Contraception Frequently Asked Questions
I am a new student on campus and I need my birth control pills - What should I do?
The easiest way to get your birth control pills is to have your prior clinician call our Yale Pharmacy directly at (203)432-0033 with your prescription details. They may also fax it directly to (203)432-5485. The Department of Ob-Gyn has reserved special appointments with our midwives and nurses to assist you with obtaining your birth control prescriptions at Yale. These appointments are available early in the semester for your convenience. Please call the department at (203)432-0222 after August 20th and select the correct phone prompt to schedule a quick appointment to assist you. It is best if you can bring your current container or package that indicates your name, medication, date refilled, etc. to the department. This will assist in easy processing of your prescriptions. If you are unable to bring your birth control package or information, please make an appointment with the Midwife and try to bring as much information about your medical history as possible to that appointment.
Am I covered for Prescriptions as an enrolled Student?
Please call Member Services at (203)432-0246 or review the YHP Student Handbook to check on your individual coverage and benefits. If you have elected to participate in Yale Health Plan Coverage, inclusive of Prescription Plus, you will be covered. However, every student must first meet their annual deductible of $100. Once the deductible is satisfied, prescription medications are covered by the plan at 80%; you will have a 20% copayment.
Can I have a prescription written by an outside clinician filled by Yale Health Services?
Yes, have your clinician call the Yale Pharmacy directly at (203)432-5485
or fax the prescription to (203)432-5485.
How do I get my outside prescription filled?
If you have a prescription written by an outside clinician, you can bring it in or have them fax the prescription to the pharmacy directly at (203)432-5485 or call (203)432-0033.
You should make sure we have received the fax, and are able to fill it. It's helpful if your clinician puts your date of birth on the prescription.
How long will it take to get a prescription refilled at the Yale Pharmacy?
There are many factors that affect how long it takes your clinician to process your prescription:
- If you have not been seen in the department for routine exams for greater than one year to 18 months, the clinician may request that you make an appointment before refilling your prescription. In this case, the clinician will give you enough medication to last until the date of your examination/appointment.
- Please allow as much time in advance to request your refills. Generally, please allow at least one full day in advance, and longer prior to weekends and holidays. The time period just prior to Thanksgiving Recess, December Recess, Spring Break and the end of the semester are peak processing times in the Pharmacy. You will need to allow at least two full business days to process requests at this time.
I'm out of refills – and have no medication left, can my clinician call in my refill immediately?
- If you have not been seen in the department for routine exams for greater than one year to 18 months, the clinician may request that you make an appointment before refilling your prescription. In this case, the clinician will give you enough medication to last until the date of your examination/appointment.
- Please allow as much time in advance to request your refills. Generally, please allow at least one full day in advance, and longer prior to weekends and holidays. The time period just prior to Thanksgiving Recess, December Recess, Spring Break and the end of the semester are peak processing times in the Pharmacy. You will need to allow at least two full business days to process requests at this time.
I have questions about my birth control pills. How can I communicate with my clinician? We are playing phone tag, I keep leaving my clinician messages, and they call me back when I am in class, how can I get in touch with them?
If you have registered for a Yale Health Online account, we encourage you to message the clinician’s care team. If you do not have a Yale Health Online account, but have had an appointment in the department of Ob-Gyn, we suggest and encourage you to register for a Yale Health Online account. Go to www.yalehealthonline.yale.edu and click “First Time Registration” to begin the registration process for an account. This is a secure, confidential messaging system that allows you to communicate directly with your clinical care team. You may request appointments, medication refills, and discuss routine medical concerns with the clinical care team 24/7. This is a very convenient way to communicate with your clinicians. Once you request an online account, a unique password will be emailed directly to you. When you have received your password, follow the online directions to access the system and request information. Yale Health Online is for routine, non-urgent messages only. However to communicate concerns or ask questions about birth control options, symptoms, and other related issues, this secure, electronic messaging system is appropriate and convenient. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response from your clinician.
Will the antibiotic that I am taking interfere with my birth control pills?
Only a small number of antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Other drugs may also interfere with oral contraception. Should you have any questions about medications you are taking, please discuss with your clinician or pharmacist. If they feel there may be a decrease in effectiveness, use some other form of back up protection while on the antibiotic and for an additional 7 days.
