What is the implant?

The implant (brand name Nexplanon®) is a small, flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick. It contains the progesterone-like hormone, etonogestrel, and is used to prevent pregnancy. The implant is a prescription form of contraception.

How does it work?

A health care provider places the implant under the skin of your upper arm, which takes only 1-2 minutes. Once inserted, the implant continuously releases a small amount of hormone into your body.

The hormone prevents pregnancy by:

What is an external condom?

An external condom (sometimes referred to as a male condom) is a thin, protective sheath that fits snugly over the penis or sex toy during sex. They come in a variety of styles, so you can try different types and brands to decide which ones you like best.

External condoms are made from:

What is the patch?

The patch is an adhesive square worn on the skin that is about 2 inches by 2 inches. It contains hormones to prevent pregnancy. 

How does it work?

The patch is hormonal form of birth control. It contains progestin and estrogen that are released into the bloodstream through the skin to prevent pregnancy.

What is abstinence?

Abstinence is defined in many ways, but in the context of pregnancy prevention it means not having vaginal sex. People may abstain from vaginal sex or sex play for many reasons, even after they have previously been sexually active.

Outercourse

Abstinence is often associated with sex play that does not include penetrative sex and will therefore not lead to pregnancy, also known as outercourse. Outercourse may include activities such as kissing, rubbing, masturbation, and acting out fantasies.

What is an internal condom?

An internal condom (sometimes referred to as a female condom) is a thin protective sheath that is worn in the vagina during sex, or in the rectum for anal sex.  It is made of a thin, strong plastic called nitrile.

How does it work?

An internal condom is a barrier that protects against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI) by preventing the exchange of fluids between partners. The condom has a ring on each end to hold it in place during sex.

What is sterilization?

Sterilization is a safe, highly effective, and permanent form of birth control. Tubal sterilization and vasectomy are the two most common sterilization procedures.

Tubal sterilization

The fallopian tubes are attached to the uterus and are next to the ovaries. In order for pregnancy to occur, the ovaries must release an egg and the egg must be fertilized by the sperm. The fallopian tubes are the site where the egg gets fertilized. The fertilized egg then travels to the uterus, where it attaches to the wall of the uterus.

What is the vaginal ring?

The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a flexible transparent plastic ring about two inches in diameter. It is inserted in the vagina where it releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.

How does it work?

The vaginal ring is inserted and stays in the vagina for three weeks at a time. It releases estrogen and progestin, the same hormones found in a birth control pill. The hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs and thicken the cervical mucus, blocking the sperm from fertilizing an egg.

What are barrier methods?

Barrier methods help prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the uterus. Examples of barrier methods include external condoms, internal condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap and sponges. They are inserted into the vagina before sex and must be used every time you have sex.

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal sex or when your method of birth control fails. Depending on the type of emergency contraception, it may be effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but it is most effective within the first 12-24 hours. It is intended for emergency situations and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

There are four main types of EC, and this page will focus primarily on ella® and Levonorgestrel.

If you are eligible to use UHS but you are not a currently enrolled U-M student, you would pay fee-for-service or use billable insurance.