Health Conditions / Sexual and Reproductive Health / Contraception

If you’re exploring different types of birth control methods, you might know that finding one you jive with can take some trial and error. As you go, consider looking into the birth control implant, which is often referred to by the brand name Nexplanon. It’s a 1.6-inch plastic rod that’s inserted beneath the skin of your upper arm. It pumps out small amounts of progestin, a hormone that prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens your cervical mucus so sperm can’t swim to the egg, to prevent pregnancy (99% of the time!) for at least three and up to five years. Like IUDs, the main perk of Nexplanon is that it’s long-lasting—once it’s in your body, you can kinda forget about it. As great as birth control pills are, you need to remember to take one at the same time every day. It sounds simple enough, but an estimated 50% of people on the pill forget to take it at least once a month, increasing their risk for unintended pregnancies.1 (As someone who failed miserably at taking the pill on a set schedule, I get it. No alarm or pillbox could help me adhere to my medication regimen.)  With Nexplanon, you don’t have to do anything aside from having the device implanted, then getting it removed or replaced when it expires, or sooner if it’s not working for you. Jill Purdie, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in Atlanta, Georgia, tells SELF that Nexplanon is one of the “the most effective reversible contraception [options] available.” Basically anyone who, one, wants birth control, and, two, can tolerate a hormonal option is a good candidate for it, she adds.As is the case with any drug, there are potential side effects that could occur—we’ll get to those in a bit—but most people do just fine after they have the implant placed. Here’s what to expect from the procedure to determine if you want to give Nexplanon a whirl.  How the birth control implant is placedThe implantation process is quick and only takes a few minutes. Dr. Purdie, who’s been performing the procedure for over 15 years, breaks it down: First, an anesthetic will be used to numb the area of your arm where the device will go—which, by the way, is typically the inside of your non-dominant upper arm. Then it’s straight to insertion. The implant will already be pre-loaded into an insertion device, and your doctor will push the tip of the device into your skin until the plastic tube is rooted into the layer of fat just below the skin, explains Dr. Purdie. Then you’re good to go.When you get to your appointment, your health care provider will walk you through this entire process, so if you have any questions upfront, they can answer them right there and then. They’ll also do a urine test to make sure you’re not pregnant, Josie Urbina, MD, an ob-gyn and a complex family planning specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, tells SELF. (You can get the implant placed right after having an abortion or giving birth). Then, it’s on to the procedure. Once the implant’s in place, they’ll wrap your arm in bandages, go over what you can expect in the short- and long-term, and send you on your way. How you might feel after getting the birth control implantYour arm will remain numb for an hour or two after the procedure, though you may start to feel some pain and soreness a few hours later when the anesthetic wears off. Some people will develop a bit of bruising, says Dr. Purdie. The soreness shouldn’t be too bothersome, but if it is, over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen—plus putting some ice on your arm—can help, says Dr. Urbina.

You’re probably well aware of the pill and how it works—but long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), including the birth control implant (a.k.a. Nexplanon), don’t require a daily check on your to-do list.There’s a growing interest in the etonogestrel birth control implant, and its set-it-and-forget-it nature likely plays a role in that. Once the tiny rod is placed in your arm, you don’t have to think about your birth control for years. Couple that with the fact that it’s highly effective at preventing pregnancy, and it’s an attractive contraception option, especially as the right to abortion and other forms of critical reproductive care are threatened in many states across the country.So, how does the birth control implant work? Here’s what you should know if you’re looking to switch to a LARC and want to explore your options. How does the birth control implant work?LARCs, which include the birth control plant and intrauterine devices (IUDs), are the most effective reversible contraceptive methods, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology (ACOG). LARC methods have a high success rate of preventing pregnancy while they are in place, but they shouldn’t directly impact your return to fertility; once the implant is removed, for example, you can get pregnant quickly if you don’t have other factors affecting your fertility, Christine Greves, MD, an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, tells SELF. The birth control implant is pretty tiny—it’s just under 2 inches long and is about the size of a matchstick. “Nexplanon is a little rod of a synthetic progesterone [progestin] that goes right under the skin,” Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine, tells SELF. The implant is inserted into your non-dominant upper arm, where it can stay for up to three years to five years, per the ACOG.1 (Don’t worry, your health care provider should numb the area, so you won’t feel any discomfort during this process.) The way it works is pretty cool: “The implant sends out [progestin] into the bloodstream, which gets to the ovaries to help suppress ovulation,” Dr. Minkin explains. “Also, [progestin] helps keep cervical mucus hostile to sperm—so it helps keep sperm from getting up into the uterus.”Like any form of birth control, the contraceptive implant can come with potential side effects like spotting between periods, longer or shorter bleeding during your period, a heavier or lighter flow, varied amounts of time between periods, or no period at all, according to Planned Parenthood. Other possible side effects include the usual: headaches, breast soreness, and nausea, among others. “As long as you’re okay with the possibility of irregular bleeding…it’s a phenomenal form of birth control,” Dr. Greves says. How effective is the birth control implant at preventing pregnancy?In general, “the implant is a good option for individuals who know they want to delay pregnancy for several years and do not want the hassle of taking a pill every day,” Alexa M. Sassin, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, tells SELF.

