Birth Control and Reproductive Health
Family Planning & Birth Control | Contraceptive Order Form | Cost of Services & How to Get Help Paying | Pregnancy Prevention for the Classroom | Prenatal and Postpartum Care
Services include:
- pregnancy testing
- emergency contraception
- prescription birth control
- pelvic exams & pap smears
- some STD testing (More information about STD and HIV testing)
- breast exams and
- education
All of our services are available to adults and teens. For those under 18, parental involvement is encouraged but not required in order to receive birth control and other services. Services are available on various days and times at all three locations. Hours for these services extend past normal office hours to 7 pm on some days. Please note that you must schedule an appointment (free condoms are available during office hours without an appointment). To make an appointment or to ask questions, call any Ottawa County Health Department. If transportation to and from the health department is a barrier, the MAX Bus has a bus stop at our Holland office.
| Grand Haven 616-846-8360 |
Holland 616-396-5266 |
Hudsonville 616-669-0040 |
Some people are afraid or embarrassed that others in the waiting room know what services they are getting at the health department. It is normal to be uneasy. But, you should know that there are MANY services offered at the health department throughout the day. Just like any other doctor's office, no one knows if you are here because you need a tetanus shot or a depo shot! When it comes to our staff, you will not find anyone more caring, understanding and supportive. We want all of our patients to make responsible choices that prevent unplanned pregnancies and STDs. All of our services are completely confidential.
Services Video:
Types of Birth Control Available:
Hormonal Methods
Hormonal methods of birth control are reversible and highly effective at preventing pregnancy. They work primarily by preventing a woman's ovaries from releasing an egg and thickening the cervical mucous. These include:
- birth control pills – taken by mouth daily
- skin patch – placed on the skin and changed weekly
- vaginal ring – inserted into the vagina and changed monthly
- the Depo Provera shot – given every three months
- single-rod implant – inserted under the skin on upper arm and is effective for three years
Intrauterine Contraceptives (IUC)
The health department also offers Intrauterine Contraceptives (IUC). An IUC is a small, "T-shaped" device made of flexible plastic that contains a hormone or a small amount of copper. It is inserted in the uterus. Mirena, one type of IUC, is effective for at least 5 years. Mirena releases a small amount of progestin into the uterus. This thickens the cervical mucus, which blocks the sperm from entering the cervix. It may make the sperm less mobile. It also affects the lining of the uterus. This keeps a fertilized egg from attaching and makes menstrual periods lighter. Another IUC option is Paragard which is effective for ten years. It contains no hormones, but instead is made out of copper. The copper acts as a spermicide.
Barrier Methods
The most common barrier method is the condom. Condoms are thin latex or plastic sheaths that are worn on the penis during intercourse. Condoms are highly recommended for those wishing to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, and are always available free of charge at our offices without an appointment! Diaphragms are a second barrier method available by appointment. Diaphragms are dome shaped latex cups inserted into the vagina before intercourse to cover the cervix. Both diaphragms and condoms prevent pregnancy by keeping the sperm from joining the egg.
Emergency Contraception
If unprotected sex occurs, a condom breaks, a sexual assault occurs, you've missed birth control pills or you’ve taken them too late, there is emergency contraception, also known as “Plan B.” Emergency contraception is not an abortion. It should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex to be most effective, but can be used within 5 days of unprotected sex. Emergency contraception pills work primarily by keeping the ovary from releasing an egg. It is not as effective as being on a regular birth control method. Emergency contraception is available at many local pharmacies without a prescription to those who are age 18 or older. Those 18 or younger may obtain it at the health department. The following local pharmacies offer the medication. Please call ahead for price and current availability.
| Allendale/Standale: Meijer: 735-2100 Rite Aid: 453-2473 Walgreen's: 791-2323 GVSU Campus Health Center: 331-2435 Coopersville: Rite Aid: 837-6219 Grand Haven/Spring Lake: Dunewood: 842-5193 Walgreen's: 850-9613 Meijer: 847-8010 Rite Aid (Spring Lake): 824-1461 Grandville: Meijer:724-2810 Rite Aid: 538-0000 Walgreen's (Ivanrest): 532-1065 Walgreen's (28th): 534-5533 |
Holland/Zeeland: Target: 820-0094 Meijer (North): 994-1110 Meijer (South): 396-8042 Kmart: 394-1491 Walgreen's (Riley): 786-4417 Walgreen's (Butternut): 786-2235 Walgreen's (32nd): 396-0098 Walgreen's (Lakewood): 396-5523 Rite Aid: 392-5161 Hudsonville/Jenison: Rite Aid: 669-0970 Meijer: 457-2730 Target: 457-2730 Walgreen's: 667-8695 Saugatuck: Saugatuck Drug: 269-857-2300 |
Effectiveness of Birth Control Methods:
| Method | Typical Use Effectiveness | Perfect Use Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous Abstinence | 100% | 100% |
| Depo-Provera Shot | 97% | 99.7% |
| Vaginal Ring | 92% | 99.7% |
| Skin Patch | 92% | 99.7% |
| Oral Contraceptives | 92% | 99.7% |
| Implant | no data yet | 99.6% |
| IUC-Mirena | 99.9% | 99.9% |
| Male Condom | 85% | 98% |
| Diaphragm (with spermicide) | 84% | 94% |
| Spermicides | 71% | 82% |
| Chance (sexually active) | 15% | 15% |
Emergency contraceptive pills reduce your risk of pregnancy by 75-89% if taken within 72 hours and up to 95% if started within 24 hours of unprotected sex.
Cost of Services & Help Paying
The fees for our services are kept affordable and are based on your income. While fees are subject to change, the following is an idea of what prices to expect:
| Oral Contraceptives | $3.75 - $15 |
| Nuva Ring | $8.75 - $35 |
| The Patch | $5 - $20 |
| Depo | $10 - $40 |
| IUC | $50 - $330 |
| Diaphragm | $6.25 - $25 |
| Spermicide | $3.75 - $15 |
| Exams | $10 - $140 |
| Condoms | FREE |
If you cannot afford the cost of birth control and reproductive health services, we can help you get payment assistance with Plan First. The Plan First program provides free birth control and reproductive health services like pap tests, pelvic exams and sexually transmitted infection testing.
To qualify for Plan First you must:
- Be female
- Be a U.S. Citizen or qualified immigrant
- Have a social security number or proof of having applied for one
- Live in Michigan
- Be 19 - 44 years of age
- Live in a family that meets the monthly income limits
- Not be receiving Medicaid
- Not currently be pregnant
- Not have private insurance with full coverage for family planning services
Covered Services:
- Office visits for family planning services
- Contraceptives
- Laboratory testing and pharmaceuticals related to contraceptive management
- Sterilizations
- Medication
How Do I Apply? (downloadable application)
You can also apply for Plan First in person at the local Department of Human Services Office. You can also call the health department if you have questions or would like to apply for the program at 616-396-5266.
What Information Do I Need to Apply?
- Income Information
- Social Security Number
- Birth Certificate
- Living Arrangements
- Medical Insurance (if you have other insurance)
Contraceptive Order Form
If you are a client of the Ottawa County Health Department Family Planning Clinic, you may be eligible to order your contraceptive supplies by mail. Please print and complete the Contraceptive Order Form, following the instructions on the form. You will also need to call the office before you can send the order form. You should order your contraceptives at least ten days before you need them in order to avoid a lapse in protection.
