Contraception Choices in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Contraception (also called birth control or family planning) helps prevent pregnancy. People in Grand Rapids have access to many safe and effective contraceptive options through local providers such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and community clinics supported by the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health.

No method is 100% effective, but most modern contraceptives are highly reliable when used correctly. Many options are also safe to use year-round, including during Michigan’s long, cold winters when access to outdoor activities and exercise may change your routine.

This guide explains the main contraception choices available, how they work, and where to get help in the Grand Rapids area.

Types of Contraception Available in Grand Rapids

Common contraception methods include:

• Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
  • Implants
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Hormonal methods
  • Injections
  • Oral contraceptive pills (combined pill and progestogen-only pill)
  • Vaginal ring
• Barrier methods
  • External (male) condoms
  • Internal (female) condoms
  • Diaphragms
• Permanent methods
  • Tubal ligation
  • Vasectomy
• Natural (fertility awareness) methods
• Emergency contraception

Only condoms (external and internal) help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most other methods prevent pregnancy but do not protect against STIs.

How to Choose the Right Contraception in Grand Rapids

When choosing a method, consider:

• How well it works (effectiveness)
• How often you need to think about it (daily, monthly, yearly)
• Your period pattern (heavy bleeding, painful periods, irregular cycles)
• Other health conditions (for example, PCOS, endometriosis, high BMI, heart disease, clotting risk)
• Side effects you can or cannot tolerate
• Cost and insurance coverage (including Medicaid and local programs)
• Whether you are breastfeeding or recently gave birth
• Your lifestyle and relationships
• Your risk of STIs and whether you can use condoms
• Whether you want children in the future and how soon
• Whether you can start/stop the method yourself or need a clinician

In Grand Rapids, you can discuss these factors with:

• Your primary care provider or OB/GYN (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
• Planned Parenthood centers serving West Michigan
• Kent County Health Department clinics
• Community health centers and school-based health clinics

Talk Openly With Your Partner(s)

If you have a partner or partners, it can help to:

• Discuss why you want contraception (pregnancy prevention, period control, acne, endometriosis, etc.)
• Talk about who will take responsibility (pills, condoms, appointments)
• Decide how you will protect against STIs (usually condoms)
• Plan for emergencies (condom break, missed pills, unprotected sex)

Honest conversations are especially important for younger people, college students, and those in new relationships in the Grand Rapids area.

Contraceptive Protection From STIs

To lower your risk of STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis—conditions that are monitored closely by the Kent County Health Department:

• Use external or internal condoms for vaginal, anal, and oral sex
• Get regular STI testing if you are sexually active with new or multiple partners
• Combine condoms with another method (like the pill or an IUD) for the best protection against both pregnancy and infections

LARC methods (implants and IUDs), pills, injections, and vaginal rings do not protect against STIs. Condoms are still needed for safer sex.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

LARC methods are highly effective (over 99%) and last for several years. They are good options if you want “set it and forget it” contraception—especially helpful during busy Michigan winters when clinic visits can be harder due to snow and ice.

LARC methods available in Grand Rapids include:

• Contraceptive implant
• Copper IUD
• Hormonal IUD

Contraceptive Implant

A contraceptive implant (such as Nexplanon) is a small, flexible plastic rod (about 4 cm long) inserted under the skin of your upper arm by a trained clinician.

How it works:

• Slowly releases a low dose of progestogen hormone
• Stops the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation)
• Thickens cervical mucus so sperm cannot easily reach an egg

Key points:

• More than 99% effective
• Lasts up to 3 years
• Fertility usually returns quickly after removal
• Periods may become lighter, irregular, or stop
• Safe to use while breastfeeding
• Does not protect against STIs (use condoms as well)

You can get an implant through OB/GYNs and family medicine clinics at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and some community health centers.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

An IUD is a small, T-shaped device placed inside the uterus by a doctor or nurse.

How IUDs work:

• Stop sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg
• Change the uterine lining so a fertilized egg is less likely to implant

Two main types are available:

Copper IUD (Cu-IUD)

• Hormone-free
• Lasts 5–10 years
• Can be used as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex
• May make periods heavier and more painful, especially at first
• More than 99% effective
• Safe during breastfeeding
• Not affected by most medications

Hormonal IUD

• Releases a small amount of progestogen into the uterus
• Typically lasts up to 5–8 years (depending on the brand)
• Usually makes periods lighter, shorter, or may stop them completely
• Can help with heavy menstrual bleeding and painful periods
• More than 99% effective
• Safe during breastfeeding
• Not affected by most medications

Both types:

• Can be removed easily by a clinician
• Do not permanently affect your ability to get pregnant in the future
• Do not protect against STIs

In Grand Rapids, IUDs are commonly offered in OB/GYN offices and women’s health clinics associated with major health systems and some federally qualified health centers.