Do I have refills left on my prescription?
The last line on your most recent prescription label tells you how many refills remain on your prescription to be filled by a certain date. A prescription is generally good for one year from the date it is written. Prescriptions for most controlled substances, such as narcotics, are good for up to six months from the date they are written.
How do I call in a refill?
You may call for refills via our automated phone service, dial (203)432-0033 and select, option 1 or stop in with the necessary information; please allow 24- 48 hours for routine refills.
What kind of payment do you accept?
If you want to pay for your prescription, our cashier is able to accept cash, check or credit card (MasterCard or Visa) during the regular pharmacy hours. The pharmacy is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Students with an open bursar account may charge prescriptions to Student Financial Services for their convenience.
What are the Pharmacy's hours?
Our hours generally are:
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sundays Closed
Holidays Closed
How can I get a pregnancy test?
You can request a urine pregnancy test Monday – Friday during full-service hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To request a test, come to the 2nd floor and go to the department of Ob-Gyn. The reception staff will assist with this request. There is a Lab in our building for your convenience. You may also go to any Quest Laboratory in Connecticut, once the test has been ordered by the Department. Your confidential results are usually available the following day by 4:30 p.m. Please let us know if you need any additional assistance when you get the results of your pregnancy test.
How soon can I take a pregnancy test?
You may take a home pregnancy test or come to the department and request a pregnancy test after one missed period.
I have a positive "home" pregnancy test. What should I do?
You can call for an appointment with the Department of Ob Gyn at (203)432-0222. If you are anxious, a nurse can speak with you. All information is confidential. When you see a nurse midwife or physician, a second pregnancy test may be performed. Early diagnosis and planning are important. Counseling is available if you would like to discuss options.
How can I get emergency contraception (morning-after) pill (ECP)?
Emergency contraception, also known as "Plan B" or "the morning after pill" is available over the counter for women 18 and over, at the Yale Health Services pharmacy, as well as most local pharmacies. Emergency contraception might be effective up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, but is most effective if taken within the first 24 hours.
If you are under 18, it is available by prescription and you may call the Department of Student Medicine at (203)432-0312 or the Department of OB-Gyn at (203)432-0222 and make an appointment with the nurse to get a prescription for Plan B. If it is after hours, please go to Urgent Care.
You must show proof of age at the time of purchase. Emergency contraception can be purchased by both males and females. If you have questions about emergency contraception, you may call any of the departments above and ask to speak with one of the nurses. All information is of course confidential.
I'm interested in birth control. How can I get more information?
If you have not had a Gynecological exam within one year, please schedule an appointment by calling the department of Ob-Gyn at (203)432-0222. Contraceptive options may be discussed at this visit. If you have been seen recently or within the year, call to speak with a nurse, or use Yale Health Online (www.yalehealthonline.yale.edu) to message your clinician. You may also stop by the Department of Ob-Gyn and ask for a “contraceptive Packet “and review the information. Additionally, the department offers many educational hand outs and pamphlets on contraceptive options that are available for your selection.
What does a Women's Health exam consist of and what is a Pap Test?
The examination will include both breast and pelvic exams – neither is painful and both can be completed quickly. During the pelvic exam, a laboratory screening called a Pap Test will be done. This involves brushing small cell samples from the cervix (the opening at the top of the vagina) placing the sample on a slide and sending it to a specialized lab for review. Exams are done by physicians and certified nurse midwives.
When should I have my first pelvic or internal exam?
A woman should have her first gynecological (GYN) exam and Pap Test when she becomes sexually active or by about age 21. We do encourage you to consult with your primary care clinician when you anticipate first becoming sexually active.
I have my first pack of birth control pills (BCPs). I forgot how to start.
You may start taking your birth control pills one of two ways:
- Start on the first day of your menstrual bleeding or
- Start on the first Sunday after your menstrual bleeding begins
When can I consider myself protected?
Choose a back up method of birth control such as the condom, to use during the first seven days of the pills. A back up method is probably not necessary if you start taking the pills on the first day of you’re your cycle.
Keep in mind that birth control pills are a protection from pregnancy only. You should still use condoms to protect yourself from STDs.
What do I do if I forget to take a pill during the first 3 weeks of the pack?
