Sex Files

I know how to get a prescription for birth control, but I don’t want my parents to know.  Where can I get the pills and maybe for relatively cheap or maybe other contraceptives?

-Poor Almost Sexually Active College Student

Well luckily for you, the Health Center is actually starting something new in March for us poor college students.  After shopping around, they were able to find a different company that could give them 3 different kinds of the pill that they will be able to sell for $18.00 a month instead of $27.00, which is what it has been.

As for other forms of pregnancy prevention, there are quite a few over the counter options you could try:

The Male Condom– Condoms, available in many varieties (even flavors), are 85% effective when used correctly and is the only method besides abstinence that will protect you against HIV and some other STDs.  The male condom is readily available on campus (RAs and the Health Center).

The Female Condom – This polyurethane barrier is inserted into the vagina and can be anywhere for 79 to 95% effective, depending on proper use. It may protect against STDs, including HIV.

The Sponge – This covers the cervix and contains spermicide and can be around 90% effective when you use it correctly.  It can be used for more than one act of sex within 24 hours and it needs to be left in for 6 hours after sex.  It needs to be removed within 30 hours, or your girlfriend faces an increased chance of contacting Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Spermicide – Spermicide is a gel or foam that is 89% effective.  It’s inserted into the vagina usually 10 minutes before intercourse and is effective for an hour.

As for the prescription contraceptives (IUDs, Depo, Diaphragm, Patch, and Ring), they will all run you a pretty penny or be things you will want to pay for with insurance.

As a rule of thumb, if you aren’t talking about sex with the important people, you shouldn’t be having it, so maybe talking to your parents about the fact that you want to be safe and responsible about sex might do you some good.