The goal of WV FREE’s Love Your Birth Control campaign is to “Know Your Options, Love Your Birth Control!”
Our campaign offers free trainings and materials to health care providers and the social service community on shared decision-making counseling for all the various forms of contraception.
Love Your Birth Control aims to reduce barriers to the full spectrum of contraceptive options available to those of childbearing age, as well as increasing patient satisfaction.
In the spirit of supporting personal decisions, the goal of this campaign is not for every person to be on birth control; but rather that if someone chooses to be on birth control, they are able to select the best birth control method for them. The Love your Birth Control Campaign has been active in West Virginia since 2017.
IUDS
What is it?
Small, t-shaped device that is placed in your uterus
How do I get it?
Healthcare provider (inserted at a provider location)
How long does it last?
3-12 years after insertion, depending on the type
How will it make me feel?
Copper iuds & hormonal iuds have different effects: talk to your provider
What are the most common side effects?
Copper iuds & hormonal iuds have different effects: talk to your provider
How much does it cost?
$0-$900 up front, depending on your insurance
How effective is it?
99%
STD/STI protection?
No
Are there different types?
5 types. iuds can be hormonal & made of plastic or nonhormonal & contain small amounts of copper
Contraceptive Implant
What is it?
Small rod placed under your skin
How do I get it?
Healthcare provider (inserted at a provider location)
How long does it last?
Up to 4 years after insertion
How will it make me feel?
Can reduce pms symptoms, make your period lighter, & improve depression & endometriosis symptoms
What are the most common side effects?
Irregular bleeding, especially 6-12 months after insertion; acne
How much does it cost?
$0-$850 depending on your insurance
How effective is it?
99%
STD/STI protection?
No
Are there different types?
Only 1 type. nexplanon
The Pill
What is it?
Small pill you take every day at the same time
How do I get it?
Healthcare provider prescription
How long does it last?
1-3 months taken daily
How will it make me feel?
Can make your period lighter, reduce acne, period cramps, & pms symptoms
What are the most common side effects?
Bleeding between periods; sore breasts
How much does it cost?
$0-$113 depending on your insurance
How effective is it?
91%
STD/STI protection?
No
Are there different types?
Many types. some contain a combination of estrogen & progestin or it can contain only progestin
The Shot
What is it?
Hormone shot given once every 3 months
How do I get it?
Healthcare provider
How long does it last?
3 months
How will it make me feel?
Can make your period lighter or you may have no period
What are the most common side effects?
Irregular bleeding; change in appetite or weight
How much does it cost?
$0-$120 depending on your insurance
How effective is it?
94% if the shot is given on time
STD/STI protection?
No
Are there different types?
Only 1 type. depo-provera
Condoms
What is it?
Thin, stretchy barrier device that keeps sperm from entering your vagina
How do I get it?
Over the counter (at pharmacies or at a clinic)
How long does it last?
One time use must be used every time you have sex
How will it make me feel?
Does not affect your hormones & can help with premature ejaculation
What are the most common side effects?
Many condoms are made out of latex which can cause an allergic reaction
How much does it cost?
$0-$7.80 per condom
How effective is it?
82%
STD/STI protection?
Yes
Are there different types?
Many types. types for men and women made of latex or non-latex materials; some contain spermicide
The Ring
What is it?
Small, bendable ring you insert into your vagina
How do I get it?
Healthcare provider prescription
How long does it last?
1 month
How will it make me feel?
Can reduce cramps, pms symptoms, & acne
What are the most common side effects?
Bleeding between periods; breast tenderness
How much does it cost?
$0-$75 per ring, depending on your insurance
How effective is it?
91% effective when used correctly
STD/STI protection?
No
Are there different types?
Only 1 type. nuvaring
Diaphram
What is it?
Cup that covers your cervix
How do I get it?
Healthcare provider prescription
How long does it last?
Multi-use inserted before you have sex, but you can have sex more than once while it’s in
How will it make me feel?
It does not affect your hormones & you should not be able to feel it while you have sex
What are the most common side effects?
Vaginal irritation; increased uti’s
How much does it cost?
$0-$90 per diaphragm, which can last for up to 10 years
How effective is it?
88% effective if you use it every time you have sex