Personal Health Center
If you’re too busy, too tired, or too forgetful for shots or the pill, it’s time to consider long-acting, reversible birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy! Long-acting reversible methods last years so you don’t have to worry about refilling a prescription each month or, worse yet, going unprotected!
The family planning experts at the Saginaw County Health Department can help you with options like IUDs and implants, which are safe, effective, low maintenance, and cost-effective ways to prevent pregnancy.
Call us Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm at 758-3870 to learn more, or walk-in on Tuesdays and Thursdays to talk to a family planning expert who can help you determine what’s right for you.
Know the Facts
While IUDs and implants do NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections, they are nearly 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Either option is 20 times more effective than pills, patches, or rings – plus neither requires ongoing maintenance nor interrupts the spontaneity of sex.
The best birth control method for you depends on many things, including:
- Your health
- Possible side effects
- How comfortable you are with each one.
Here’s a look at each method and how they work.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
An IUD is a small T-shaped device placed inside the uterus at our Personal Health Center. It can stay there for 3 to 10 years, depending on the type of IUD.
There are two types of IUDs to choose from.
Hormonal IUDs are plastic. They release a small amount of the hormone progestin every day. This thickens the mucus in the cervix, which blocks and traps sperm and keeps them from reaching and fertilizing eggs.
Progestin also thins the lining of the uterus, making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant. The hormones sometimes stop ovulation.
Some women have spotting in between periods when they use hormonal IUDs. They could have lighter or missed periods, too. Length of use for hormonal IUDs ranges from 3 to 8 years depending on the brand.
Copper IUDs are also T-shaped, but they don’t have hormones. Because sperm don’t like copper, the IUD prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs. A copper IUD can stay in the uterus for up to 10 years.
Women who don’t want the side effects that can come with hormonal birth control may choose this method.
Some people who use this IUD might have heavier periods with more cramps.
Birth Control Implant
This is a thin, flexible rod that we insert under the skin of the upper arm. About the size of a matchstick, the implant releases the hormone progestin into the bloodstream and works for up to 3 years.
The most common side effect is irregular bleeding, which can include lighter or missed periods.
Personal Health Center Hours
Family Planning & Birth Control
- Call us at (989) 758-3870, Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, to ask questions or schedule an appointment
STI Testing and Treatment
- Walk-ins: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30a-4p