SAFE SEX AND BIRTH CONTROL
Safe sex is the combination of practices individuals can take to reduce or eliminate their risk of getting pregnant, and also reduce or eliminate their risk of getting sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). These practices reduce the or prevent the exchange of bodily fluid (like saliva, urine, semen, vaginal fluid, and blood) during sexual acts.
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The principles of safe sex are something everyone can do and benefit from regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, which is why it is so important!
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EXTERNAL CONDOM
INTERNAL CONDOM
Cost: $1 Per Use (many clinics provide them for FREE)
Effectiveness: 82% Effective
Where to Get: Grocery Stores, Gas Stations, Pharmacies, Clinics, Superstores
Cost: $2.50 Per Use (many clinics provide them for FREE)
Effectiveness: 79% Effective
Where to Get: Pharmacies, Clinics, Some Superstores
INTRA-UTERINE DEVICE
Cost: Free with Medicaid, often free or low-cost with insurance.
Effectiveness: Over 99% Effective
Where to Get: Clinic, Physician
RING (NUVARING)
Cost: Free with Medicaid, often free or low-cost with insurance.
Effectiveness: 91% Effective
Where to Get: Prescription from physician, then available at the pharmacy.
SHOT (DEPO PROVERA)
Cost: Free with Medicaid, often free or low-cost with insurance.
Effectiveness: 94% Effective
Where to Get: Clinics, Physician
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
Cost: Free with Medicaid, often free or low-cost with insurance.
Effectiveness: 91% Effective
Where to Get: Prescription from physician, then available at the pharmacy.
LIST OF LOCAL RESOURCES
AVA Care of Harrisonburg: click here for website
Pregnancy testing & ultrasound
Client advocacy/support for unintended pregnancy
Male client advocates available for male mentoring
Harrisonburg Family Practice: click here for website
IUD insertions
Harrisonburg Community Health Center: click here for website
Well-women visits
Health Department: click here for website / additional website
Contraception education and access to different methods
Shenandoah Women’s Healthcare: click here for website
birth control
health exams
pregnancy and fertility
Sentara Rockingham Memorial Hospital: click here for website
Women’s Health Counseling
HIV Testing
