you.

How does it work?

Combined OCPs (containing both estrogen and progestin) are primarily effective in preventing pregnancy by halting ovulation. Additionally, these pills thicken cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg and alter the uterus lining to make it more challenging for fertilized eggs to implant.

The progestin-only pills prevent pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining. However, unlike combined pills, it only inhibits ovulation in around 40% of menstrual cycles.

How effective is it?

When used as directed, OCPs are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate of 99.7%. However, if not taken consistently or at the same time every day, its effectiveness drops to 91%. 

It is important to note that OCPs do not protect against sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs). Internal or external condoms, dental dams, and abstinence are all effective methods of preventing STBBIs.

What is it?

Intra-uterine devices or IUDs are tiny "T" shaped tools that are placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. They can offer birth control protection for up to 12 years, depending on the brand, and can be extracted anytime. 

There are two types of IUDs available: hormonal (Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess) and copper (Liberte, Flexi-T, Nova-T). At the Dalhousie Student Health and Wellness Centre, you can consult with a doctor or nurse to discuss the best option for you. 

If you are booking an appointment with a nurse, please note that there is a same-day appointment option.

How does it work?

The chemistry of the uterus is modified when using Copper IUDs, thickening cervical mucus and effectively blocking the path of sperm. Additionally, this change in uterine chemistry makes the Copper IUDs effective in acting as emergency contraception.

Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progesterone found in hormonal IUDs. It is gradually released from a small cylinder and primarily impacts the lining of the uterus. By thinning the lining and thickening cervical mucus, it creates a barrier that makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. 

Both types of IUDs need to be inserted by a doctor.

How effective is it?

There is no risk of user error with IUDs making this a highly effective form of birth control. Copper IUDs have a 99% success rate, and Hormonal IUDs are even more effective at 99.7%.

What is it?

The "Implant" contraceptive method is a great option for those who want a long-term, reliable form of birth control. It involves inserting a small plastic rod under the skin on the arm, which releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to three years. Implants can be removed at any time by a doctor or nurse with the use of local anesthetic.

Consider discussing this option with a nurse or doctor at Dalhousie Student Health and Wellness to see if it's right for you.

How does it work?

The Implant is a plastic rod containing synthetic progesterone, specifically etonogestrel, which releases slowly to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. This makes it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. 

To get the Implant, you will need to schedule two appointments with a doctor. The first appointment is a pre-implant consultation where you will discuss your contraception options, get an STI test, and receive a prescription for the Implant. The second appointment involves the insertion of the Implant under a local anesthetic. You will need to purchase the Implant at a pharmacy beforehand, and it costs approximately $350, which may not be covered by insurance.  

The Implant does not protect against STIs, so barrier methods like condoms should still be used for protection. The Implant is effective for three years, after which it needs to be removed and replaced if you wish to continue using it. Implant removal only takes a few minutes, but the process takes longer than getting it inserted. 

How effective is it?

Implants are a highly effective form of birth control, with a success rate of over 99%. They eliminate the risk of user error, making them a reliable option for preventing pregnancy.

What is it?

The contraceptive injection is typically referred to by its brand name, Depo Provera. It is a type of synthetic progesterone but does not contain estrogen. It is a very effective form of birth control given by injection. The dosage of Depo or Depo Provera is typically administered by a healthcare professional every 3 months (11-13 weeks). For individuals who struggle with adhering to a strict pill regimen or favour the ease of receiving just 4 shots per year, Depo may be a viable choice.

How does it work?

Doctors at Student Health & Wellness doctor can prescribe DEPO Provera, the contraceptive implant.  

A doctor or nurse will give you the injection in a muscle. You receive your first injection during your period and then follow up every 11-13 weeks. 

This method of birth control works by preventing ovulation, which means that an egg will not be released by the ovary each cycle. The shot also thins the uterus lining and thickens the cervix's mucous.

How effective is it?

Contraceptive Injections are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if you get your injections every three months. If a shot is received late, the effectiveness is estimated to be 94%. 

What is it?

The hormonal contraceptive patch is a thin, beige (note: that the patch only comes in one colour), flexible, square patch you wear on your body. It contains two hormones (estrogen and progestin) and works to prevent pregnancy like the birth control pill does. The patch does not protect against STIs. Condoms can be used additionally to reduce the risk of STIs and increase pregnancy protection. 

How does it work?

To use the EVRA patch, you can apply it to your buttock, abdomen, upper torso (excluding your breasts), or outside of your upper arm. To use the patch, apply it to your body once a week for three weeks consecutively, and then take a week off. Your menstruation cycle usually begins once you remove the patch. To begin a new cycle, place a new patch on your body at the end of the week without the patch.

How effective is it?

When used as directed, the patch is effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate of 99.7%. However, if not used consistently or properly, its effectiveness drops to 92%.

What is it?

The NuvaRing, a flexible and clear plastic ring, can be inserted into the vagina and releases the hormones estrogen and progestin over three weeks.

How does it work?

NuvaRing is a small (one-sized), self-insertable flexible ring that prevents pregnancy. It is held in place by the walls of the vagina, and you usually cannot feel the ring once it is in. It does not need to be in a particular position in the vagina to be effective. 

The ring is worn inside the vagina for 3-week period. The ring is removed for 1 week and starts their period during this time. The user then inserts another ring to begin a new cycle at the end of the ring-free week.

It is important to note that the ring should be left in place during sex. However, most people do not notice it during intercourse.

How effective is it?

When used as directed, they are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate of 99.7%. However, if not taken consistently or at the same time every day, its effectiveness drops to 91%. 

It is important to note that OCPs do not protect against sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs). Internal or external condoms, dental dams, and abstinence are all effective methods of preventing STBBIs.

What is it?

Emergency Contraceptive also called the morning-after pill have three different types of pills available in Canada Plan B (progestin-only method), Ella (ulipristal acetate method), and Yuzpe (Ovral) method (containing estrogen and progestin). 

How does it work?

Emergency contraceptive pills can work through multiple methods. Firstly, it can keep the egg from leaving the ovary, secondly it can keep the sperm from meeting the egg, or lastly it can keep the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. 

Please note that emergency contraceptives prevent pregnancy but do not cause a miscarriage or abortion. 

Emergency contraceptive medication is available in the clinic following assessment.

What is it?

The copper IUD, which is commonly used as a form of birth control, can also be used in emergency situations to prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex.

How does it work?

The emergency use of an IUD can prevent the implantation of a potentially fertilized egg into the uterine lining.

What is it?

Vasectomy provides permanent contraception for individuals with penises. The most common technique prevents pregnancy by blocking the vas deferens (the tubes carrying sperm to the penis). This procedure can be completed at the Student Health & Wellness clinic.

How does it work?

A vasectomy is the most effective mode of contraception for individuals with penises. This is a permanent procedure performed in a hospital, usually by a urologist, under general anesthesia. The procedure interrupts or blocks the vas deferens, preventing sperm from reaching the penis for ejaculation.

Individuals considering this procedure can book an appointment with their family doctor or book with a doctor at Student Health & Wellness to acquire a referral to a Student Health & Wellness’s Dr. Andrea.