Breast & Cervical Cancer

Child Health

Children with Special Needs

Communicable Disease

Help Me Grow

HIV/AIDS Testing

Immunization/Shots

Lead Screening
& Testing

Pregnancy Testing
& Assistance

Senior Clinic

Specialty Clinics

STD Clinic

family planning clinic

Birth Control and Sexual Health
The family planning clinic provides reproductive health, birth control, STD, outreach and education services for Erie County residents in order to promote sexual health and well being
and reduce unintended pregnancies. Informed, voluntary choices about childbearing contribute
to the independence, health, and economic strength of individuals and of society.

Birth Control Methods

Birth Control Methods by Referral

Preventing pregnancy is an obvious benefit of using birth control but many methods have other benefits you might not know about. These benefits might not be the main reason you decide on a method, but they might help you decide between two or more suitable methods.

Benefit Method
Less menstrual pain & bleeding Birth Control Pills, Depo Provera
Lower risk of ovarian & uterine cancer Birth Control Pills, Depo Provera
Less acne Birth Control Pills
Delays premature ejaculation Male Condoms
Prevention of ovarian cysts Birth Control Pills
Greater milk supply for breastfeeding women Depo Provera
Prevention of STDs, including HIV Male & Female condoms, abstinence

Other services provided by this clinic:

Confidential Pregnancy Testing
Some common pregnancy symptoms include nausea, tender
or painful breasts, tiredness, and/or frequent urination. Our clinic offers accurate pregnancy tests to find out if you are pregnant
or not.

Confidential diagnosis and treatment of
sexually transmitted diseases
Safer sex means always using a latex barrier. This includes using a condom on a man or barrier protection
such as a dental dam for a woman.

What will happen during my first visit to the clinic?
The nurse will take a detailed medical history, weigh you and take your blood pressure. You will be asked to provide a urine sample and blood will be drawn to make sure you are not anemic. If this is your first pap test you will be asked to view a video about the pap and pelvic exam as well as other videos concerning healthy relationships and methods of birth control.

The nurse will instruct you on how to properly perform a self breast exam. Counseling will be provided concerning STD prevention, reproductive health, proper nutrition, and birth control. The doctor will then perform a physical examination including a breast and pelvic examination and answer any questions you may have. You maybe tested for certain STDs at the time of the pelvic exam. A birth control method will be prescribed (if desired) according to what would best suit you and as long as there are no problems that would make such a choice medically unwise.

How much will it cost?
Fee is based on income and family size. You will need proof of income. Please bring pay stubs for the last 2 weeks before your appointment. Medicaid is accepted so bring your Current card.

Family planning care is available for residents of the health district. A parent/legal guardian's signature is encouraged but not required for minors. We provide physical exams, pap tests, pregnancy tests, health education counseling, and other testing as indicated.

If you are interested in avoiding pregnancy right now,
clinic staff can:

If you are trying to get pregnant, clinic staff can:

Clinic Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Wednesday evenings (by appointment only) 4:00pm-7:00pm

If you are on birth control pills, patches, Deprogrammer shots, an IUD, or the vaginal ring, call the clinic or go the emergency room if any of the following signs occur:

Contact Information:
Erie County Health Department
(419) 626-5623*
(Toll free)1-888-399-6065*

E-mail: echd@eriecohealthohio.org
Rescue Squad: 911

Firelands Regional Medical Center: (419) 626-7400

*If you must miss your appointment, please call the clinic as soon as possible. We will schedule a new appointment for you. It is important that you keep all of your appointments.