The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) recommends the following guidelines for optimal effectiveness: Take Plan B One-Step or a generic version of Plan B as soon as possible, within three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex. For the two-dose generic version of Plan B, which is called Next Choice, take one pill ASAP within three days and the second pill 12 hours afterward.It’s important to note that emergency contraception is intended to protect against pregnancy after a single act of penetrative penis-in-vagina sex. That means if you have unprotected sex, take Plan B, and then have unprotected sex again, you will need to take Plan B again.Does Plan B have side effects?Plan B and other emergency contraceptive pills are safe ways to prevent pregnancy. “The progesterone-like hormone in these pills is something we’ve used for a long time, and when people have studied what happens in individuals who use several repeat doses, it’s been shown to be safe,” Jessica W. Kiley, MD, MPH, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, tells SELF.The potential short-term side effects associated with Plan B usually aren’t any more serious than you might experience during PMS or a stomach bug. Per the OWH, some people may experience headaches, abdominal pain, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or breast pain. Plan B can also affect the timing of your next period. And, according to Planned Parenthood, “there have been no reports of serious problems out of the millions of people who’ve taken it.”How do I know if Plan B worked?Some spotting can happen after you take an emergency contraceptive pill, and your next period may be irregular. The timing of your next period after taking emergency contraception varies. Andrea Henkel, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology physician at Stanford Children’s Health, tells SELF it’s normal to get your period a bit earlier or later after you take emergency contraception, and that your period may be longer or shorter than normal. “With either, if you are more than a week late, you should take a pregnancy test, because this much of a delay may represent an early pregnancy,” Dr. Henkel says.Can I take Plan B if I take birth control pills?The short answer: yes. Many people use Plan B and other emergency contraception pills as backup forms of protection if they forget to take their daily pill—but you don’t need to double up. “If using your method as prescribed, there is no need to take emergency contraception as a ‘back up,’” Dr. Henkel says. (If you’re on birth control pills and forgot to take them consistently, it might be time to consider a long-acting reversible contraceptive method instead, like the birth control implant or an IUD.)You can also continue using your preferred method of birth control as prescribed after using Plan B. (If you are using Ella, the prescription morning-after pill, then Dr. Henkel advises waiting five days prior to restarting a hormonal contraceptive method, like combination birth control pills, as they may interact with the emergency contraception.)Will Plan B make it hard for me to get pregnant later on?Some people worry that taking Plan B will decrease their chances of getting pregnant intentionally later on, but never fear: Before you google “can Plan B make you infertile,” the answer is definitely not. According to the World Health Organization, “Drugs used for emergency contraception do not harm future fertility,” and there’s also no delay in returning to fertility after using Plan B.So take heart: There’s no need to panic if you’re facing the prospect of unintended pregnancy. Plan B or other emergency contraceptives are safe and effective—and can help you handle what happens next.Related:

