Free Birth Control

Free birth control is something most of us have wished for. Sometimes, with the cost of birth control pills, condoms, and other methods, it can seem like it's cheaper to have a baby! Here are some ideas on how to obtain birth control without breaking the bank.

Natural Birth Control: Nothing to Buy!

The simplest form of natural birth control involves keeping track of your periods. You're more likely to get pregnant around the middle of your menstrual cycle, in the days just before and immediately after you ovulate. Avoiding sexual intercourse for several days before and after your expected ovulation date can reduce your chance of getting pregnant.

You can also try observing changes in your cervical mucus or monitoring your body temperature, to look for changes which signal your most fertile days. You can buy a special thermometer for this at the drugstore, for about $15. See the LoveToKnow articles on Natural Family Planning, Ovulation Calendars, and Ovulation Predictors for more information.

Natural methods are appropriate only for women who would not be upset if they did accidentally become pregnant. The problem is that natural birth control is not an exact science. Doctors still can't predict exactly when any one woman will ovulate, even with precise information about body temperature, cervical mucus, and menstrual cycle.

Free Condoms

If you're a college student, check with your on-campus health clinic. Many have bowls full of condoms right in the waiting room, where anyone can grab some. Some public high schools give them out, too.

AIDS prevention organizations often give out free condoms. Check the phone book or Internet to find one with a clinic or office near you. If they don't give out condoms, they may know who does. City or state-run health clinics are also good places to try.

If you don't need a steady supply of condoms, or if you just want to try something new, check manufacturers' web sites for free samples. Trojan often offers samples, as do some condom specialty stores.

Free Birth Control Pills and More

Your local Planned Parenthood is a good place to start if you're seeking free birth control. They receive federal funding to provide birth control and reproductive health care at low cost and sometimes even for free. You may be able to obtain birth control pills, patches, or other methods. You'll need to provide pay stubs, tax forms, or other proof of income to show that you can not afford to pay.

Some cities and counties also have health clinics which offer free birth control and reproductive care. Since every city is different, you'll need to check what's available in your area. You'll usually need to provide proof of residence and income.

Birth Control and Insurance

Birth control is usually covered by Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income people. If you receive assistance through Medicaid, check with your state's program for details.

Right now, the majority of private health insurance plans don't cover reversible methods of birth control like the pill, patch, or ring. But it's worth checking to see if your plan does! Don't just assume you're not covered. And if you're not, it couldn't hurt to write a letter to the plan administrators. Not that the plan is likely to change, but at least you'll have let them know birth control coverage is important to their customers.

Comparison Shopping

If you're not in a low income bracket and don't have ready access to a source of free condoms, you may not be able to find completely free birth control. The next step is to comparison shop, just like you would with any other purchase. Tell your health care provider that cost is an issue. They may be able to prescribe a generic birth control pill that's less expensive than a brand name one. Newer methods, like the patch and the ring, aren't yet available in generics. Check different pharmacies and online stores to compare prices. Be careful, however, of online pharmacies outside the U.S. You can't always be sure that what they send you is the real thing.

If you're not planning to become pregnant any time soon, consider asking your doctor about an IUD. It's expensive to have an IUD placed, but they last for five or more years with very little additional cost. If you're certain you don't want children, permanent birth control methods such as vasectomy and tubal ligation (having your tubes tied) are also one-time expenses.

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