Contraceptive Injections (Depo-Provera)

The contraceptive injection (often called “Depo”) is a shot of progestogen hormone given in the arm or buttock by a nurse or doctor.

How it works:

• Stops ovulation
• Thickens cervical mucus to block sperm

Key points:

• More than 99% effective when injections are on time
• Each injection lasts about 12–14 weeks
• Periods often become lighter or stop; cramps may improve
• Can be used while breastfeeding
• Does not protect against STIs
• Fertility can take several months to return after stopping

You need to return to a clinic every 3 months. This can be done at primary care or OB/GYN offices, community clinics, or public health clinics in Grand Rapids.

Oral Contraceptive Pills

Oral contraceptive pills are taken by mouth every day. They work mainly by:

• Preventing ovulation
• Thickening cervical mucus

They are available by prescription from your doctor, nurse practitioner, or some telehealth services, and filled at local pharmacies across Grand Rapids.

There are two main types:

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill

Contains two hormones similar to those produced by the ovaries: estrogen and progestogen.

Effectiveness:

• More than 99% effective with perfect use
• Around 93% effective with typical use (missed or late pills)

Benefits:

• Can regulate periods
• Can reduce heavy bleeding and cramps
• May help with acne, PCOS, and endometriosis
• Can be used to skip periods by skipping the “sugar” (placebo) pills

Considerations:

The combined pill may not be recommended if you:

• Are 35 or older and smoke
• Have a BMI over 35 kg/m²
• Have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart disease
• Have severe liver disease
• Have had certain types of breast cancer
• Are less than 3–6 weeks postpartum and breastfeeding

Some medications (including certain antibiotics, seizure medicines, and herbal remedies like St. John’s wort) can reduce pill effectiveness. Vomiting or severe diarrhea can also make it less effective. In these situations, use condoms as backup.

Progestogen-Only Pill (Mini-Pill)

Contains only progestogen (no estrogen).

Types:

• Traditional low-dose mini-pill
• Newer standard-dose progestogen-only pill

How it works:

• Thickens cervical mucus
• Newer versions also reliably prevent ovulation

Key points:

• Up to 99% effective with correct use
• Must be taken at the same time every day (especially older low-dose versions)
• Often used if you cannot take estrogen (for health reasons or while breastfeeding)
• Safe to start soon after childbirth
• Does not protect against STIs

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing and similar)

The vaginal ring is a small, flexible ring inserted into the vagina. It releases estrogen and progestogen.

How it works:

• Prevents ovulation
• Thickens cervical mucus

How to use:

• Insert the ring yourself (similar to a tampon)
• Leave in place for 3 weeks
• Remove for 1 week (you usually get a period during this time)
• Insert a new ring after the 7-day break
• You can skip your period by inserting a new ring immediately without a break

Effectiveness:

• At least 99% effective with perfect use

Benefits:

• Once-a-month management instead of daily pills
• Can help with heavy periods, acne, PCOS, and endometriosis

Not recommended if you:

• Are 35 or older and smoke
• Have a BMI over 35 kg/m²
• Have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart disease
• Have severe liver disease
• Have had certain types of breast cancer
• Are less than 3–6 weeks postpartum and breastfeeding

Does not protect against STIs, so condoms are still important.

Barrier Methods of Contraception

Barrier methods physically block sperm from reaching the egg. They are especially important in Grand Rapids and across Michigan for STI prevention.

External (Male) Condom

A thin sheath worn over the penis during sex.

Benefits:

• Helps prevent pregnancy (up to 98% effective with correct use)
• Reduces risk of STIs, including HIV
• Available without prescription at pharmacies, supermarkets, gas stations, campus health centers, and some vending machines
• Latex and non-latex options are available
• Can be used with other contraception methods (like the pill or IUD)

Tips for correct use:

• Use a new condom every time you have sex and when switching from anal to vaginal sex
• Put it on before any genital contact
• Check the expiration date and package for damage
• Use water- or silicone-based lube (oil-based products can damage condoms)
• Be gentle to avoid tears

Internal (Female) Condom

A soft pouch worn inside the vagina during sex.

Key points:

• About 95% effective with correct use
• Provides good STI protection
• Can be inserted several hours before sex
• One size fits most
• Stronger than many external condoms
• More expensive and less widely available, but can be found at some pharmacies, sexual health clinics, and online

Use a new internal condom every time you have sex. Do not use an internal condom at the same time as an external condom.

Diaphragm

A diaphragm (such as Caya) is a soft, shallow silicone dome inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. It is used with a special gel (spermicide).

