Emory University Student Health Services

What's New…Birth Control Pill Options

Women's Health Services

Emory University Student Health Services

1. Emory University Student Health Services now offers 3 more birth control pill options: Apri™ (generic Desogen®), Cryselle™ (generic Lo-Ovral® 1.5/30), and Tri-Sprintec™ (generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen®). We always strive to offer our female patients more expanded choices for low dose, effective birth control, and we are excited to offer these three new birth control pill options. Our addition of the contraceptive ring, called NuvaRing®, has also been very popular, and many women are enjoying its effectiveness, low side effects, and ease of use.

2. The EUSHS Women's Health Service contraceptive program added Camila™, a progesterone-only pill, this past year. This progesterone-only pill is sometimes used if you have high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, severe migraines or are breastfeeding.

3. NEWSFLASH!!!! Portia® (generic Nordette®) contains the same exact hormone as Seasonale®! Seasonale® is the 3 month-long oral contraceptive pill that gives you only 4 periods a year (you might have seen it advertised). Make an appointment with one of our Women's Health Service providers to discuss whether you are a candidate to switch to continuous use of Portia® to have your period 4 times a year. Also, there are other contraceptive pills can be used continuously (not taking your placebo week of pills), so that you will go without your period for a few months at a time. Ask your provider!

4. Due to a significant price increase for Desogen®, we have decided to switch to a generic version of the same pill, Apri™. If you are currently taking Desogen®, you will likely receive Apri™ at the time of your next refill. However, if you prefer to stay on the brand Desogen®, you should ask us for a prescription from your provider to take to your pharmacy.

5. Any enrolled student can purchase contraception through our Women's Health Service, and the prices are $30/month for pills, and $49 for the NuvaRing® (each ring lasts one month). There are even better prices if you have the Emory/Aetna student health insurance plan: only $10 per pill pack and $10 for one ring (one month). Please go to the link for our Contraception Program for further details. (Click here).

6. ALWAYS remember that if you have questions, just ask one of our Women's Health Service providers, or e-mail your question through MedBuddy-U and we will be happy to help you at any time. For more information about one of the new pills or the vaginal ring, or to discuss starting or changing your contraception, please schedule an appointment to see one of our Women's Health Program providers.

Lisa Waldman Lefkovits, MD, MPH
Coordinator, Women's Health Services

Revised 3/31/08