Kayla Smith, Systems Navigator, Medicine Hat Support Services, wrote this blog. Edited by Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi and Alisha Ostberg.
Looking for an option other than the pill? The Well Program can provide you with education on the different types of contraceptives available in Alberta so you can make an informed decision about which might work best for you.
Table of Contents
What is the Well Program?
These people might be experiencing pregnancy, might need support accessing birth control or might need support in working with Child and Family Services. Substance users face a lot of stigma, and pregnant women who are using substances are especially stigmatized.
The Well team has witnessed the stigma associated with healthcare professionals. Our participants often do not wish to attend appointments alone because they fear how they will be treated. The Well team can support participants to ensure they receive appropriate medical care, which is especially important for our pregnant participants.
Services Offered by The Well Program
- Basic needs — We can provide participants with healthy snacks, transportation to appointments, and parenting and prenatal supplies such as diapers and prenatal vitamins.
- Attending medical appointments—Many of our participants fear being stigmatized by healthcare professionals and receiving poor treatment. Many of them have had bad experiences with doctors in the past. Support at their appointments allows us to advocate for them and ensure they receive good medical care. We will also attend other appointments, such as housing, court, and Child and Family Services meetings.
- Nursing assessments and case management— Well has a part-time nurse who can answer medical questions and provide assessments. Well also has a full-time case manager who will follow all aspects of the participant’s case.
- Education — We will educate our participants on reproductive health, sexual health, risk reduction, and prenatal care.
- Referrals, connections, and warm handoffs — When our participants require a service we cannot provide, we will find the right program to fit their needs and provide a warm handoff whenever possible.
- And, of course, emotional support – Pregnancy can be an emotional time for any person. Still, it can be especially emotional when it’s unplanned, and you are not in a position to parent.
Birth Control 101
Birth control is an important part of healthy sexual activity. Birth control is health care. People may access birth control for other health needs outside of preventing pregnancy. Connecting with a healthcare provider can help you determine if birth control can help you meet your health needs.
Many different options are available, and they fall under two categories: hormonal and non-hormonal.
Forms of hormonal birth control
- The pill
- Hormonal IUD (Intra-Uterine Device)
- The implant
- The shot
- Vaginal ring
- The patch
Hormonal birth control options contain either progestin or a combination of estrogen and progestin. They work by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg and making it hard for an egg to implant in the lining of the uterus. They are highly effective when taken/used correctly, and each option has pros, cons, and side effects.
Forms of non-hormonal birth control
- Condoms (external or internal)
- Copper IUD (Intra-Uterine Device)
- Diaphragm
- Cervical cap
- Spermicide
Non-hormonal birth control options work in different ways. Condoms work by creating a barrier and preventing semen (sperm-filled fluid) from entering the vagina (and ultimately the uterus). Copper IUDs work by preventing sperm from reaching an egg and by changing the chemistry of the uterus so that sperm are unable to survive. Diaphragms and cervical caps work by creating a barrier to the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and are used with spermicide, which kills sperm on contact. Non-hormonal birth control is effective when used correctly, and each form has pros and cons.
We Can Help You with Birth Control at Well
Learning about all the different options for birth control can be overwhelming. With demo samples on hand, the Well Program team can support registered participants through this decision process and explain the intricacies of each option. The Well team can help connect with a prescribing healthcare provider if a prescription is required. It’s important to consider all this information to decide which option(s) might be best for you and your body.
SafeLink Alberta – Medicine Hat Location
Address: 419 N Railway St SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2Z3
Hours:
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. by appointment only
1 p.m. – 4 p.m. drop-ins welcome
Phone: 403.527.5882
Email: [email protected]
External Resources
For more information about birth control, check out the following websites:
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