Knowing your options for contraceptive care and how to access that care when you’re ready is an important way you can take control of your health and your future.
Ensuring you have access to contraception is an important part of high-quality healthcare. Contraception, or birth control, allows you to exercise your reproductive autonomy, plan pregnancies, and take control of your health.
Different options, such as pills, implants, and barriers are available so that you can choose the birth control method that best meets your needs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and TRICARE offer several birth control methods and can help you make an informed decision about the right method for you.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Birth Control Method
Birth control refers to methods, devices, or medications used to prevent pregnancy. It is a private and personal choice, and there is no “best” option – just the option that’s best for you.
When you’re ready to choose, there are some important things to consider, including:
- Convenience
- How effective the method is at preventing pregnancy
- Your future pregnancy plans, if any
- How often the method is taken or used
- Possible side effects
- Non-contraceptive benefits, such as helping with painful periods, acne, etc.
- Expected menstrual changes
- Privacy
- Your medical history, such as any health conditions or medications you’re currently taking
Contraception Care Available Through VA
VA provides comprehensive contraception care services and offers a wide range of birth control options. Birth control options available through VA include:
- Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives – Long-acting reversible contraceptives provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring you to do anything once inserted. This contraception offers a no-hassle method that includes contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
- Hormonal methods –
Hormonal methods of birth control contain a progestin, either alone or combined with an estrogen. Options include injections, patches, pills, or vaginal rings. - Barrier methods – Barrier methods block sperm from reaching the egg. These include condoms, sponges, and cervical caps. These methods tend to be less effective than long-acting reversible contraceptives and hormonal methods of contraception.
- Sterilization – Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control that involves a safe, surgical procedure and is available for both men and women. This includes tubal ligation, bilateral salpingectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes), or a vasectomy.
- Emergency contraception – Emergency contraception can be used to help prevent pregnancy within five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex, but it works best the sooner it is used. Options include a copper IUD, which is the most effective form, or emergency contraceptive pills. If your contraception fails or you have unprotected intercourse, VA offers emergency contraception to reduce your risk for an unplanned pregnancy.
Talk to your VA primary care provider to help you decide which method is right for you.
Accessing VA Services and Resources
All Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare are eligible to receive contraception care and prescriptions. To get started, schedule an appointment with your VA primary care provider. They are equipped to counsel you on many different types of contraception and can help you decide which method is right for you. For many Veterans, the cost of contraception is fully covered.
If you have any questions, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center. Trained women representatives can help you with enrolling in VA healthcare, setting up an appointment, connecting you with local services, and more.
Contraception Care Available Through TRICARE
TRICARE covers a full range of contraceptive methods, regardless of which health plan you have.
Whether you’re a
Service member or a TRICARE-eligible family member, your TRICARE pharmacy benefit covers several types of birth control through a TRICARE-authorized provider, including:
- Birth control pills
- Birth control patches
- Contraceptive diaphragms
- Vaginal rings
- Cervical caps
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as IUDs and implants
- Birth control shots – Injections given every three months
- Emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B
- Permanent contraception, such as tubal ligation or vasectomy
In addition, TRICARE covers counseling about fertility awareness-based methods, also called natural family planning. This includes ways to track fertility without using drugs or devices.
Accessing TRICARE Services and Resources
Talk to your primary care provider when you’re ready to discuss your birth control options. Your provider can answer your questions and help you make the best decision. You can also get medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week from a registered nurse through the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line.
Learn more about each birth control method TRICARE covers and whether or not it requires a prescription or copayment.
Knowing your options for contraceptive care and how to access that care when you’re ready is an important way you can take control of your health and your future.