Free or Cheap Long-Term, Reversible Birth Control Methods

Click here to learn about other available birth control methods.
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
Free or Cheap for many Park Hill Family Health Center patients

An IUD is a small piece of plastic which the doctor inserts in the uterus (womb). It may contain copper or a hormone. Brands include Mirena, Copper T, Paraguard, and others. It keeps you protected from pregnancy 99% of the time.


Why It’s Good:

  • You are protected 99% of the time. There’s nothing to do before sex or think about every day.
  • It’s extremely reliable. Works 99% of the time.
  • It lasts up to 5-10 years.
  • Your doctor can remove it if you want to get pregnant.
  • You can get one soon after having a baby.
  • OK if you have high blood pressure or smoke.

What to Expect:

  • Check the strings each month after your period. Call the Family Health Center if you can’t find them.

I Heard ...

Real Questions & Answers

“Can my partner feel it during sex?”
You or your partner will likely not feel the IUD or strings.

“What are side effects?”
Longer periods with some cramping can be controlled with medicine. Call the Park Hill Family Health Center if you are concerned or have questions about what you're experiencing, we may be able to give you medicine to help.

“Does the IUD protect me from sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) or HIV?”
No. Use a condom for STD/HIV protection.

“Does the IUD cause infections?”
The chance of getting an infection in the uterus is very small. Call the Family Health Center if you feel pain.

“Is it expensive?”
With the Take Control Birth Control program, IUDs are free or cheap to many Park Hill patients. The lower your income, the lower the cost.

“What if I want to get pregnant after awhile?”
Just call the Park HIll Family Health Center to have the IUD taken out. You can get pregnant shortly after.

“Who do I call if I have questions?”
The Park Hill Family Health Center health educator is on hand to answer your questions. Feel free to call her, that’s her job.

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Implant (Implanon)
Free or Cheap for many Park Hill Family Health Center patients

Implanon is one tiny tube placed under the skin on the inside of a woman’s arm. It contains a hormone that prevents pregnancy. Shortly after you get Implanon, you are protected from pregnancy all the time.


Why It’s Good:

  • You are protected 99% of the time. There’s nothing to do before sex or think about every day.
  • It’s extremely reliable. Works 99% of the time.
  • It lasts up to 3 years.
  • Your doctor can remove it if you want to get pregnant.
  • You can get one soon after having a baby.
  • It may be free with the Take Control Birth Control program.

What to Expect:

  • Your arm may be sore after you get it. This will go away after a few days.
  • You may have a different bleeding pattern than your normal period.

I Heard ...

Real Questions & Answers

“What kind of side effects will I have?”
Monthly periods may change. Bleeding may be heavier or more often while on Implanon. Call the Family Health Center if this is a problem.

“Does Implanon protect me from sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) or HIV?”
No. Use a condom for STD/HIV protection.

“Can I get pregnant while on Implanon?”
Implanon works 99% of the time, so the chances are very small. It is one of the most reliable methods of birth control.

“Is it expensive?”
With the Take Control Birth Control program, Implanon is free or cheap to many Park Hill patients. The lower your income, the lower the cost.

“Who do I call if I have questions?”
The Park Hill Family Health Center health educator is on hand to answer your questions. Feel free to call her, that’s her job.

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