Verhoven, the director of the Brookline Planned Parenthood clinic, says that while "we don't see many Harvard student," a Planned Parenthood clinic has certain benefits for college-age women.
All Planned Parenthood clinicians are women certified to prescribe or administer all FDA-approved contraceptives on the premises, Verhoven says. UHS, in contrast, does not insert the IUD or Norplant.
Another benefit of Planned Parenthood is that all of its clinics nationwide share patient information. "You don't have to reestablish yourself as a patient," Verhoven says.
The wait for an appointment at a Planned Parenthood clinic is about the same as UHS and emergency appointments for the "morning after" pill are also available.
Still, a visit to a Planned Parenthood--complete with tests and three packets of pills--costs $70, and UHS insurance won't pay for it. A visit to UHS is free as long as you've paid the annual student health fee of about $600.
Some Tips
Most of the clinicians interviewed say there is only one absolutely effective method of birth control: abstinence.
And they warn that those who use only the pill are not protected from sexually transmitted diseases.
Beyond that, four important tips emerge from interviews with doctors and nurses for getting the birth control you want form UHS, when you want it.
Establish a relationship with a primary care physician or nurse practitioner now, whether or not you are on the pill or have a problem. Doctors and health experts say a close relationship with one health care provider is important for all your health needs, including birth control.
"You have to have a good relationship with your [primary care provider] so the two of you can figure out what you should be taking," says the sophomore who spoke on condition of anonymity. "It's not the kind of thing you do and see what happens because it's very serious for your body."
Whether or not have a primary-care provider, be insistent when calling for an appointment to discuss contraceptives.
"I've heard of people waiting for up to a month" for a routine gynecological exam, says Bender, the PCC counselor. If "[you can convey that you have a pressing reason when you call UHS, they will usually try and squeeze you in sooner."
Be especially careful during the first month on the pill. The pill does not become fully effective until a patient has been taking it for one month, and Faigel warns women to use another form of birth control during their fist month on the pill.
"Be careful [about birth control methods], they're not 100 percent effective," says Faigel. "Get all the information, otherwise you might be surprised."
Be firm with your health care provider. If the pill is what you want, communicate that. According to Bowman, most women who come into UHS with an agenda walk out with the pill.
"Be firm about what you want," says the sophomore who submitted to a pregnancy test she did not want during her first UHS visit. "If you feel you know what you want, be firm."