There are many different contraceptives a woman can use to prevent pregnancy.

Examples of such contraceptives are cervical caps, Depo-Provera, diaphragms, condoms, fertility awareness methods, intrauterine devices (IUDs), Lunelle, Norplant, “The Patch,” “The Pill,” mini-pills, spermicide, “the sponge,” tubal ligation and vaginal rings.

Every woman is different and all have different ways to protect themselves from getting pregnant.

So what is the best method for you? How do you pick a form of birth control? How much does it cost? Where can you get it from? You can go to your gynecologist and ask any questions you may have.

For female students and faculty at NIU, you can go to Health Services. The Women’s Wellness Clinic at NIU is there to serve women with gynecological health needs and education. They offer free full and routine exams, blood pressure readings, emergency contraception (for a fee), confidential testing for STDs and pregnancy as well as counseling options.

The contraceptives available are condoms, birth control pills, Depo-Provera, injections, diaphragms, Ortho-Evra transdermal and the contraceptive patch.

If you still feel attending the university facilities is not for you, there are other options.

Many local agencies work in the interest of women. One is the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. It is the world’s largest and most trusted voluntary family-planning organization.

Planned Parenthood health centers are nationwide, affordable and provide reproductive health care and sexual health information. It doesn’t discriminate and welcomes everyone.

You can check them out at a local agency or online.

Planned Parenthood centers offer many services, including pregnancy testing and counseling, gynecological care (i.e. Pap smears, breast exams), HIV testing and counseling, sex education, screening and treatment for STDs as well as infertility screening and prenatal care.

Today’s women must take care of themselves. Women’s health is very important.

Many young women are still timid and shy about specific subjects. The two agencies I mentioned keep all client information confidential. They are also, if not free, reasonably priced.

Being prepared and having the knowledge to be smart about women’s health and safer sex is at our fingertips.

You can go to www.plannedparenthood.org, call 1-800-230-PLAN or visit www.uhs.niu.edu/uhs/womenshealth.asp. To make a women’s health appointment, call 753-1311.

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.