Dr. Ahmad has seen many of her own patients take oral contraceptive pills for several years simply because that’s what was recommended and available to them when they first needed birth control. “They just decided to stick with them because it was what their friends were doing and they didn’t consider anything else,” Dr. Ahmad says. “Over time, as they learned about other options, [some of] which don’t require them to take a pill every day, many of them switched.”  Your birth control has failed.A good indication that you need a new birth control method: Your current one has failed you. As in, you were using it and still got pregnant. In some cases, the failure may be due to the inability to take it as recommended; in other cases, failure may occur despite perfect or near-perfect use, Dr. Ahmad says.  Quick reminder—no birth control is 100% effective. For instance, if the pill is used perfectly, it’s 99% effective, but the realistic rate (with “typical use,” or the way that the majority of people actually use it, which can include occasionally missing doses) is more like 91%, according to Planned Parenthood. If you get pregnant while on birth control, have a discussion with your doctor to figure out why it was that the method failed so you can pick a method that’s a better fit for you.Are there any risks of switching birth control methods?In most cases, switching from one birth control method to another doesn’t come with any serious risks. Just make sure your doctor has all your up-to-date health details so that you’re not switching to a method you have a contraindication for. Some side effects, like irregular menstruation, are normal when you switch the kind of birth control you’re taking. They’re simply a case of your body adjusting to the new method, which can take up to six to eight weeks, Samantha M. Dunham, MD, clinical associate professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Health, tells SELF. If you’re still having side effects after a couple of months, talk to your doc.“The biggest downside of switching too often is that different types of birth control have different mechanisms of action and when switching, there may be a period of time that the new method is ineffective,” says Dr. Ahmad. Some forms of birth control work immediately, like the copper IUD, which can even work as an emergency contraceptive if inserted within five days after unprotected sex. Others take longer to become effective, including the pill, ring, implant, and hormonal IUD, depending on when in your cycle you start taking them. While your body adjusts to a new contraceptive and you adjust to a new routine, use a reliable back-up method, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy, says Dr. Baick. She adds that, depending on your current birth control method and the type you want to switch to, you may need to start using your new birth control before you stop using the old one. The overlap time depends on the particular type of methods in play—your doctor can tell you exactly what you need to do. What to do if you decide to switch birth control methodsBefore switching your birth control, the most important thing is to meet with your doctor to go over your options. “Make sure your physician has your updated medical history and understands what your preferences are in terms of frequency of use, hormones versus no hormones, and permanent versus reversible/temporary,” says Dr. Ahmad. “With that information, you and your provider can identify the best type of birth control for your specific needs and goals.” There’s likely no harm in testing out a new-to-you method to see if it works better for you and your current priorities, says Dr. Dunham. “The best method for you is the one you’re happy using and will use regularly.” If you want to do some research ahead of your appointment with your doctor, Dr. Dunham recommends checking out Bedsider, an online birth control support network intended to help prevent unplanned pregnancies. Finally, keep up with your yearly annual exams to ensure that you’re still using the method that’s best for you, despite any life or health changes that pop up. Just like any other aspect of your overall health, your birth control is worthy of your attention. Even if checking in just confirms that you’re on the right track, that’s great to know, too.Related:

