Algoma Public Health

Birth Control
Back

Birth Control
Emergency Contraceptive Pill
Clinic Services
2SLGBTQ+ Resources
Pregnancy Options
Healthy Relationships
STIs/HIV
Vagina & Penis Health

Healthy Sexuality
Birth Control >

Share On

Birth Control

At Algoma Public Health, we believe that everyone has the right to choose the birth control method/ contraception that is right for them. Contraception is a shared responsibility of both partners, so if you are sexually active, it’s important to take steps to avoid unintended pregnancy by using effective birth control method that is right for you and your partner.

Once you’ve decided which method you and your partner prefer, be sure to use as directed. Use condoms for all types of sex (vaginal, oral, anal) to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections and get routine STI testing.

Affordable birth control is available for purchase at all APH offices. Clinical and birth control purchasing services differ at district offices. A valid prescription is required for hormonal methods. Birth control may be covered at your local pharmacy if you are under 25 and have OHIP, have your own health insurance, ODSP, Ontario Works or Indigenous and Northern affairs.

Birth Control Purchase Hours and Prices

Sault Ste. Marie APH Office:

Monday	12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday	12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday	12:30 PM - 4:00 PM

APH Offices in Algoma:

Birth control purchasing hours across the district vary. Please contact your nearest APH office for availability.

Birth control prices:

Alysena 28	$10
Select 1/35 28	$10
Mirvala 28	$10
Movisse 28	$10
Portia 28	$10
Cyestra-35	$25
Tricira Lo 28	$10
Depo Provera	$20
Evra	$10
Copper IUD Lolo	$65 $10
Nuvaring	$10
Condoms	Free

A valid prescription is required to purchase hormonal birth control.

For more information call the Sexual Health Information Line: 705-541-7100 or 1-800-726-0398

Last updated: February 16, 2024

Places to receive a valid prescription:

Your Health Care Provider
Walk-In Clinic (SSM)
APH Healthy Sexuality Clinic Services

Learn more about the other forms of contraception below:

Hormonal Contraceptives
Non-Hormonal Contraceptives
Natural Method
Permanent Methods

Hormonal Contraceptives

Oral Contraceptive Pill

The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is one of the most researched and is also one of the world’s most prescribed medications - about 100 million women across the globe rely on it. The Pill is a contraceptive suitable for most healthy women, regardless of age, and can be used long-term. There are two kinds of oral contraceptives, the combined oral contraceptives (contains both estrogen and progestin) and the progestin-only.

Contraceptive Patch

The contraceptive patch (Evra®) is a 4 x 4 cm beige patch that sticks to a woman’s skin and continuously releases estrogen and a progestin (two female hormones) into the bloodstream.

Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring (NuvaRing®) is a soft, flexible, clear plastic ring that measures 54mm in diameter and is inserted into a woman’s vagina. The vaginal ring slowly releases two female hormones (estrogen and a progestin) while inserted.

Injectable Contraceptive

The injectable contraception (Depo-Provera®) also known as the birth control shot, is a highly effective and reversible method of contraception. The injection contains progestin only and is administered four times a year.

Intrauterine Contraceptive

Intrauterine contraceptives (IUCs) are long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods. They are the most effective forms of birth control available. IUCs are small T-shaped devices that are inserted in the uterus by a health care professional in a clinic.

There are two types of intrauterine contraception: hormonal and non-hormonal. The hormonal IUC contains levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), which contains a progestin. Depending on the device, the IUC can remain inserted for 3-8 years, before needing to be replaced.

Contraceptive Implant

The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon®) is a reversible and highly effective method of contraception. It is device that is 4 cm long and 2 mm wide flexible rod that sits just below the skin and continuously releases a progestin hormone into the bloodstream. It is inserted in the office by a health care provider using local anaesthetic to numb the skin. The contraceptive implant is effective for up to three years.

For more Hormonal Contraceptives, visit: www.sexandu.ca/hormonal-contraception

Non-Hormonal Contraceptives

External Condom

An external condom is a barrier contraception method that is made of latex, but non-latex condoms are also available in polyurethane and polyisoprene. Condoms come in a variety of sizes, textures, and colours/ flavours.

Condoms are provided free of charge at Algoma Public Health offices.

Information taken from: Alberta Health Services Sexual & Reproductive Health Promotion

Internal Condom

An internal condom is a barrier contraception method that is a soft, loose-fitting, seamless nitrile polymer sheath containing two flexible rings, one at each end. One end of the condom sits outside the vagina while the other end (closed end) is inserted into the vagina.

Condoms are provided free of charge at Algoma Public Health offices.

Information taken from: Alberta Health Services Sexual & Reproductive Health Promotion

Sponge

The contraceptive sponge is a small, disposable, polyurethane foam device that is placed in the vagina. It fits over the cervix to provide a physical barrier to prevent sperm from entering. The sponge also contains a spermicide, which helps to absorb and trap sperm.

Cervical Cap

The cervical cap acts as a barrier method between the sperm and the cervix. It is a deep silicone cap that fits against the cervix, prevents sperm and bacteria from entering and can be interested into the vagina 2 hours before having sex.

Diaphragm

The diaphragm acts as a physical barrier method that covers the cervix and prevents sperm from entering. It is a cap, made of latex or silicone and nylon, that covers the cervix.

Spermicides

Spermicides should be used along with another method of contraception, such as a condom, because alone they are not highly effective. Spermicides can consist of a chemical called nonoxynol-9 (surfactant that destroys the sperm cell membrane) that comes in the form of cream (only for use with diaphragms), gel, foam, film, or suppository.

Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Copper Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods. They are the most effective forms of birth control available. IUCs are small T-shaped devices that are inserted in the uterus by a health care professional in a clinic.

There are two types of intrauterine contraception: hormonal and non-hormonal. Non-hormonal IUC do not contain any hormones. Depending on the device, the IUC can remain inserted for 5-10 years, before needing to be replaced. You do not need a prescription to purchase a non-hormonal IUCs however it's good to talk with your HCP about what is the best one for you based on lifestyle, previous pregnancy and how long you want it inserted for.

For more Non-Hormonal Contraceptives, visit: www.sexandu.ca/non-hormonal-contraception

Natural Method

Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)

Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is a temporary method that can be used during the first six months after giving birth only if you are exclusively breastfeeding. Exclusively breastfeeding stops ovulation under certain conditions.

To get more information from a Public Health Nurse or Lactation Consultant before using this method, call the Healthy Growth and Development Phone Line at 705-541-7101 or 1-888-537-5741

For more Natural Method resources, visit: www.sexandu.ca/natural-methods

Permanent Methods

Vasectomy

Vasectomy, also known as male sterilization, is a permanent surgical procedure to close or block the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm to the penis). Using local anesthesia, a health professional will reach the vas deferens either by making a small incision on the skin of the scrotum (conventional vasectomy) or by making a small puncture on the skin of the scrotum (no-scalpel vasectomy). The vas deferens is then partially removed or blocked so that no sperm is released.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation, also known as tubes being tied, is a permanent surgical procedure that is performed by a gynaecologist. It is when the two fallopian tubes get disconnected or blocked.

For more information on these Permanent methods, visit: www.sexandu.ca/non-hormonal-contraception