Contraception

Options available at Beu

Other Options

The Beu Health Center offers numerous contraception methods to help reduce the risk of pregnancy, and to also help reduce the risk of getting or spreading a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). The method of contraception you choose should fit your needs and lifestyle. Contraception is your responsibility; do not rely on your partner.

*Pricing of contraceptives are subject to change as market costs change, but Beu is committed to offering contraceptives and other pharmaceuticals to students at the lowest possible cost. (Revised August 2007)

Options available at Beu Health Center

Beu Health Center offers prescription and non-prescription methods. You can have existing prescriptions faxed to the Beu Health Center at 309/298-2188.

Male Latex Condoms

The male condom is a sheath-like piece of latex that is put on the male partner's erect penis in order to prevent pregnancy and the spread of STIs. When used properly, the latex condom is 85-98% effective. Make sure to check the expiration date on the box and read instructions before using the condom. After intercourse the penis should be withdrawn from the vagina while still erect. The base of the condom should be held to prevent it from slipping and spilling semen. Condoms should only be used once.

Effectiveness against pregnancy: Moderate
No prescription needed
Price at Beu: Reg. condoms $.25 each*
Large condoms $2 for a pack of 3*

The Reality Condom (aka: Female Condom)

The Reality Condom is a polyurethane sheath worn by a woman during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy and transfer of sexually transmitted infections. This can be an alternative method for individuals who are allergic to latex. Latex condoms should not be used with The Reality Condom. When used properly, the female condom is 79-95% effective against pregnancy and STI's. Be sure to read and follow packaging instructions carefully. The Reality Condom can be inserted into the vagina up to 8 hours before intercourse. Insertion can be difficult, so it is recommended that women use the female condom in practice before attempting to use it during intercourse.

Effectiveness against pregnancy: Moderate
No prescription needed
Price at Beu: $12 per pack of 5*

Oral Contraceptives (The Pill)

Oral Contraceptives (or "The Pill") may contain both or one synthetic (man-made) version of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. The hormones prevent pregnancy by turning off the message to the ovary to release an egg. Also, taking the pill causes cervical mucus to thicken, making it difficult for sperm to pass through the cervix to fertilize the egg. There are different types of oral contraceptives, and it is important to talk with a health care professional about the best one for you. Additionally, a woman taking the pill must take it on a specific schedule in order to be effective. Oral contraceptives are almost 100% effective when taken correctly. To be absolutely safe, you should use a second form of contraception the first seven days of the first cycle.

Effectiveness against pregnancy: High
Prescription is needed
Price at Beu: $15 per cycle or 3 cycles for $13*

Types of oral contraceptives at Beu: Aviane-28 (Alesse generic), Cryselle-28 (Lo-Ovral generic), Cyclessa-28, Desogen-28, Kariva-28 (Mircette generic), Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo-28 (Limited quantities), Portia-28 (Nordette generic), Sprintec-28 (Ortho Cyclen generic), Tri-Sprintec-28 (Ortho Tri-Cyclen Generic), Junel Fe 1.5/30-28 (Loestrin Fe 1.5/30 generic)

Depo-Provera

This method is an injection of progestin (synthetic female, progesterone) given by a health care professional at Beu once every three months. It stops the release of the egg from the ovary. This method might be a choice for women who need to use a contraceptive that does not contain estrogen. Women unable to visit a health care professional every 3 months should not use Depo-Provera. Additionally, using this method may change, increase, decrease, or eliminate periods.

Effectiveness against pregnancy: High
Prescription is needed
Price at Beu: $70 per 3 month injection*

NuvaRing

The NuvaRing is a flexible, blue ring that protects against pregnancy. It is inserted and left in the vagina for 3 weeks. After the 3rd week, it is removed for a 1-week ring-free period. A new ring is inserted after that cycle. It is important that the new ring is inserted around the same time every 4th week. NuvaRing uses hormones similar to those in oral contraceptives and has similar side effects. There is not danger of NuvaRing being pushed too far up in the vagina or getting lost. The ring must be in place 7 days before it can be effective against pregnancy.

