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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. 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.

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
  • Increase PID risk for some women
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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