If your biological sex is female then you have a lot of options for birth control. It’s a good idea to talk to a health care professional about what will work best for you. The information below is a good place to start.
As of April 1, 2023, BC PharmaCare covers the full cost of many prescription contraceptives. If you’re registered in the Medical Services Plan (MSP), you can access free birth control options. Learn more here.
These mimic natural hormones in the woman’s body. Most hormonal methods stop ovaries from releasing an egg every month.
You can receive these prescription birth control methods for free:
| Brand | Effectiveness |
| Pill | 92% |
| Patch | 92% |
| NuvaRing | 92% |
| Depo-Provera (Depo shot) | 97% |
Condoms prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.
| Type | Effectiveness | Cost |
| Male condom | 85% | $0.50 – $0.50 – $2 each |
| Female condom | 79% | $1.50 – $5.00 each |
*Some clinics provide free or low-cost condoms for youth and young adults.
IUDs are a small, t-shaped device that’s inserted into a woman’s uterus by a doctor. IUD is a birth control type you can get for free.
| Type | Effectiveness |
| Copper IUD | 99.2% |
| Hormonal IUD | 99.9% |
These don’t require the use any products to prevent pregnancy.
Insider Tip
Some natural methods, such as breastfeeding and fertility awareness, may prevent pregnancy. Remember, these methods have higher unplanned pregnancy rates compared to other birth control options.
Learn more about the effectiveness of natural methods.
Emergency contraception is taken after sex. It’s more effective the sooner it’s taken, but can still help up to five days after unprotected sex.
You can get a prescription for birth control from a walk-in clinic, hospital, doctor, pharmacy, or street nurse program.
To access birth control options covered under MSP:
Some birth control options are partially covered, while others have no coverage.
You can explore these resources:
Insider Tip
If you’re on income assistance, the Mirena IUD is covered through Pharmacare.
If you’re status Aboriginal, several birth control methods are covered through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program.
