Contraception

There are more options than ever to help prevent unplanned pregnancies.

Many factors go into making this important decision. What once worked well for you a few years ago may not fit your busy lifestyle and schedule now, and new options may have become available. We can assist you in finding the right method for your individual needs and preferences.

Contraceptive options: 

Many methods of contraception are available at UHS. If you would like general information about the options available at UHS, a great first step would be to make a free Healthy Sexuality Coaching & Education appointment (this is an educational visit only)

  • For birth control requests: go to MyUCBerkeleyHealth and on the side bar menu, click “Request Birth Control” and complete the questionnaire “Contraceptive Eligibility Questionnaire: birth control pill, patch, ring” and a nurse will contact you with the next steps.

Prescription-based methods like birth control pills, diaphragms, contraceptive gel, vaginal rings, contraceptive patches, Nexplanon, Depo Provera shots, and IUDs (ParaGard, Mirena, Kyleena, and Skyla) are all covered 100% by Berkeley SHIP. For students with other insurance, prescriptions may be available for some methods at pharmacies covered by your insurance.

For more information:

Emergency Contraception (EC) 

Emergency Contraception (EC) is available for use if a condom breaks, slips, or is not used. Paragard and Mirena IUDs are the most effective emergency contraception and can be used for ongoing contraception. An IUD can be placed within 5 days of unprotected sex. Oral emergency contraception (Plan B and Ella) EC is not as effective, but can be very helpful and safe to use if an "accident" occurs and the person wishes to avoid pregnancy. It must be taken within 5 days of exposure; the sooner the better. Plan B can be purchased without a prescription by anyone. Ella is available by prescription only, is covered by Berkeley SHIP, and can be requested by calling the Advice Nurse at 510-643-7197. It may be better tolerated by some, but it has specific instructions you should be aware of.

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used by people to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. EC does not cause an abortion and will not stop a pregnancy that is already established.

Below are the different types of emergency contraception listed from most to least effective:
  • PARAGARD (the copper IUD) and MIRENA (the hormonal IUD) are greater than 99% effective when inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse.  Either of these is an excellent method, especially for people who desire long-term reversible contraception and have no contraindications. Contact the Advice Nurse immediately (510-643-7197) if interested, so this process can be expedited. 
  • EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION PILLS (ECP) are pills taken within five days of unprotected intercourse. ECPs are approximately 89% effective when taken within 72 hours and can be somewhat less effective when taken 72-120 hours after initiation, depending on the regimen used. ECPs are listed below:
    • ELLA (ulipristal acetate) requires a prescription and is covered by SHIP. You can request a prescription from the Advice Nurse during normal business hours or in person from Urgent Care.
      • Should be taken orally as soon as possible, up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Most effective ECP because of its higher efficacy when taken beyond 3 days after unprotected intercourse (3-5 days).
      • More effective for overweight people than other types of ECP.
      • If you are breastfeeding and plan to take Ella, you should pump and discard breast milk for 24 hours after taking it.
      • Because hormonal contraception (pills, patches, rings, etc.) can decrease the effectiveness of Ella and vice versa, wait to start/restart your birth control until 5 days after taking Ella. Use a backup method like condoms for 7 days after initiating your hormonal birth control.
    • PLAN B One Step, EZCONTRA, or NEXT CHOICE (Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg) should be taken orally as soon as possible, up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse.
      • should be taken orally as soon as possible, up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse.
      • Plan B may be less effective in people with a BMI of 30 or above.
      • Available by request without a prescription at the Tang Center pharmacy and most community pharmacies.
      • Not covered by SHIP, available over-the-counter and at the Tang Pharmacy.
You may experience symptoms or side effects with ECP. These include:
  • Nausea/Vomiting: Try taking your ECP with food. While anti-nausea medication is not normally needed, you can pre-treat with over-the-counter Dramamine, Meclizine, or Benadryl per the package directions. These medications can cause drowsiness. If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking EC, repeat the dose.
  • Breast tenderness: This may be uncomfortable, but it will go away when you start your period. You can use Tylenol or Ibuprofen as directed if this is bothersome.
You should have a period within 2-4 weeks of taking ECP. Your period may come earlier or later than usual. Consider taking a pregnancy test 2-3 weeks after using EC. This is especially important if you have not had a menstrual period by this time. For information on pregnancy testing at UHS, please visit our Pregnancy Options webpage.
Unprotected sex can put you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Schedule an appointment or order self-directed testing online. Do so 1-2 weeks after possible exposure, sooner if you are having unusual symptoms. 
Concurrent use of some drugs may reduce ECP efficacy. However, the ECP regimen is the same whether or not you are using these drugs. 
While ECP does not appear to be harmful if inadvertently taken while pregnant, if you suspect you are pregnant, get a pregnancy test before considering taking ECP. Remember, ECP will not work if you are already pregnant.
EC use can serve as a great reminder that you may want to consider a more effective method of birth control. UHS offers a full array of birth control options. Contact the UHS Advice Nurse for more information.
For more information about EC or contraception, reputable websites include plannedparenthood.org and womenshealth.gov.

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