Procedure for Obtaining

Contraception in the Women's Center

If you desire contraception from the women's center and have never been on anything before, the first thing you need to do is decide what type of contraception would be best for you. There are many different forms available, but these are what we offer:

1. The pill is 99% effective. There are a number of different choices and the provider will decide which pill will hopefully work the best for you, depending on whether you have PMS, cramps, family history that might put you at risk for blood clots and finances. Side effects vary among different individuals. You must remember to take the pill EVERY day.
2. Depo-Provera injection is 99% effective. The major risk with Depo-Provera use is bone loss. After using it for two years, it is recommended you switch to another form or have a bone density scan. It can cause weight gain and irregular bleeding. You will need to have an injection every three months.
3. NuvaRing is 99% effective. Side effects are less due to low doses of hormones. You must feel comfortable inserting and removing the ring from the vagina. In some women, it may cause an increase in vaginal discharge. It may also cause increased vaginal infections due to sensitivity to the material the NuvaRing is made from. The ring stays in the vagina for a total of 21 days and then it is removed.
4. IUD's, Implanon (1 rod) are other forms available, but NOT at the Women's Center. We can refer you for them if you are interested.
5. Diaphragm requires an appointment to be "fit" for the proper size and must be used in conjunction with spermicides. If used properly and consistently, it is 94% effective and there are no hormones involved.

Once you have a basic idea of the type of contraception you prefer, then call the Women's Center, 765-285-8035, and schedule an appointment for birth control. The appointment will not be very long, about 10-15 minutes. Some questions will be asked regarding your health history and your family history, whether you smoke or not, how long you have been sexually active (if at all), etc.

If you are not 21 years old, have not been sexually active for three years and have never been diagnosed with herpes, HPV or had an abnormal pap, you may schedule an appointment with one of the nurses for instructions on the method of your choice.

If you want contraception, are 21 years old, or you have been sexually active for three or more years, then you need a pap smear with an exam. Pap smears are never done on an emergency basis. You will need to schedule an appointment with the nurse practitioner for an annual exam with a pap. The appointment will last 45-60 minutes, since we will take an extensive health history and determine your risk factors.

Sometimes you may just want to re-start a contraceptive you've been on before, or continue one you are currently on. Either way, if you have already had a pap, please try to find out when it was, the results, and whether it was a liquid-based pap or a conventional pap, prior to your appointment. If possible, get a copy of your pap and bring it with you, or have it faxed to us at 765-285-3234. If you cannot get an appointment in time and your contraceptive is going to run out, if you already have something, bring the container to the Women's Center and show it to us. We will try to get you at least one more month until you can be seen.

Once your history has been obtained, a prescription will be given to you, with instructions, for a total of three months. Then you will need to return for a weight and blood pressure check and to make sure you are doing OK. If you are not, we can easily change you to something different. If your weight has increased by 10 pounds or more and your blood pressure is elevated significantly, then we may consider some other form of contraception.

That's why the three month follow-up appointment is important. Also, you might not desire contraception for contraception. You may want to be put on something for regulation for cramps, heavy menses and PMS. Not everybody who is on a contraceptive takes it for pregnancy prevention. If this is the case, when you call to schedule the appointment, let us know that. We still need to know, though, if you are 21 years old or have been sexually active for three years.

If you like, the Women's Center has pamphlets available about the different types of contraception. Please feel free to stop by and ask for information about the different forms. We will be more than happy to provide you with information so when you do come in, you will better informed and will know what you want. If you are not sure what you need/want and are somewhat anxious at the thought of coming in, please feel free to call us. We will try to determine what type of appointment will work best for you in your circumstances. If you get our answering machine, please leave your name, number, and a brief message that you want contraception and we will call you back. Often, due to the Women's  Center being busy, we may not be able to call you back until the end of the day, so please, don't think we have forgotten you or that we never got your message. We do try to call all patients back at the end of the day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call anytime. The phone number for the Women's Center is 756-285-8035, and we have an all female staff.