Birth Control Methods

• For a new prescription, or to transfer an existing prescription if you’ve never been seen at UCSF SHCS, schedule an appointment with your SHSC primary care provider. SHCS providers can provide pills if you do or do not have UC SHIP insurance. To get refills of a prescription you previously obtained at SHCS please have your pharmacy message your provider.

• Condoms are barrier methods that prevent the deposit of sperm and other body fluids into the orifice being penetrated during penis-vagina, penis-anus, or penis-mouth sex. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that also protect against STIs, with the exception of animal skin condoms, which do not offer such protection.

  Two types of condoms are currently available: traditional and insertive.

  SHCS offers 'traditional' condoms at a discounted price of $2.00 for a dozen or $5.00 for three dozen.

  SHCS offers 'insertive' condoms (FC2) for free while supplies last. 

  Stop by either the Parnassus or Mission Bay clinic to purchase.

  • A traditional condom consists of a thin sheath of latex or polyurethane worn on the penis, but may also be worn on a sex toy or phallus shaped object. With perfect use, a traditional condom is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy; with typical use, it is 85% effective.
  • The insertive condom is commonly known as the female condom, but it can also be used for penis/toy-anus, penis/toy-vagina sex. Insertive condoms are made of nitrile, making them a great option for anyone with a latex sensitivity or allergy. They are 95% effective for preventing pregnancy with perfect use, and 79% effective with typical use.

• The contraceptive injection is a shot that contains the hormone progesterone. This hormone stops your body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus at the cervix. You need one shot every three months from a healthcare provider. Once injected, it is not reversible, i.e. in case of side effects it cannot be stopped. The way it works is similar to the pill, or the ring, except you don’t have to remember to take it every day or week.

  When you stop the shot it may take your period up to one year to return to normal. Prolonged (longer than 2 years) of use may affect your bone density, it may cause weight gain and it does not protect against STIs.

SHCS providers are trained to both counsel students regarding IUDs (IUD consultation) and place multiple types of IUDs (hormonal and non hormonal). Consultation is available to any student, placement is available to those with UCSHIP insurance.

An IUD is a small device shaped like a “T”. Your health care provider places it in your uterus during an office visit. Two kinds of IUDs are available at SHCS. The non-hormonal IUD (Paraguard), which prevents pregnancy for 10 – 12 years and the hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena) which prevents pregnancy for 5 - 7 years. They are equally effective and can be removed at any time.

The Mirena and Kyleena IUDs contain the hormone “levonorgestrel”, (this is similar to the hormone “progesterone” your body makes), It prevents sperm from reaching the egg and also thins the uterine lining and thickens the cervical mucus. The Mirena and Kyleena have the added benefits of decreasing menstrual cramps, menstrual bleeding and anemia. They are sometimes used for this reason alone in persons who do not need contraception.

The Paragard IUD contains copper. The copper releases ions into the uterus which change the fluid in the fallopian tube and uterus making them inhospitable to sperm. The Paragard IUD tends to make menstruation heavier and can increase menstrual cramps.

Both types of IUD can be used in people that have a history of migraine headache WITH AURA, which is a contraindication for oral contraceptives or birth control pills. Both IUDs have a thin string attached at the base of the “T”. This allows your health care provider to remove the IUD in the office and you to check to make sure the IUD is in your uterus.

IUDs are as effective as tubal ligations (getting your tubes tied) – but unlike a tubal ligation an IUD is completely reversible. They are more effective than birth control pills. Annually, less than one IUD user in a hundred gets pregnant. Once the IUD is placed, there is nothing you have to do to make it work. Once inserted, you and your partner should not feel it.

Once an IUD is removed you can become pregnant immediately so if you do not desire pregnancy you must use birth control after removal.

At SHCS we feel it is very important to be informed. For this reason, prior to an IUD placement we require students to have an IUD consultation. Students may schedule online via the Myhealthrecord student portal. This appointment can be done in person or on zoom by any provider at SHCS. IUD placement appointments cannot be scheduled by web booking. Please call SHCS at (415) 476-1281 to schedule IUD insertion once you have had your IUD consultation.

• See Specialty Care & Coordination in this section for information about pregnancy termination (abortion).