Birth Control
Birth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods work in a variety of ways. Your healthcare provider can help you select the best form of birth control for you. more
What You Should Do
- Speak with your healthcare provider or a family planning agency about your contraception / birth control options to decide what methods may be best for you.
- Consider a long-acting reversible birth control method such an intrauterine device (IUD) or hormonal implant. These methods are very effective at preventing pregnancy and can conveniently be used for many years once inserted by a healthcare provider. Speak with your healthcare provider to learn more about these methods.
- Have a conversation with your partner about your sexual histories and how you want to take steps to practice safer sex.
- Use a condom and another birth control method every time you have sex to both prevent unintended pregnancy and protect against HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most birth controls methods do not help protect against HIV/STDs.
- Understand that as life changes, your birth control needs will also change. Knowing your options to protect yourself against STDs and prevent pregnancy will help you decide when and if you may need to change birth control methods to suit your lifestyle.
- As soon as you begin thinking about pregnancy, schedule a preconception appointment with your healthcare provider. This will help ensure a healthy pregnancy. more
- You can find more information about birth control options, HIV/STDs, locate free condoms, find health services, and explore testing options by downloading the RIghtTime app.
What We Do
- Support Title X Family Planning Agencies in the state to provide confidential advice on birth control and other family planning services.
Rhode Island Department of Health