Contraception | Go Ask Tara

Contraceptives

What's the best birth control?

Most Effective!

Less than 1% failure rate!
Can't use them incorrectly
Easy to use.
Don't need to remember pills, appointments, etc.
Works for many years.

Moderately Effective

6-9% failure rate with typical use
Must remember to take a pill, change patch or ring, make appointments, etc.
Can help with periods/Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Least Effective

Fertility Tracking

12-24% failure rate with typical use
Condoms must be used every time you have sex
Condoms prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

I had unprotected sex. What should I do?

Emergency Contraceptives

Use emergency contraceptives if you had sex less than 3-5 days ago.
There are three types of emergency contraceptive available in the United States: Plan B One-Step, EllaOne, and Paraguard. You can get them from any pharmacy.
Emergency contraceptives do not protect you if you've had sex more than 3-5 days ago. They also do not protect you from STIs.
If you had sex more than 5 days ago, you may need to get checked for pregnancy and STI's.

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Birth control will not protect you from STIs. To prevent STIs, use a barrier method like a condom every time you have sex.

If you have had unprotected sex and want to be tested for STIs, call our clinic.

Make an appointment!