A young girl smiling and looking confident.

It’s your choice,
and you’re not alone.

You’ve got lots of options. Find support choosing the one that’s right for you.

Talking about relationships, sex and birth control can feel tricky sometimes. Find a doctor or nurse in your community who’s ready to listen and give advice — without judgment.

Preventing pregnancy

Whether you’re new to relationships and sex, or already have kids,  doctors and nurses in your community are here to help you find the best option for preventing pregnancy. Here are some steps you can take to find support.

A stethoscope and a heart.

Find the right doctor or nurse for you

Feeling safe, comfortable and understood starts with finding a doctor or nurse who you can talk to openly. Here are some questions to ask when making an appointment:

  • Is interpretation available in my preferred language?

  • Are written materials provided in my language?

  • How are race, ethnicity and gender questions asked about on paperwork?

  • Can I bring a friend or family member into the appointment with me?

  • Are bathrooms gender-neutral or gender-specific?

Learn about your options

There are many birth control options. Not sure which one is right for you? It can help to talk to your partner and doctor about what you want, now and in the future. Here are some of the most common options you can talk and learn about.

An IUD and a hand holding an implant.

Get it and forget it

  • IUD

  • The implant

A pill package, an orange ring, and a syringe.

On a schedule

  • The pill (take every day)

  • The patch (replace every week)

  • The ring (replace every month)

  • The shot (get every 3 months)

A pill, an individually wrapped condom, a diaphragm

As needed

  • Condom (no prescription needed, helps prevent STIs and HIV)

  • Diaphragm

  • Emergency contraception (also known as the "morning after" pill)

One hand shaking another hand with sparkles.

Connect with community resources

There’s support in your community to help you get the care you need. Ask your doctor or nurse about community resources like:

Ready to make an appointment?

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A young woman sitting, leaning forward, smiling and thoughtful.

What’s the appointment like?

Your appointment is your chance to get support and advice about whatever you're going through, no matter how old you are or what questions you have. Here are some things you can expect:

You can ask anything

You can have a private conversation with someone who cares about your well-being, with no judgment. From questions about which birth control is right for you to talking about your mental and emotional health or feeling safe in your relationship, you can get support and guidance.

You've got options

You can choose the clinic you're most comfortable with, whether it's a county health clinic, a clinic that specializes in sexual health, or a private clinic.

Care is free or low-cost

The clinics on this site offer many services for free or at a reduced cost, depending on what you can afford. You can pay at the time of your appointment or later. Many accept the Oregon Health Plan and many insurance plans. You can also pay in cash if you don't want to use your family's health insurance or have a bill sent to your house.  

No worries about your age

Oregon law says even if you're under 18, you can get pregnancy prevention options without parent permission*. 

*Important: Some clinics may let your parents know if you get a prescription for birth control, so be sure to ask about this when you make an appointment.

Questions to ask

Doctors and nurses are trained to listen to you and what you need, with care and respect. Asking questions helps them give you the best possible care. It also helps you make an informed choice.

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

  1. How effective is this birth control option at preventing pregnancy?

  2. Does it have side effects?

  3. Will other people know I'm using it? Does it show up on my insurance?

  4. How much does it cost? 

  5. What if I forget to take a pill, forget to change my patch, or miss my appointment for the shot?

Find a clinic near you

Make an appointment with a doctor or nurse at the clinic closest to you.