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Contraceptives: An Overview

Contraceptives help protect against pregnancy.  The male condom and the female condom not only offer protection from pregnancy but also from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  MIT Medical offers a wide variety of contraceptive choices to meet the different ages, medical histories, and lifestyles of our community.

Types of Contraceptives

Members of the MIT community can get safer sex supplies, such as condoms, lubricant, dental dams, female condoms, and latex gloves, at the Center for Health Promotion & Wellness (CPHW) on the second floor of MIT Medical. The following chart outlines the contraceptive options that are available from MIT, the cost of each, and prescription and appointment requirements:

Costs listed above are subject to change. Note: Spermicides and the cervical cap are not sold at MIT Medical. Content for this section provided by MIT’s Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC).

Failure Rates

While no contraceptive is 100 percent effective, many offer men and women safe, comfortable, and effective protection against unwanted pregnancy. The table below charts the efficacy of different contraceptive methods (from The Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception, 2007–2009):

Birth Control Failure Rates

*Perfect use: Indicates the percentage of individuals who experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year of using the given method “perfectly” (both consistently and correctly), if they do not stop using contraception for any reason other than pregnancy.

**Typical use: Indicates the percentage of individuals who experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year of using the given method, but not necessarily consistently and/or correctly, if they do not stop using contraception for any reason other than pregnancy.

Emergency Contraception
(formerly known as the “morning-after pill”)

When to take it:

Emergency contraception can be used for up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse.  It is more effective the sooner you take it. 

Where to get it:

Emergency contraception is available without a prescription. MIT pharmacists can dispense emergency contraception during regular pharmacy hours after talking with a patient.

We recommend that you purchase some and keep it on hand, that way if there’s ever an emergency, you will have it available to take right away. During evenings and weekends if you need help finding the nearest pharmacy, you can contact Urgent Care (617-253-1311).

What to do if you’ve been assaulted or are under the age of 17:

If you’ve been sexually assaulted or are under the age of 17, call (617-253-1311) or stop by Urgent Care directly to see a clinician.

How much does it cost?

The cost at MIT’s pharmacy is $46.75. The pricing is similar at local pharmacies. If cost is an issue, it can be purchased at your local Planned Parenthood (260 Elm St., Davis Square, Cambridge or 1055 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, both: (800) 258-4448) for $26.75.

Can I use regular birth control pills instead of getting Plan B?

If you already have a pack of regular birth control pills, you may be able to use them for emergency contraception (click here to find out more about which oral contraceptives have been proven safe and effective for preventing pregnancy after sex). However, these brands of pills are not as effective as pills containing only progestin, such as Plan B.

Proper Use of Condoms

Because condoms are the only form of contraception that also aids in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), we recommend using latex or polyurethane condoms to help prevent infection as well as pregnancy.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Use a new latex (or polyurethane) condom every time you have sex. Don’t use natural or lambskin condoms. They don’t protect against STIs.
• Always use a water-based lubricant. Don’t use oil-based lubricants, such as oils or petroleum jelly. They will weaken the condom, which could cause it to break.
• Put the condom on before any sexual contact—and remove it immediately after ejaculation (while the penis is still erect).
• Protect your protection. Store condoms in a cool, dry place and keep them away from light and heat. Also, be careful not to rip the condom when you’re opening the wrapper—it’s easy to do.

Information and Education

To learn more about contraceptive options, check out these online resources:  Planned Parenthood or Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University's Health Education Program, which answers questions about STIs, contraception, and pregnancy, as well as other health-related topics.

Many pamphlets and books can help you better understand your birth-control options. These resources are available free of charge at the Center for Health Promotion & Wellness (E23-205) on the second floor of MIT Medical. Our multimedia library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.