How it works:

• Blocks sperm from entering the uterus
• Spermicide reduces sperm movement

Key points:

• About 86% effective with correct use
• Must be inserted before sex and left in place at least 6 hours afterward
• Should not be left in longer than 24 hours
• One-size options may not fit everyone
• Does not protect against STIs
• Should be replaced if worn out or past expiry

Diaphragms can be purchased without a prescription from some pharmacies, sexual health clinics, or online. It’s best to have a doctor or nurse check that you can insert it correctly before relying on it for contraception.

If you recently had a baby, wait at least 6 weeks before using a diaphragm.

Permanent Methods of Contraception

Permanent methods are for people who are sure they do not want any (or any more) children. These procedures are available through surgeons and urologists in Grand Rapids hospitals and surgical centers.

Tubal Ligation (Tubes Tied)

A surgical procedure for people with a uterus.

How it works:

• The fallopian tubes are clipped, sealed, or removed so sperm cannot reach the egg

Key points:

• More than 99% effective
• Considered permanent
• Requires surgery (often done laparoscopically under general anesthesia)
• Does not protect against STIs

Vasectomy

A minor surgical procedure for people with testicles.

How it works:

• The tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the penis (vas deferens) are cut or sealed

Key points:

• More than 99% effective
• Considered permanent
• Not effective immediately — it can take about 3 months for sperm to clear from the semen
• You must use another method and have follow-up sperm tests until your doctor confirms there is no sperm present
• Does not protect against STIs

Natural (Fertility Awareness) Methods

Natural family planning or fertility awareness methods involve tracking your menstrual cycle and signs of fertility to avoid sex (or use condoms) on fertile days.

Methods may include:

• Calendar (rhythm) method
• Basal body temperature charting
• Cervical mucus (Billings) method
• Symptothermal method (combining several signs)
• Fertility apps

Key points:

• Overall less effective than most other methods
• Require daily monitoring and motivation
• Less reliable if you have irregular periods, PCOS, frequent travel across time zones, fever, or vaginal infections
• Do not protect against STIs

Withdrawal (“pulling out”) is also considered a natural method but is not recommended due to high failure rates and the presence of sperm in pre-ejaculate.

Emergency Contraception in Grand Rapids

Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy after:

• Unprotected sex
• Condom break or slip
• Missed pills or late ring/patch
• Sexual assault

You should use emergency contraception as soon as possible.

Copper IUD for Emergency Contraception

• Most effective form of emergency contraception (more than 99%)
• Can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex
• Also provides ongoing contraception for 5–10 years
• Requires insertion by a trained clinician (OB/GYN, some family planning clinics)

Emergency Contraceptive Pill (Morning-After Pill)

Available without prescription at most pharmacies in Grand Rapids.

Two main types:

• Levonorgestrel pill (various brands)
  • Best taken within 72 hours, but can be used up to 96 hours (4 days) after unprotected sex
• Ulipristal acetate (Ella or similar)
  • Can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex
  • Often more effective than levonorgestrel, especially later in the 5-day window or in people with higher body weight

Key points:

• About 85% effective in preventing pregnancy (less effective than regular contraception)
• Not an abortion pill — it works by delaying or preventing ovulation
• Does not protect against STIs
• Not recommended as your regular ongoing method

If you use emergency contraception, follow up with a health provider in Grand Rapids to choose a long-term method that suits you.

Local Contraception and Sexual Health Resources in Grand Rapids

You can get information, prescriptions, and procedures from:

• Primary care and OB/GYN practices

  • Spectrum Health
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health
  • Mercy Health

• Public and community health resources

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics
  • School-based health centers and adolescent health clinics

• Pharmacies

  • Emergency contraceptive pills
  • Condoms and some over-the-counter products (e.g., spermicides)

• Sexual and reproductive health clinics

  • Planned Parenthood and other nonprofit clinics serving West Michigan
  • University or college health centers (for students)

If you are unsure where to start, contact your primary care provider or the Kent County Health Department for guidance on low-cost or sliding-scale services.

Key Points to Remember

• There is no single “best” method — the right contraception is the one that fits your health, lifestyle, and goals.
• Implants, IUDs, and injections are more than 99% effective when used correctly.
• Most contraceptive pills are up to 99% effective with perfect use, but typical use brings effectiveness down to about 93%.
• Only condoms (external and internal) help protect against STIs.
• Emergency contraception is a backup, not a regular method.
• You can switch methods over time as your health, relationships, or plans for pregnancy change.

For personalized advice, schedule an appointment with a Grand Rapids healthcare provider or visit a local clinic to discuss which contraception option is safest and most effective for you.