Birth Control
Birth Control
If you do not want to get pregnant talk to a licensed health care provider about birth control that meets your lifestyle needs. All approved methods are covered by insurance in NYS and available through the NYS Family Planning Program. Options include:
- Hormonal options: These are medicines, which when taken as directed, are very effective at preventing pregnancy. This includes birth control pills, patches, rings, and shots.
- Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC): These can be hormonal or non-hormonal but are placed by a licensed health care provider and can last between 3 and 12 years depending on your lifestyle needs. These options include both Intrauterine Devices (IUDs), inserted into the uterus, and implants which are placed in your arm.
- Over the Counter options: These include condoms, which are covered by insurance. Condoms are the only birth control method that can protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and should always be used with another birth control option. Emergency contraception is also available over the counter. Emergency contraception can help prevent a pregnancy if taken within the first 48 to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Preconception Care
Preconception Care
Want to become pregnant? If so, tell your health care provider you want to be pregnant.
If this is your choice, this decision should be supported. A quality family planning provider will help you be as healthy as possible before you get pregnant and make sure you know about all the resources available to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider about what you need to do to be as healthy as possible for you to start a pregnancy.
Visit the Department of Health for more information on preconception care.
Infertility Services
Infertility Services
If you are experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, tell your provider so you can talk about infertility services available to you through the NYS Family Planning Program and/or your insurance. Quality family planning providers will support your decision to be a parent.
Where You Get Care Matters
Where You Get Care Matters
You are entitled to get your health care information and services from quality health care providers. Make sure your provider is offering high quality services.