Birth Control
Birth control refers to methods that are used to prevent pregnancy.
There are many different birth control options—some of which require a prescription and others which are available over the counter. It’s important to talk with a healthcare provider about which options may be right for you. We can help you explore your options, answer questions, help you get a prescription (if needed), or help you change your birth control method.
How to schedule a birth control appointment
- Log in to Patient Connect
- On the left-hand side, select Appointments
- Select Schedule an Appointment
- Select Primary Care/Medical (For Physical Health Concerns, Illness and Injury, Medical Clearance and Immunizations)
- Select Sexual Health
- Select the sex you were assigned at birth
- If Female is selected
- Select Birth Control Consult
- Select I would like to schedule an online visit with a provider (Telehealth)
- Tell us why you would like a birth control consult
- Schedule an appointment and confirm
Birth Control Options
Birth control options include medications like birth control pills, devices placed inside the body like intrauterine devices (IUDs) or birth control implants, and condoms.
Birth Control pills
Birth control pills are hormone-based pills that are taken once a day at a consistent time, and are highly effective if taken consistently and correctly. There are many different types of birth control pills. Our healthcare providers can talk with you about what type of birth control pills may work best for you and get you a prescription.
Learn more about birth control pills.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
Birth Control Implant
The birth control implant (Nexplanon) is a hormone-based, long-lasting, and highly effective birth control option. The implant device is a small, thin rod inserted into the arm (just under the skin) by a healthcare provider. Birth control implants are reversible and can be removed at any time by a healthcare provider.
Learn more about the implant.
Condoms
Condoms are made of thin stretchy material that create a physical barrier and prevent pregnancy by stopping semen from entering the vagina.
There are two types of condoms: external and internal condoms.
- External condoms are often worn on a penis. External condoms are the most common type of condom and come in a variety of different sizes and materials (such as latex and non-latex materials).
- Internal condoms are sometimes called “female condoms” because they are often inserted into a vagina.
Condoms can be used by themselves or in tandem with other birth control options to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are also the only birth control option that can help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (except for lambskin condoms). Condoms and other barrier methods (such as oral dams) can be used to prevent the spread of STIs, even if pregnancy is not a consideration for you.
Learn more about condom use and STI prevention, and learn more about STI testing and treatment at SHS.
Condoms are available without a prescription at most convenience or drug stores, and online. Students can access condoms and other safer sex supplies for free through Condom Fairy, which delivers free condoms and other safer sex supplies upon request to your on- or off-campus mailbox. Students can also access free condoms and other safer sex supplies at a Condom Fairy Station, Health Promotion Station, and other locations throughout BU.
