Contraceptive Care

Contraception Methods

Birth Control

Are you trying to have a baby? If not, birth control, also called contraception or fertility control, are methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. The planning, provision and use of birth control is called family planning. Though birth control methods have been used since ancient times, effective and safe methods only became available in the 20th century. The best way to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies is to use effective birth control correctly and consistently. The most effective methods of birth control are called Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives, or LARC. The following links offer more information on birth control.

IHS Contraception Policy

The Indian Health Service finalized their Emergency Contraception policy in 2015, making emergency contraception more accessible to American Indian and Alaska Native women. The written policy requires the “morning-after” pill (Plan B or a generic equivalent) to be available to women of any age without any of the following: a prescription, a pregnancy test, age verification, patient registration, a provider visit or without documentation in the Electronic Health Record.

Contraception

• Birth Control Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – MedlinePlus
• Bedsider.org Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – birth control information from The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
• CDC Infographic on Birth Control Efficacy [PDF - 109 KB]
• Contraception Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – CDC
• Fact sheet on emergency Birth Control Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – Womenshealth.gov
• Patient Resources on Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists