Learn moreBirth Control Options
What:
Worn on the penis (male condom)
Worn inside vagina or anus (female condom)
Pro:
- Protect against STIs and pregnancy
- Available for males and females
- No side effects
- Latex-free condoms available for allergies
Con:
- Improper use likely can lead to pregnancy or STIs
- Must plan ahead to make sure you have one
Cost:
Free
Where to get it:
- Local health centre
- High schools, recreational centres (some communities)
What:
- Medication a woman takes every day at the same time.
- Many different types of pills.
- Talk to a nurse or doctor to find the right one.
Pro:
- Prevents pregnancy
- More regular menstrual cycle
- Shorter, lighter periods
- May help to prevent acne
- Easy to use
Con:
- Does not protect against STIs
- Must take every day at the same time
- Side effects possible
Cost:
FREE—Nunavut Land Claims Beneficiaries (NLCB) and JBNQA Beneficiaries (Nunavik)
OR
FREE with some health insurance companies
OR
Around $28 to $52 per month
Where to get it:
Local health centre
What:
- Sticky patch on the woman’s skin, like a band aid.
- Change it once a week.
Pro:
- Prevents pregnancy
- Simple and easy to use
- More regular menstrual cycle
- Shorter, lighter periods
Con:
Does not protect against STIs
Side effects possible - skin irritation from the patch
Cost:
FREE for Nunavut Land Claims Beneficiaries (NLCB) and JBNQA Beneficiaries (Nunavik)
OR
FREE with some health insurance companies
OR
About 43 $ per month
Where to get it:
Local health centre
What:
- An injection a woman gets every 3 months
Pro:
- Prevents pregnancy
- Think about it only four times a year
- May reduce menstrual bleeding over time
Con:
- Does not protect against STIs
- Need nurse’s appointment every three months
- May cause irregular bleeding at the start
Cost:
FREE for Nunavut Land Claims Beneficiaries (NLCB) and JBNQA Beneficiaries (Nunavik)
OR
FREE with some health insurance companies
OR
About $60 per shot
Where to get it:
Local health centre
What:
- T-shaped device that goes in the uterus
- Health care worker inserts it
Pro:
- Protects against pregnancy
- Lasts up to five years
- May reduce menstrual bleeding over time
Con:
- Does not protect against STIs
- Must have a doctor or nurse insert and remove it
- Side effects possible: cramps, backaches, irregular bleeding. For most women, these side effects are gone after 3-6 months.
Cost:
FREE for Nunavut Land Claims Beneficiaries (NLCB) and JBNQA Beneficiaries (Nunavik)
OR
About $300 to $530 (one-time cost)
Where to get it:
Local health centre
What:
- Flexible ring worn inside the vagina for three weeks
Pro:
- Protects against pregnancy
- May cause shorter and lighter periods
- May clear up acne
Con:
- Does not protect against STIs
- May cause irregular bleeding
- Side effects possible
Cost:
FREE for Nunavut Land Claims Beneficiaries (NLCB) and JBNQA Beneficiaries (Nunavik)
OR
About $30 per month
Where to get it:
Local health centre
What:
- Woman MUST take it within five days (120 hours) of having sex.
- Most effective if taken within three days of having sex.
Pro:
- Prevents pregnancy
Con:
- Side effects possible: nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, sore breasts, irregular period
Cost:
FREE for Nunavut Land Claims Beneficiaries (NLCB) and JBNQA Beneficiaries (Nunavik)
OR
About $22 to $40
Where to get it:
Local health centre
Pharmacy