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.
- Condoms (external & internal)
- Contraceptive sponges (see non-hormonal contraceptive options)
- Some emergency contraception options (see EC details below)
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.
- Emergency contraception: how to choose
- EC options at the Cornell Health Pharmacy
- Now that you've purchased EC
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.