Effectiveness against pregnancy: High
Prescription is needed
Price at Beu: $38 each

Jolessa Contraceptive Pill

Jolessa is a generic equivalent of Seasonale (Barr Laboratories), the first brand of pill specifically packaged for menstrual management. Jolessa is a progesterone and estrogen combination birth control pill. It works by preventing ovulation, thickening the mucus in the cervix, and changing the lining of the uterus. With the Jolessa product, women will be protected from pregnancy and will have less frequent periods (4 per year). When used correctly, this pill is 99% effective.
Price at Beu: $62 for 3 month supply

Dental Dams

Dental Dams are latex sheets which can be placed on the body for use in oral/vaginal sex or oral/anal sex. The latex sheets are 10” x 6” thin latex sheets which prevent direct contact with a partner’s genitals or other desired locations in order to reduce the risk of catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases through skin-to-skin or mouth-to-skin contact.
Price at Beu: $1 each

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a shallow, rubber cup that, once inserted, covers the cervix. Before it is inserted, it must be coated with spermicidal foam, cream, or gel. The diaphragm is then squeezed and inserted through the vagina. This contraceptive method must remain in place at least 6 hours after intercourse to help protect against pregnancy. It cannot be worn longer than 24 hours, and if sex is repeated, more spermicide must be inserted in the vagina without removing the diaphragm. This device is fitted by a health care professional, and should be replaced every year. To note: this method may increase the risk for urinary tract infection and is not recommended for women who are sensitive to rubber.

Effectiveness against pregnancy: Moderate
Prescription is needed
Price at Beu: around $40*

IUD

An intrauterine device (IUD), a small plastic, T-shaped device with a string attached to the end that is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The IUD is placed by a medical professional during an office visit and stays inside the uterus until your doctor removes it. The IUD is 99.4-99.9% effective because it is always in the uterus and there is nothing to remember to do along with it. The IUD is not recommended for women with multiple partners and who have never been pregnant.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)

Emergency Contraception prevents pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It can be used when your contraceptive method fails, after a sexual assault and/or after unprotected sexual intercourse. ECPs are also know as the "morning after pills," but you don't have to wait until the next morning to take them. To be most effective, ECPs should be taken in the first 24 hours, or within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The earlier the pills are used, the more effective they will be. Depending on the time during the menstrual cycle that the pills are taken they can stop or delay ovulation, prevent tubal transport of egg or sperm, interfere with fertilization, or alter the lining of the uterus so that an egg won't be implanted. ECPs do not protect against STIs and should not be your only method of protection against pregnancy. ECPs will not end an already existing pregnancy. Emergency contraception should not be used as a regular form of birth control.

Price at Beu: $21.00*

Options available that do not require a visit to Beu Health Center

Withdrawal

The withdrawal method of contraception involves the man pulling his penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. This is not a recommended method of contraception because is requires experience and self-control. It is not for men who experience premature ejaculation. Men release pre-ejaculation fluid that contains sperm, therefore pregnancy is still possible. The withdrawal method can be 73-96% effective against pregnancy, but the effectiveness is highly dependent on the situation. Withdrawal does not protect against STIs. When using a condom, the withdrawal method can be nearly 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Sponge

The contraceptive sponge is a small, disposable sponge that contains spermicide and is placed over the cervix to kill sperm before they enter the uterus or fertilize an egg. With consistent use, the sponge is about 84-91% effective in preventing pregnancy in women who have had children, and 68-91% effective in preventing pregnancy in women who have not had children. The sponge does not protect against STIs, so use of a male condom is also recommended. The sponge can be purchased in drug stores and other pharmacies. Make sure you follow all the instructions carefully to get the most effective protection.

Spermicide

Spermicides come in several different forms: cream, gel, foam, film, and suppositories. It is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse to immobilize the sperm and keep them from joining the egg. Spermicides are 71-85% effective in preventing pregnancy, but do not provide protection against STIs. Spermicides can be used along with condoms, birth control pills, IUDs and other methods of contraception.