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Birth Control


Visit this website for more information, including an interactive table of birth control options:
Birth Control Method Explorer


 

What we offer in clinic:

Pills

Did you know birth control pills were approved by the FDA in 1960? That means they have been available to women for over 50 years!!! The pill is small & easy to swallow. Some pills even allow you to skip your period. The thing is, you must take them daily, at the same time every day for them to be the most effective.

There are 2 types of pills, one that’s progestin-only & the other is combination. Progestin-only pills work by thickening cervical mucus & thinning the lining of your uterus. This helps prevent the sperm & egg from meeting. Combination pills do the same thing but go a step further by keeping the ovaries from releasing an egg. They are the most common form of the pill.

Some people get side effects such as nausea, sore breasts, spotting and decreased sex drive. The pill may not be for everyone but call us at 402-727-5396 to schedule a visit with us today. Our staff is here to help you decide which birth control method is best for you!

Patch

The patch is just a piece of pretty thin plastic that’s only a few inches big. It looks a lot like a Band-Aid. You place it on your butt, stomach, outer side of your upper arm or your upper torso. When you stick it on, it releases hormones that prevent the ovaries from releasing as well as thickens your cervical mucus which keeps the sperm from reaching the egg.

Some people experience nausea, spotting, and sore breasts when using the patch. These side effects are usually temporary. If you’re not sure the patch is for you, call us at 402-727-5396 to schedule a visit with us. Our staff is here to help you decide which birth control method is best for you!

Ring

It’s a small, bendable ring that you insert into your vagina. Once it’s in you can leave it for 3 weeks! During the 4th you remove the ring, and this is usually when you get your period. The ring works by releasing hormones that stop your ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens cervical mucus which helps block sperm.

Some people experience temporary side effects like spotting, sore breasts, & nausea. The ring may not be for everyone so call us at 402-727-5396 to schedule a visit with us today. Our staff is here to help you decide which birth control method is best for you!

The Shot

Yup! It’s a shot that can keep you from getting pregnant. Some people call it Depo which is short for its brand name, Depo-Provera. Whatever you want to call it, it offers a lot of privacy because no one can even tell you're on it! The shot has to be administered in our clinic but can protect you for up to 3 months. The shot has the hormone progestin in it which means helps prevent pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing eggs. It also prevents sperm from getting to any eggs by thickening your cervical mucus.

Some people might experience irritation at the spot it’s injected for a day or two after. Others may experience spotting or irregular bleeding for 6-12 months after your first start using it. But for most people, after a year, they have little to no bleeding. The shot may not be for everyone so call us at 402-727-5396 to schedule a visit with us today. Our staff is here to help you decide which birth control method is best for you!

The Implant

Some people may know the implant by its brand name, Nexplanon. Whatever you want to call it, this little rod gets inserted under the skin on your upper arm. Once it’s there it works for years! We insert it and then you don’t have to think about it. While it can last for years, you can get the implant removed anytime you want. Like most forms of birth control, it releases progestin which stops your ovaries from releasing eggs while also thickening your cervical mucus to prevent sperm from ever reaching an egg. The implant is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancies.

You may feel a slight “ouch!” the moment the rod is inserted. And likely your arm will be sore and bruised for a day or two in the spot it was inserted. Other than that, you may experience some unpredictable bleeding, either lighter or heavier. But the good news about the implant? Once it’s in, it’s invisible & you only have to press slightly to know it’s there.

If you’re not sure the implant is for you, call us at 402-727-5396 to schedule a visit today. Our staff is here to help you decide which birth control method is best for you!

The IUD

The IUD (or intrauterine device) is a small T-Shaped piece of plastic that gets inserted into your uterus. Once it’s there it can work for years without you having to do a thing! You can keep the IUD until it’s “expiration date” or get it removed whenever you want. IUDs are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancies.

There are IUDs we call “hormonal IDUs” because they contain the hormone progestin and others made of copper which contain no hormones. No matter which one you use, they help your body to prevent the sperm & egg from meeting. Some people have a moment of pain during insertion & there may be cramping afterwards. However, taking some ibuprofen before the procedure and afterwards (when needed) can help manage that.

Hormonal IUDs can decrease or even stop bleeding for some people. On the other hand, some people can experience spotting, cramps, and backaches just after getting it inserted. It can be hard to decide the best option so call us at 402-727-5396 to schedule a visit today. Our staff is here to help you decide which birth control method is best for you!

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC) can be used to stop a pregnancy before it starts. It’s often used when someone forgets to use a birth control method, or something goes wrong with their method. It is not the same as the abortion pill nor will end a pregnancy that has already started. Which means even though EC can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex, the sooner you take it the better! Effectiveness of EC decreases with every day you wait.

Many have no symptoms when taking EC, but it can cause an upset stomach or vomiting.

Some EC brands can be bought over the counter at places like Walgreens or Walmart as well as online. These have to be paid for out-of-pocket. If cost is an issue for people, they can access most EC options for low or no cost at our clinic.

So, if you’ve had a “whoops” moment, call us at 402-727-5396 to schedule today! We’re here to help.

Condoms

Condoms are thin pieces of latex that can be slipped over a penis (external condom) or inserted in the vagina (internal condom). They can be used to prevent pregnancies AND lower the risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease. Condoms, whether they are internal or external, are considered a barrier method because they prevent the sperm from getting into the vagina.

There really are no side effects of using condoms unless you are allergic to latex. If you or your partner are allergic to latex, it’s still okay! There are non-latex condoms available that are just as effective at preventing pregnancy & STDs.

Condoms can be bought over the counter at many stores such as Walgreens, Target, Walmart or your pharmacy. We also carry them for free at our clinic and other locations nearby. Visit Access Granted to find a location convenient for you.

Our Mission

 

Three Rivers Public Health Department's Mission is to empower and educate families while promoting healthy living for the improvement of our communities.

Our Vision

 

Three Rivers Public Health Department's Vision is that in cooperation with our communities, we will always be compassionate and respectful in all of our public health endeavors.

Three Rivers Public Health Department

Serving Dodge, Saunders & Washington Counties in Eastern Nebraska

2400 North Lincoln Avenue, Fremont, NE 68025   •   402-727-5396   •   1-866-727-5396   •   [email protected]

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