If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss a pill for an entire day, take it the next day and then take your regular pill at the usual time. Do not take 2 pills together as this can cause nausea – separate the two doses by an hour or more. To minimize or eliminate nausea, take BCPs with food. Being late with BCPs may lead to break-through bleeding i.e., bleeding prior to week 4, or "placebo" week. Break through bleeding does not indicate a lack of protection.
What if I miss more than one BCP?
If you miss two or more BCPs, it is best to call the Department and ask to speak with a nurse at (203)432-0222 as we can assist you in getting back on track without having to discontinue the cycle. Note that you will need to use condoms for the rest of the cycle because ovulation is possible.
What if I want to stop taking BCPs or switch to another form of birth control?
If you want to switch to another form of birth control or change to another BCP due to side-effects, call our nurse to discuss, or send a message to your clinician using Yale Health on Line (www.yalehealthonline.yale.edu.) It may be possible to do this over the telephone and Yale Health Online. You do not necessarily need an appointment.
What other contraceptive methods are available?
In addition to the 28 day BCPs, you can obtain the following:
1. Nuva Ring – A soft plastic ring containing estrogen & progesterone is inserted into the vagina where the hormone is absorbed through the vaginal mucosa. The method is 99% effective when used as directed and is based on a 28-day cycle like BCPs & Ortho Evra.
2. Depo Provera injection – A progesterone-only method, which is injected intramuscularly within the first 5 days of an established period. The method is immediately 99% effective when started in this manner. Injections are repeated every 11–13 weeks. Women on Depo Provera usually stop having periods. The menstrual cycle resumes when Depo Provera is discontinued.
3. IUD’s are available for insertion. An IUD or intrauterine device is a small, plastic device that is put into the uterus to stop a woman from getting pregnant. There are two types of IUD’s available: one has copper and is called Paraguard or Copper IUD. The other has the hormone levonorgestrel which is released slowly into the uterus, helping to prevent pregnancy. This type is called the Mirena. For every 100 women using the IUD, fewer than 1 per year will get pregnant. This is less than a 1% failure rate.
4. Sterilization – Surgical sterilization is available. This option should be discussed with your clinician to determine if it best meets your needs.
5. Barrier Methods – Barrier methods include the diaphragm, the cervical cap and spermicides. Diaphragms and cervical caps require fitting by a clinician and a prescription. Barrier methods have few side effects, although some people may be allergic to latex or spermicides. The average 1 year failure rate for the diaphragm ranges between 12%-18%.
6. Ortho Evra patch – A patch containing estrogen & progesterone is applied firmly to the skin. The hormone is absorbed through the skin and is 99% effective when used as directed. The patch is a weekly hormonal birth control method that you place on your skin. It contains hormones that are released through the skin and into the bloodstream. The patch is used on a weekly 28 day cycle, similar to birth control pills.
I have my exams at home and my doctor gives me a prescription for my pills. I ran out and need one month until I see my doctor. Can you help me?
Have your clinician call our pharmacy directly at (203)432-0033 or fax the prescription to (203)432-5485 to give you enough pills until your next visit. If this is not possible, please call the department of Ob-Gyn (or visit www.yalehealthonline.yale.edu) and request a Quick Pill Refill Visit, with our certified nurse midwives. Please bring the container or packet with you to the visit. We will do our best to accommodate you, however please plan in advance.
I have my Women's Health exams at home and I am on Depo Provera. I will need my injection while I'm here at school. Can you give me my Depo injections?
We can give you your Depo Provera injection on an appointment basis. Call to make an appointment with the nurse (or visit www.yalehealthonline.yale.edu.) If it is the first time that you will be getting your Depo Provera at Yale University Health Services, please have your clinician call in the prescription order to our Yale Pharmacy.
- Written confirmation of the date of your last Depo injection is requested.
- If possible, a copy of your most recent gynecological exam and Pap findings. A record request form is available at Health Services to facilitate your request.
If you have other questions, you can speak with a nurse or clinician between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday- Friday. For questions, or to schedule an appointment, call the Department of Ob-Gyn during the above hours at (203)432-0222 (or visit www.yalehealthonline.yale.edu). After hours for urgent medical needs, as well as to request Plan B, you may call or go to Urgent Care at the Health Center. They are available 24/7 for these needs.
