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Male condoms in variety colours.

Birth Control

Hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control has one or two types of hormones, can lower the chance of pregnancy, and must be prescribed by a health care provider.

It is a kind of birth control that has one or two hormones. It is taken daily.
  • It is a kind of birth control that has two hormones.
  • It is a patch that is put on the skin every three weeks, followed by one patch-free week.

Facts about... Transdermal patch

  • It is a kind of birth control that has two hormones.
  • It is a plastic ring you put in the vagina that stays in place for three weeks. On week four it is removed.

Other methods of birth control

  • An IUD is a T-shaped item put in womb (uterus).
  • It is a long-term type of birth control.
  • It is inserted by a health care provider.
  • This cannot be inserted at the sexual health clinic. You will need a referral to a health care provider.
  • Made of latex, polyurethane (non-latex) or lambskin.
  • It is put on penis before sex.
  • Used to lower chance of pregnancy and help protect against most infections.
  • Free at the sexual health clinics (latex and non-latex only).

Facts about... Male condom

  • Soft, loose-fitting polyurethane (non-latex) pouch.
  • It is put in the vagina before sex.
  • Used to lower chance of pregnancy and help protect against most infections.
  • Free at the sexual health clinics.

This means not having any type of sex or sex play with a partner.

Emergency contraception (ECP)

Emergency contraceptive pill, also known as the "morning after pill".

  • May be taken up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
  • Stops ovulation (releasing an egg) temporarily.
  • Prevents fertilization of egg (sperm and egg making a baby).
  • Prevents implantation (egg attaching to uterus).
  • It is not an "abortion pill" and will not end a pregnancy.

Contact us

Health Department - Durham Health Connection Line
The Regional Municipality of Durham
605 Rossland Road East
Whitby, Ontario L1N 6A3
Telephone (within regional limits): 311
Fax: 905-666-6214
Email the Health Department
Map this location

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