Birth Control Methods
This is an information page. If you’re looking to request an appointment click here.
Choosing a method can be really overwhelming. There are so many names and brands out there. Some are more effective than others, and some require more maintenance than others. Although there’s always more to know, this page could help you get up to speed or remind you of a few things. We tried to give you as much information without being overwhelming. Of course, you can always ask your clinician more questions during your clinic visit
Our Mission
We believe a healthy community is a stronger community. We believe all people should have access to preventive and primary healthcare. We believe in the importance of parenting and building strong families.
Our mission is to provide and promote preventive health services to improve health outcomes in South Texas.
The Female Body
When a man becomes sexually excited, he may have an orgasm (ejaculates) and release fluid (semen or cum) that have millions of sperm cells. When the penis is inside the vagina (intercourse), sperm may be released inside of the vagina. It is possible for sperm released close to the outside of the vagina to swim into the vagina. Once inside the vagina, sperm swim upwards through the opening of the cervix, through the uterus, and into the fallopian tubes. Sperm can live up to six days inside a woman. Even though the journey is a short six or so inches, it’s a difficult path, and only a few sperm will reach the woman’s fallopian tube.
A woman releases an egg (ova) every 30 days or so from one of her ovaries into one of her fallopian tubes. There is one ovary on either side of the uterus. Usually one ovary will release an egg one month, and then the other ovary will release an egg the next month. If an egg is in one of the tubes, a sperm can join it (fertilize it). Once fertilized, the egg forms a single-celled unit called a zygote, and the change prevents any other sperm from getting through to the egg. In the case of twins or multiples, it is possible for a woman to release more than one egg and for each to be joined by a sperm. This is how fraternal twins (multiples) are made. Identical twins are developed from a single fertilized egg that splits. Identical twins have nearly the same genetic makeup, but fraternal multiples are like any other sibling. The zygote(s) divide(s) rapidly for a few days in the tube and then travels down into the uterus. It can take another couple of days for the zygote(s) to connect (implant) inside of the uterus for a pregnancy to begin.
The Male Body
Scrotum: Skin sac that holds the testicles. Testicles: Two egg-shaped organs where sperm are made. Epididymis: Tubes which carry sperm from the testicles to the vas deferens. Sperm Duct (Spermatic Duct): Tube that carries blood supply to testicles and sperm to urethra. Urethra: Tube that carries urine and semen out of penis. Semen: Mixture of sperm and other fluids. Sperm: Cell from a male that combines with an egg from a female to make a baby. Seminal Vesicles: Glands which produce fluid that combines with sperm. Penis: Shaft with an enlarged tip (glans) that may put sperm into the vagina. Corpus Cavernosum: Two tubes inside the penis which fills up with blood to make the penis hard when a man becomes sexually excited. Corpus Spongiosum: A column of erectile tissue in the center of the penis and surrounding the urethra. When filled with blood it enlarges and causes the penis to swell and become erect. Foreskin: Skin covering the end of the penis. The foreskin is sometimes removed by a doctor or religious person (circumcision). Prostate Gland: Walnut-sized gland which surrounds the urethra and can be felt inside the rectum. It contracts rhythmically to squeeze the semen out when a man has an orgasm (comes).