Erie County Community Health center
Family Planning Clinic
Birth Control and Sexual Health
The family planning clinic provides reproductive health, birth control, STD, outreach and education services for Erie County residents in order to promote sexual health and well being and reduce unintended pregnancies. Informed, voluntary choices about childbearing contribute to the independence, health, and economic strength of individuals and of society.
Birth Control Methods
- Abstinence
- Depo Provera injections
- Condoms
- Birth control pills
- Diaphragms
- Natural family planning
- IUD
Birth Control Methods by Referral
- Sterilizations
Preventing pregnancy is an obvious benefit of using birth control but many methods have other benefits you might not know about. These benefits might not be the main reason you decide on a method, but they might help you decide between two or more suitable methods.
| Benefit | Method |
| Less menstrual pain & bleeding | Birth Control Pills, Depo Provera |
| Lower risk of ovarian & uterine cancer | Birth Control Pills, Depo Provera |
| Less acne | Birth Control Pills |
| Delays premature ejaculation | Male Condoms |
| Prevention of ovarian cysts | Birth Control Pills |
| Greater milk supply for breastfeeding women | Depo Provera |
| Prevention of STDs, including HIV | Male & Female condoms, abstinence |
Other services provided by this clinic:
Confidential Pregnancy Testing
Some common pregnancy symptoms include nausea, tender
or painful breasts, tiredness, and/or frequent urination. Our clinic offers accurate pregnancy tests to find out if you are pregnant
or not.
Confidential diagnosis and treatment of
sexually transmitted diseases
Safer sex means always using a latex barrier. This includes using a condom on a man or barrier protection
such as a dental dam for a woman.
What will happen during my first visit to the clinic?
The nurse will take a detailed medical history, weigh you and take your blood pressure. You will be asked to provide a urine sample and blood will be drawn to make sure you are not anemic. If this is your first pap test you will be asked to view a video about the pap and pelvic exam as well as other videos concerning healthy relationships and methods of birth control.
The nurse will instruct you on how to properly perform a self breast exam. Counseling will be provided concerning STD prevention, reproductive health, proper nutrition, and birth control. The doctor will then perform a physical examination including a breast and pelvic examination and answer any questions you may have. You maybe tested for certain STDs at the time of the pelvic exam. A birth control method will be prescribed (if desired) according to what would best suit you and as long as there are no problems that would make such a choice medically unwise.
How much will it cost?
Fee is based on income and family size. You will need proof of income. Please bring pay stubs for the last 2 weeks before your appointment. Medicaid is accepted so bring your Current card.
Family planning care is available for residents of the health district. A parent/legal guardian's signature is encouraged but not required for minors. We provide physical exams, pap tests, pregnancy tests, health education counseling, and other testing as indicated.
If you are interested in avoiding pregnancy right now, clinic staff can:
- Offer you emergency contraception if you've had sex without birth control in the last seventy-two hours (three days)
- Help you decide on a birth control method that is right for you
- Test you for STDs or help you make an appointment for another day
- Do your annual exam (pap) or help you make an appointment for another day
If you are trying to get pregnant, clinic staff can:
- Talk to you about what you can do before you get pregnant to make sure you have a healthy baby
- Test you for STDs or help you make on appointment for another day
- Do your annual exam (pap) or help you make on appointment for another day
Clinic Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Wednesday evenings (by appointment only) 4:00pm-7:00pm
If you are on birth control pills, patches, Depo Provera shots, an IUD, or the vaginal ring, call the clinic or go the emergency room if any of the following signs occur:
- Chest Pain
- Abdominal pain
- Severe depression
- Eye problems
- Severe leg pain
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Headaches
Contact Information:
Erie County Health Department
(419) 626-5623*
(Toll free)1-888-399-6065*
E-mail: echd@eriecohealthohio.org
Rescue Squad: 911
Firelands Regional Medical Center: (419) 626-7400
*If you must miss your appointment, please call the clinic as soon as possible. We will schedule a new appointment for you. It is important that you keep all of your appointments.
