Contraception Options

Birth control available at Cornell Health

There are many contraceptive options available from Cornell Health, including condoms (both external/sheath and internal/pouch), diaphragms, IUDs (intrauterine devices), and birth control pills, patches, shots, implants, and rings. Some require a clinician visit for a prescription, and some can be purchased without a prescription at the Cornell Health Pharmacy.

    How to know which option is best for you

    • For a general overview of your options, start by reviewing our Sexual Health Care: STI Overview & Contraceptive Methods brochure. To learn more about individual options, visit the links below. 
    • If you want to discuss your options with a sexual health nurse, you can schedule a free "Contraceptive Options" appointment at Cornell Health (see Appointments below). 

    Available without a prescription

    These options are available for sale at the Cornell Health Pharmacy, and do not require a prescription.

    Other safer sex supplies available at our pharmacy include spermicide and personal lubricant.

    Available with a prescription

    If you know which kind of prescription contraception you want, schedule an appointment with a medical clinician (see Appointments below). 

    Birth control pills

    See also: What to do if you missed your birth control pill.

    IUD (intrauterine device) options

    Other contraception options

    Non-hormonal options 

    Non-hormonal methods protect against pregnancy without influencing natural hormones. These options may be appropriate for those who experience undesired side effects from hormonal options, or who want a secondary method to back up their hormonal contraception. 

    Emergency contraception (EC)

    Emergency contraceptives – including Plan B and other "morning-after pills," as well as IUDs – can be used if you have had unprotected sex (or contraception failure during sex) in the last 5 days (120 hours) and don't want to become pregnant. If you have questions or concerns about EC, you can call Cornell Health 24/7 at 607-255-5155.

    See also: How to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).

    Appointments

    Free "Contraceptive Options" appointments are for students who want to speak with a sexual health nurse to learn more about their options and help decide which birth control method is right for them. Appointments are open to students of any sex or gender; couples are welcome.

    Clinician appointments are for students who require a prescription and/or a medical or sexual health evaluation or exam. These appointments have a $10 charge.

    To schedule an appointment, log in to myCornellHealth using your CU NetID and password, or call us during business hours at 607-255-5155.