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Kansas State University

Lafene Health Center
Kansas State University
1105 Sunset Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502-3761
785-532-6544
lafene@k-state.edu

Women's Clinic
Patient Information

Contraception

Steps to obtaining a form of birth control
    An appointment can be made two ways:
  • telephone request: 785.532.6554
  • walk-in basis

Confidential counseling and an educational session are offered to all students prior to obtaining a desired form of birth control. Contraceptive methods may be obtained at this visit. Some contraceptive methods can be used to skip your period. A preliminary examination is completed at the initial visit which includes: height, weight, blood pressure, a brief health history, and laboratory work when necessary. A return appointment is then made for the well-woman physical examination which includes: breast exam, pelvic exam, pap smear, gonorrhea and chlamydia screening when necessary. HIV testing is also available with same day results.

Contraceptive options
Method Key advantages Key disadvantages Effectiveness
(1 Year)
Periodic abstinence
  • Requires no other intervention
  • Requires careful planning and motivation
  • Prohibits intercourse up to half the menstrual cycle
  • Not for women with irregular cycles
80-99%
Birth control patch
  • Applied once per week for 3 weeks, no patch during week 4
  • Reversible
  • No need to remember daily
  • Must be remembered/changed weekly
  • Increases risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, especially in smokers over 35
  • Common side effects may include nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness
99%
Birth control pill
  • Continuous contraceptive protection when taken correctly
  • Reversible
  • Some noncontraceptive health benefits
  • Must be remembered/taken daily
  • Increases risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, especially in smokers over 35
  • Common side effects may include nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness
99% or greater when taken correctly
Condom (alone)
  • Easily obtained
  • Best method for STD protection
  • Good results when used with spermicide
  • May reduce sensation
  • Less sexual spontaneity
  • Breakage possible
  • Provided by male partner
88-98%
Depo Provera
(depot medroxprogesterone acetate)
  • Continuous contraceptive protection for 3 months
  • No need to remember daily
  • Reversible
  • Clinic visit every 11-13 weeks for injection
  • Possibility of delayed return to fertility (4-5 months)
  • Some side effects, such as weight change, menstrual bleeding irregularities
  • Possible bone loss that may reversible
99% or greater
Diaphragm (with spermicide)
  • Insertion up to 6 hours before intercourse
  • Reapplication necessary for repeated intercourse
  • Comfort level with insertion important
  • Increases risk of urinary tract, bladder infections
82-94%
Implanon™ (implantable contraceptive)
Organon patient information
  • Discreet
  • Continuous contraceptive protection for 3 years
  • Reversible
  • Irregular/unpredictable spotting or bleeding
  • Minor office procedure to insert and remove Implanon
99% or greater
Intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Continuous contraceptive protection for up to 10 years
  • No need to remember daily
  • May be expelled or perforate uterus
 99% or greater
Spermicide (alone) (foams, gels, creams)
  • Easily obtained
  • Good results when used with barrier methods
  • Insertion necessary within half hour of intercourse
  • Reapplication necessary for repeated intercourse
  • May be messy
  • May increase risk of urinary tract infections, especially when used with diaphragm
79-97%
Tubal ligation (female sterilization)
  • Continuous contraceptive protection
  • Permanent method
  • Surgical procedure
 99% or greater
Vaginal ring
  • Inserted once per month and left in place for 3 weeks. During week 4 the ring is not worn.
  • No need to remember daily
  • Must learn to insert the ring
  • The ring should not be taken out for more than three hours. Intercourse can occur with the ring in place, without the user or partner noticing the ring.
  • Increases risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, especially in smokers over 35
  • Common side effects may include nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness
99%
Vasectomy (male sterilization)
  • Continuous contraceptive protection
  • No need to remember daily
  • Provided by male partner
  • Surgical procedure
  • Permanent method
99% or greater

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