Health & Human services

Contraceptives

Information on Abstinence:

The only way to completely avoid STIs and pregnancy is to abstain from any sexual interaction that involves bodily fluids or intimate skin-to-skin contact with another individual. This is accomplished by not engaging in any oral, anal, and vaginal sex. It also involves avoiding injection practices. This is the only method that is 100% effective in preventing STIs and pregnancy. 

Information on Condoms: 

Condom usage, or the barrier method, is a safe sex practice that is very important in preventing the spread of various sexually transmitted infections and reducing the chances of an unwanted pregnancy. Condoms come in a variety of types that are suitable for females and males. Condoms helps prevent STIs during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. When used properly and consistently, external condoms are 85% effective and internal condoms are 79% effective at preventing STIs and pregnancy. 

Condoms can be purchased in any convenience or grocery store. There are certain programs, such as Family Planning Access Care Treatment (Family PACT), and organizations that also provide condoms and other family planning services for little to no costs.

To order free internal & external condoms & lubricants, click here 

Information on Birth Control:

Birth control best prevents pregnancy, although is not effective in STI prevention when used on its own. Although when birth control is used in combination with condoms, it significantly reduces the risk of unwanted pregnancy and transmission of STIs. There are a variety of options for contraception. To learn more about different contraception methods, click here. 

Information on STI Vaccines: 

Certain sexually transmitted infections are also preventable through vaccinations. Vaccines are safe, effective, and are an important prevention tool. Currently, there are only three STIs that can be prevented by vaccines. These include human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. To learn more about STI Vaccines, click here.