The Family Planning Program provides access to contraceptives and education and information for women to plan and control when they become pregnant. With correct use, contraceptives can effectively aid in preventing unintended pregnancies, and some offer protection against HIV and other STDs. There are a variety of contraceptive methods available and your family planning health care provider will discuss all the available options with you and help you determine the method that will work best for you and your lifestyle. Birth control methods include:
Abstinence
A personal decision to abstain from all forms of sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal and oral).
Barrier Methods
Provide a physical barrier between the sperm and egg.
Hormonal Methods
Prevent pregnancy by stopping monthly egg production.
Emergency Contraception
Back-up (or Plan B) method for birth control that prevents a pregnancy after sexual intercourse. It contains hormones found in birth control pills and must be started within 120 hours after unprotected intercourse.