Family Planning and Birth Control

What does Family Planning offer me?

Family Planning helps prevent unplanned pregnancy by using the birth control method best suited to your individual needs. Public Health Nurses also help you to learn how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases during your clinic appointment.

What do I need to do to get on birth control?

Schedule an appointment in Teen Clinic if you are under 18 years of age or in our regular Family Planning Clinic if you are over 18. For your first visit with us, especially teen clinic, plan on being at the clinic for an hour or more. This initial visit includes a lot of teaching and we need to review your health history and help you decide the best birth control method for you.

How do I know what method is best for me?

The public health nurses will assist you in looking at your life style and health history, making a choice that meets your need. We offer a variety of choices in birth control methods.

How much does birth control cost?

There is no charge for teens and all other clients are offered a sliding fee scale based on income. Please bring proof of income to your visit every year.

What is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception (ECC) is contraception used after intercourse but before a woman becomes pregnant. It may be appropriate for women to use ECC when condoms break, a diaphragm becomes dislodged, or a pill is forgotten or lost, no contraceptive is used, or sexual assault. It needs to be taken within 120 hours of the last intercourse. Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy following a single act of unprotected sex from about 8% down to 1%.  This represents an 89% reduction in the risk of pregnancy for this single act of unprotected sex. It is Not a form of birth control.

If you would like more information about our Family Planning and Birth Control Program, please contact your local health department. 

Last Revised 02/05/03