Birth Control
 

Student Health Services

HEALTH CENTER


Contraceptive Services

Contraception Options

Contraception is a method of preventing unplanned pregnancy. Most women of reproductive age in the United States use some form of contraception. 

Contraceptives are available by:

  • Prescription: oral contraceptives ("the Pill"), emergency contraception, hormonal patches, injection or shots, the contraceptive ring, diaphragms, and the IUD.

  • Over-the-counter: condoms, spermacides, and menstrual cups.                                                                                                                            

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

 

I want to start using hormonal contraception

Prescription contraceptives are available at Student Health Services by appointment.  The appointment will include a health history review and brief physical exam. It is not always necessary to have a full gynecologic exam (gyn exam) before starting on a contraceptive; discuss this with your health care provider.

The nurse practitioner will determine through your exam and medical history if you are a candidate for hormonal contraception. If there are no contraindications, then the nurse practitioner will instruct you on the proper use and possible side effects.

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Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraceptive (EC) pills are used to decrease the chances of pregnancy if no contraceptive (birth control) was used during sex, after a contraceptive failure (broken condom), or after a sexual assault.

  • EC is available at the Student Health Center by appointment.

  • Women can take emergency contraceptive pills up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but the sooner the pills are taken, the better they will work.

  • There are three different types of emergency contraceptive pills available in the United States. Some emergency contraceptive pills are available over the counter for women 17 years of age or older. If younger than 17 years, emergency contraceptive pills are available by prescription.

  • Emergency contraception is NOT a regular (ongoing) method of birth control. Take time during your appointment to discuss options for ongoing contraception.

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I've had an annual exam within the past year and would like to purchase oral contraceptives.  
OCIf you have had a pelvic exam within the past year at another location and would like to get your pills from the Student Health Center, you should call your doctor's office and ask them to fax your medical history, exam, and last Pap smear record to us at 610-436-3148.

If the office requires a release form in order to have the information faxed, use the WCU Student Health Services Release of Information Form. Once this information is received you may set up a brief appointment with one of our Women's Health Nurse Practitioners. They will review your history, ask you some questions to make sure there are no contraindications, and if appropriate, prescribe the contraceptive for you.

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Other Information:

  • Costs:

    • $10.00 appointment fee for consultations
    •  $10.00 fee for exam
    •  $15.00 fee for pap smear (without insurance)
    •  $13.00 for a 28 day supply of birth control pills
  • Students can pay for services at the time of the visit with a check or Ramcard or have their account temporarily placed on hold for later payment at Student Health Services or the Bursar’s Office.
  • Students may choose whether to use insurance or not for any lab tests performed.

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You do not need an appointment to pick up a refill for oral contraceptives (birth control pills). This service is available at the following times only:

  • Thursday and Friday:  11am-1pm and 3pm-4pm

           

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Permanent (nonreversible) Contraception

If you are interested in non-reversible contraception (such as vasectomy or tubal ligation) our clinicians can refer you to a local health care provider.