Birth Control at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

  • A small, t-shaped device that’s put into your uterus to prevent pregnancy.
  • Long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods.
  • SMC has 4 different brands available:
    • Paragard
      • Hormone free
      • Wrapped in a tiny bit of copper that prevents pregnancy
      • Works for up to 12 years
    • Mirena, Kyleen, Skyla
      • Use progestin, a hormone that works to prevent pregnancy
      • Work for 3-8 years depending on which brand you choose
  • Inserted by a provider through the opening in your cervix and into your uterus.
    • This process is doesn’t take long, but some patients experience pain or cramping during and after the procedure.

Nexplanon

  • A small, birth control implant that’s placed by a provider just under the skin of the inner, non-dominant upper arm.
  • Releases a continuous low dose of progestin.
  • Good for up to 3 years.
  • A low maintenance, hormonal birth control.
  • Good option for someone who feels uncomfortable having an IUD placed.

Depo Provera

  • Also known as the depo shot or birth control shot
  • A hormonal contraceptive injection that contains progestin.
  • You’ll need to visit the clinic every 3 months to get a new shot.
    • For best efficacy, this timing is important.
  • A good option for anyone who doesn’t want a device placed but also doesn’t want the responsibility of a daily pill.

 

Birth Control Pill

  • A daily oral contraceptive, commonly known as “the pill”.
  • The pill is safe, affordable, and effective if you always take your pill on time.
  • Two types:
    • Combination pills (COC)
      • Have both estrogen and progestin hormones
      • Most common type
    • Progestin-only pills (POP)
      • Have only the hormone progestin
  • A great option if you’re new to birth control and don’t want to commit to a longer-term device like Nexplanon or an IUD.
  • Some people struggle to remember to take their birth control pill every day, but your provider can recommend ways to overcome this.

Opill

  • A daily, over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill that doesn’t require a prescription from a provider.
  • Contains the hormone progestin and is very effective when taken every day.
  • Can be purchased at the SMC Pharmacy for $25.70/month.
  • Because this is an OTC medication, Sliding Fee Scale cannot be applied and insurance may not cover it, call your insurance company to ask.
  • While Opill does not require a prescription, we still recommend talking with your provider before starting Opill.

These birth control methods prevent pregnancy, not sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The most effective way of preventing both pregnancy and STIs is to use a birth control method with a condom. An emergency contraceptive (morning-after pill) can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when another form of birth control has failed. Condoms and emergency contraceptives are available for purchase at the SMC Pharmacy.