An unplanned pregnancy can be a scary change in one’s life. The Student Health Center on campus offers many options to help prevent these unplanned, life-altering pregnancies.

The Student Health Center offers a variety of birth control methods, including male and female condoms, spermicides, diaphragms, Oral Contraceptives, Depo-Provera, and Emergency Contraceptive Pills.

“Some more popular methods are oral contraceptives and condoms,” said Lorraine Martinez, health educator. “We stress however that it is a personal choice for our patients and we do not strongly recommend one method over another.

There are many considerations to take into account when deciding on a birth control method.”

In addition to the various forms of contraceptives available at the Health Center, all patients receiving birth control for the first time must attend a birth control information session through the Health Education Department.

These sessions are offered in two ways, a group setting every other Wednesday evening from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. at the Student Health Center or individual office appointments with peer sexual health educators. Call 278-5422 for information on scheduling an appointment.

“There is a lot I would say to someone considering birth control for the first time, however if I were to say one thing, it would probably be, get all the information before making a choice and always keep a primary and a back up method available,” Martinez said.

Safety is an important factor to consider when one is sexually active.

Not all forms of birth control protect against sexually transmitted diseases. According to ETR Associates, a non-profit health promotion organization, only latex condoms offer substantial protection against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

“If you are considering being sexually active, this can mean having sex only once, come into the Health Education Department and get some information. Birth control is not the only issue to consider when you are sexually active,” Martinez said.

If a person cannot get to the Student Health Center on campus, there are other options available, including a visit to your healthcare provider or a clinic.

“There are many local agencies that provide birth control services. Planned Parenthood may be a good choice for those without medical insurance,” Martinez said. “However there are many low cost clinics that provide these services.”