Women’s Health provides information to students regarding the various forms of contraception (for birth control and menstrual regulation) and counseling to help you figure out which method is best for you. Most methods, including oral contraceptives ("the pill"), Depo-Provera and condoms, are distributed at Student Health at a low cost to students. You can make an appointment with a Women's Health Provider to discuss contraceptive options.

While not all contraceptive methods are provided at SHS you can click here to find the contraceptive method that's best for you.

If you are currently receiving medication from an outside provider you can still get contraception from Women's Health by making an appointment to review your medical history and make sure you are up to date with your Pap test.

Click here for the "Guide for Missed Oral Contraceptive Pills"

Birth Control Options Offered at Student Health

Combined Oral Contraceptives (“COCs”)

COCs are made of a combination of synthetic estrogen and progesterone, similar to the natural hormones in your body during your menstrual cycle.  These hormones work by thickening cervical mucus, preventing ovulation, and thinning the lining of the uterus.  COCs are 99.7 % effective in preventing pregnancy, if taken daily as directed.

See below for specific products offered in Women's Health.

 Progestin Only Pills (“POPs”)

Progestin only pills (also called the “mini pills”) are different from combined birth    control pills because they contain only one hormone, progestin.  The main mode of action is to thicken cervical mucus and thin the lining of the uterus.  Although more unpredictable, POPs may also suppress ovulation.  Some women may not get regular menstrual cycles on POPs.  They are 93 – 95 % effective in preventing pregnancy.

Depo Provera Injections

Depo Provera is an injection of a progestin hormone, DMPA (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) that is given within the first five days of your period.  Each injection prevents pregnancy for three months, so you will need a total of four injections per year. Like other methods of birth control, Depo Provera releases a hormone, progestin, into the body. The progestin in the shot works by preventing ovulation and thickening a woman’s cervical mucus to block sperm.  Depo Provera is 99.9 % effective and is one of the most effective methods of birth control available when you given at regular intervals every 12 weeks. 

Diaphragms

A diaphragm is a soft, thin, dome-shaped rubber cup used to prevent pregnancy.  Before each use, it is filled with contraceptive jelly or cream, which kills sperm.  It will not fall out or get lost in your body.  The diaphragm is 82 - 96% effective in preventing pregnancy.  You can walk about, take a bath, or use the toilet with the diaphragm in place.  You cannot use a diaphragm if you have a latex allergy or are prone to frequent urinary tract infections.

Diaphragms come in different sizes, must be fitted by a health care provider for each woman individually and are available by prescription only.  A new prescription is needed every two years or sooner if a woman has a baby, gains or loses 20 or more pounds or notices any damage to the diaphragm.  Students should make an 30-minute appointment for a diaphragm fitting with a Women's Health provider.

Male Condoms

A protective sheath made of latex/rubber, polyurethane or animal membrane that fits over the penis and keeps sperm from entering the vagina.  When used properly, condoms are 90 % effective in preventing pregnancy.  In the event a condom breaks or slips off, Plan B, available at Women’s Health for a reduced cost, should be used as soon as possible (refer to “Emergency Contraception”).  Condoms are provided for free with a visit to Women’s Health.

Female Condoms

The female condom is a thin, loose-fitting nitrile sheath, or pouch, with two flexible rings worn by a woman during sex. One ring lies within the closed end of the sheath, and serves as an insertion mechanism and internal anchor. The other ring forms the external, open edge of the device; it remains outside the vagina after insertion. It entirely lines the vagina and helps to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. There is silicone-based lubricant on the inside of the condom, but additional lubrication can be used. The condom is about 17 cm (6.5 inches) in length (similar to a male condom). The expiration date is five years from the date of manufacture.  Its effectiveness ranges from 79 – 95 % in preventing pregnancy. The female condom we carry is called “FC2”.  Like the male condom, you must use a new female condom for each act of sex.

Emergency Contraception

For more information click here.

There are two basic ways to get hormonal contraception through Women's Health:

1. We can give you a prescription for your current medication and you can take it to a pharmacy. Students on the Penn-sponsored insurance plan (PSIP) have a $15 co-pay for generic medications and a $30 co-pay for brand-name.

Students on PSIP also have the option for a mail-order pharmacy program where they can purchase 3 months of medication for the cost of 2 months. Please discuss this with your Women's health provider.

2. Students can purchase contraceptive products at Women's health. The list below is what we currently offer (generic only) and their brand-name equivalents.

At Women's Health birth control pills are purchased for $15.00/pack.  Depo-Provera is $60 per injection. 

Women's Health carries the following oral contraceptive brands:

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION*

• Traveling?  Please be sure to plan your contraceptive needs a few weeks prior to your departure.  Don't wait until the last minute!
• Need a refill of your medication? Call our convenient pill refill line at 215.746.1020. Your order will be ready the next business day. Click here for more information on refilling your medication. 
• NUVA RING UPDATE:  Secondary to availability and cost we are no longer able to provide the Nuva ring at Women's Health.  New patients or patients actively using the Nuva ring can make an appointment with a Women's Health Provider to obtain a prescription.