Contraceptive Counseling

Patient centered, or person centered, contraceptive counseling seeks to work with each individual patient to determine their needs, wants, goals, and concerns related to contraception and to provide accurate, easy to understand information so that each individual can make an informed choice about the contraceptive method that works best for them.

Dr. Christine Dehlendorf from the University of California San Francisco defines patient centered / person centered contraceptive counseling as:

“...treating each person as a unique individual with respect, empathy and understanding, providing accurate, easy to understand information about contraception based on the patient’s needs and goals, and assisting patients in selecting a contraceptive method that is the best fit for their individual situation in a manner that reflects the patients’ preferences for decision making.” (Dehlendorf, Fox, Sobel, & Borrero, 2016)

Barnard provides a variety of contraceptive options on site and by referral. 

Students have free access to internal and external condoms, lubricant, and dental dams outside of the Wellness Spot 24/7 and in Primary Care during business hours.

For students who are interested in prescription contraception, Barnard PCHS offers the following:

Contraceptives provided by Primary Care:

• Oral contraceptive pills: both combined estrogen and progestin and progestin only (the "mini pill")
• The ring, aka the NuvaRing
• The shot, aka DepoProvera
• The patch
• Internal and External Condoms
• Intrauterine Devices (IUD): Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla and ParaGard
  • Note: Prior to scheduling an IUD insertion, you will need to schedule an IUD Counseling session to order your IUD. You can do so by calling Primary Care at 1-212-854-2091.
• Implant: Nexplanon
  • Note: Prior to scheduling an IUD insertion, you will need to schedule an Implant Counseling session to order your implant. You can do so by calling Primary Care at 1-212-854-2091.

Contraceptives available by referral:

• Diaphragm

Additionally, Emergency Contraception is available in two locations:

• Call Primary Care at 1-212-854-2091 to schedule an appointment
   
• You can also buy EC in the vending machine located near the entrance to Brooks Hall in the Quad. The vending machine is available at all times. 
  • We offer Progestin Pills (Generic Plan B) in the Vending Machine. If you need Ulipristal Acetate Pills (Generic Ella), please come in for an appointment, as this option is prescription-only. The Generic Plan B pill is fully effective for students whose body weight is 165 pounds or less.  After 165 pounds the Generic Plan B pill loses its efficacy and Ulipristal acetate (generic Ella) is recommended, which can only be obtained in person at PCHS due to restrictions set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
     
  • If you are not sure which emergency contraception option is best for you, please view this resource from Reproductive Health Access Project and/or call our office at 212-854-2091 to speak to a member of our staff or a provider about your options. 

To schedule a contraceptive counseling session, contact Primary Care Health Service at 212-854-2091

One-on-one contraceptive counseling appointments are available at the following times in The Wellness Spot:

• Tuesday: 9:30 am to 11:00 am
• Wednesday: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
• Thursday: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm (please note that Thursday sessions are held virtually)

Students are also welcome to drop by during Wellness Spot open office hours to chat about contraceptive options. Open office hours are held on the following times:

• Monday: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Tuesday: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Wednesday: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Please note that open office hours are on a drop in basis and may not be private if there are other students utilizing the office. If you prefer a private conversation, schedule a one-on-one session.

If you already know what form of contraception you would like, or you are seeking a refill, you can call PCHS and schedule an appointment with a medial provider.

During a contraceptive counseling session, we'll talk about:

• Your priorities regarding contraception
  • Are you looking for pregnancy prevention, menstruation control / cessation, help with hormonal acne, etc.
  • Do you want something you take every day, something that is long lasting and more hands off, non-hormonal, etc.
• What questions or concerns you may have regarding various contraceptive methods
• What options are available that fit your priorities
• Risks, benefits, pros, cons, advantages and disadvantages of various contraceptive methods
• Anything else that feels important to you regarding contraception

If you are interested in an IUD or an implant, we will also go over the insertion and removal process as well as order your IUD or implant to be delivered to PCHS.