Does Urgent Care Offer Birth Control and Emergency Contraception?Frisco, TX

How urgent care helps with birth control, emergency contraception and women's health

When it comes to any of these issues, getting timely treatment is always essential. For example, emergency contraception is an effective way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy after having unprotected sex, and it is completely safe and effective. However, it can only be used within five days of having unprotected sex. That rules out going to a traditional medical facility since patients might have to wait a week or more for an open appointment slot. By that time, emergency contraception would no longer be a viable option.

Types of birth control and emergency contraception provided at urgent care centers

There are a variety of birth control solutions provided at urgent care facilities. These include:

1. Emergency contraception

These are contraceptives that can be taken by a person who is concerned about becoming pregnant after having unprotected sex. The pill typically needs to be taken within 120 hours after the person had sexual intercourse.

There are two primary types of emergency contraception provided at urgent care facilities: the copper IUD and morning-after pills. Some brands of morning-after pills can be purchased over the counter without a prescription, but some of the more effective options, like the Ella morning-after pill or the copper IUD, require a prescription.

Emergency contraception is typically recommended for people who:

2. Pills

These are oral medications that contain hormones. It is an effective and affordable way to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but it does require discipline on the patient's part. The pill is most effective when used exactly as prescribed. Birth control pills work by preventing ovulation so pregnancy cannot occur. Certain types of birth control pills, like the morning-after pill, can be taken after sexual activity to prevent pregnancy. Another great thing about oral birth control pills is that they have been shown to reduce the chances of developing colon or ovarian cancer.

3. IUDs

The term "IUD" stands for intrauterine device. It is a tiny piece of plastic placed in the uterus. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies and is completely reversible.

There are two main types of IUDs: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs. Both work by preventing sperm from reaching an egg. Copper IUDs use copper to prevent pregnancy since sperm is highly unlikely to get past it, while hormonal IUDs either stop ovulation or lead to increased mucus in the cervix, which traps sperm and prevents it from traveling further. IUDs are also one of the more versatile birth control solutions. They can last for several years, and copper IUDs can be used as emergency contraception.

4. Birth control implant

This is a tiny, thin rod that regularly releases hormones into the patient's body to prevent them from getting pregnant. The implant is typically inserted into the patient's arm by a doctor or nurse. It is a convenient form of birth control that offers protection for over five years.

There are two main ways the hormones in a birth control implant prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg:

While birth control implants can last up to five years, the patient has the option of removing it any time they want if they decide they are ready for pregnancy. They are able to get pregnant shortly after the implant is removed.