Birth control

There are many types of birth control to choose from and it is important to find the method that works best for you. Check out the resources below for more information about the choices.

Sometimes it is easy to forget about STIs when you are using birth control. But most types of birth control do not prevent STIs. External (male) and internal (female) condoms can lower the chances of passing STIs and help prevent unplanned pregnancy.

If you are using other types of contraception, condoms can also be used to prevent STIs.

See our page on emergency contraception. Taking the emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B) as soon as possible and within five days of having unprotected will reduce the chance of becoming pregnant.

Resources

Options for Sexual Health – Sexual health services and support in BC
SexandU.ca – General birth control information
Comparing contraceptives – Birth control comparison chart (Sexuality and U)
Choosing wisely – Birth control selection tool (Sexuality and U)
Island Sexual Health – Birth control information (Vancouver Island)
HealthLink BC – Using hormone-based birth control with other medications
Emergency IUD – Find a health provider in BC that will do emergency IUD insertion as a form of emergency contraception