The Family Planning Program is a federally funded program which allows you to receive contraceptive supplies. You are eligible for the supplies after completion of the following requirements:

• A routine annual gynecologic exam includes a PAP smear and basic STI screening. Routine gynecology appointments are only scheduled in two week intervals due to their limited availability. The receptionist begins scheduling these appointments at 8.30 a.m. on a Monday for the next two weeks until the appointments are booked. Once appointments are booked for that two week period, appointments cannot be scheduled until the following Monday for the next week following. Please let the receptionist know if you have an urgent gynecology problem so that you can be appropriately scheduled. (See Gynecological Problems below.)
  
  
• Attendance at one of the following types of enrollment sessions. Enrollment A and B sessions will be a small group of four or so women, all enrolling in the Family Planning Program.
  
  
  • Enrollment Session A: for those currently taking Oral Contraception (Birth Control pills). This will involve completion of forms, a brief review of Oral Contraception (Birth Control pills), safe sex, breast self-exam, and answering any questions you have.
    
    
  • Enrollment Session B: for those intending to start Oral Contraception (Birth Control pills) for either their first time or the first time in awhile. This includes the above format with more detail of the contraceptive method.
    
    
  • Enrollment Session C: for those starting Depo-Provera or the diaphragm. This is done on an individual basis in a double slotted appointment.
    
    
  • Enrollment Session D: Individual or couples sessions available on request.
    
    

You will receive your contraceptive supplies at the completion of your enrollment session.

A supply appointment three months after initiating a new form of contraceptive is required. This consists of blood pressure, weight check, a discussion to check for side effects and dispensing of supplies. A pelvic exam is not a routine part of a supply visit.

There is a $ 30 co-payment for annual gynecologic exam, $ 20 for enrollment session, $ 20 for supply appointment.

Gynecological Problems

Separate from the topic of the Family Planning Program: problems of a gynecologic, or women’s health, nature may be seen in a general medicine appointment. Examples of such problems would be vaginal irritations and discharges, irregular bleeding, pregnancy testing, and sexually transmitted infection concerns. Evaluation in general medicine appointments addressing gynecological concerns will not fulfill the Family Planning Program enrollment requirement. In other words, gynecolgocial problems seen or treated in general medicine appointmens do not replace an annual exam. These appointments require a $10 co-payment. and may be scheduled in the next available general medicine appointment that is convenient for you. Depending on appointment availablility these appointments can usually be the made for the same day you call.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception medication, "the morning after pill”, can be given up to five days after a situations where contraceptive protection was compromised, such as condom failure, unprotected sex or sexual assault. Although statistics show the morning after pill is most effective if taken as close to the incident as possible. The medication, known as Plan B is available to those over 18 years of age at local pharmacies without a prescription, or can be obtained at Student Health. Call and talk with one of our professional nurses if you are considering emergency contraception.

See also Sexuality page.