For many of us, puberty wasn’t especially fun: The acne, emotional roller coasters, and general awkwardness of being 13 years old all pretty much sucked. Obviously, I’m glad that’s in the past… or I was, until I got really nervous when I saw people talk about having a “second puberty” on TikTok.If you haven’t seen these videos pop up on your feed, they largely consist of women in their mid to late 20s talking about physiological changes, like weight fluctuation and adult acne, that remind them of going through puberty. (These posts outline a different phenomenon than when trans people describe going through a “second puberty” after starting a medical transition, especially one including hormone replacement therapy.)As one user wrote in a short video: “Any other ~27~ year old girlies feel like you’re going through a second puberty!? Like my hair won’t grow anymore and my pimples came back… also I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been? It’s all good, just curious wtf is up with my body and hope to recognize myself again soon.” Another user lamented that she’d finally found pants that fit her body well before being hit by what she called her second puberty.These tales of big changes affecting people in their 20s made me wonder: What could be going on with people’s bodies during this time that might make them feel 13 again? For answers, SELF spoke with Alyssa Dweck, MD, FACOG, a New York–based gynecologist.Right off the bat: Dr. Dweck says there’s no such thing as a second puberty—we’re only going to suffer through that once, thank god. But your body is going to naturally change as you get older, and a number of things can mess with your hormones in your 20s and 30s, which might cause puberty-esque symptoms. Before we dive into a series of circumstances that might or might not apply to you, a few quick reminders: There’s truly no way to tell what’s going on with your body without talking to a doctor; this isn’t an exhaustive list of every single thing that could cause puberty-like symptoms; and self-diagnosing is always a bad idea. That said, below you’ll find the most common culprits behind second puberty. (Which is, again, blessedly not a real thing.)Hormonal shiftsOne thing about the concept of second puberty that does ring true: Your body can surprise you through the years. It would be great if your body would just settle down into a normal rhythm permanently, but, unfortunately, that’s not the way it works. “My guess is some of the people relaying their experiences [on TikTok] are going through hormonal shifts,” Dr. Dweck says, adding, “People go through hormonal shifts during various life changes,” like during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and for a host of other reasons.For example, the pelvic area may continue to widen up until the age of 30 (and perhaps get smaller after 40) for some people, research suggests. This is “likely linked” to the age at which a person is most fertile, which is influenced by hormonal fluctuations, the researchers note. Changes in breast size and shape shouldn’t necessarily cause panic either, as SELF previously reported. A number of factors can affect how your boobs look and feel, including your fitness routine, weight, and age. 

If you miss one pill but have been consistent previously, you probably don’t need a backup plan or emergency contraception, according to Planned Parenthood. You can simply take two pills in one day to stay on schedule. If you miss two pills, you should take the most recent missed pill as soon as you remember and then continue taking it as normal, but you should also use backup birth control (like a condom), or—if pregnancy is your biggest concern—avoid penis-in-vagina sex altogether until you’ve taken the pill for seven consecutive days.If you can’t ever remember to actually take the pill when you’re supposed to, or are often late refilling your prescription each month, a LARC takes away that responsibility. “A LARC’s main advantage is ‘set it and forget it,’” Dr. Dunham says. “It may require more effort to start up, but requires less effort over time.” Basically, once it’s in you’re good to go. No daily alarms or relying on good memory required.2. You want a little more control over your fertility.Research estimates that LARCs are up to 20 times more effective against pregnancy than the pill. Each LARC method is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.1 In theory, the same goes for the pill—but only if it’s used perfectly (more on that later). A more realistic figure for the effectiveness of the pill in preventing pregnancy, based on typical use, is 91%, according to Planned Parenthood. In other words, about 9 out of 100 pill takers get pregnant each year.On the flip side, the pill can be appealing if you eventually decide you want to get pregnant, Dr. Dunham says. “It’s easy to stop and doesn’t require a doctor’s visit to start trying to conceive,” she explains.Even if you want to get pregnant in the near future, you can still use a LARC method for birth control in the meantime. “LARC doesn’t affect or decrease your chance of getting pregnant in the future,” Anita Sit, MD, chief of gynecology at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California, tells SELF. The hormonal implant and IUDs require removal at your doctor’s office, but the process is generally quick and easy for most people.When you stop taking birth control, it can take a bit of time for your cycle to return to normal. A 2020 study that analyzed data from nearly 18,000 people who menstruate found that fertility returned quickest in those who had used IUDs or implants; they waited for an average of two menstrual cycles before conceiving, while pill users had to wait for three cycles.23. The pill is too risky for you.Sometimes, your health history or lifestyle choices factor into your choice of birth control. If you’re older than 35 years and smoke, for example, your doctor may advise you not to take the pill due to the changes increased estrogen levels can make to your blood, according to the CDC. The same goes if you have a history of blood clots, breast cancer, or in some instances, high blood pressure, among other health conditions.

Mental health changes: There isn’t definitive proof that using hormonal birth control exacerbates depression or other mental health issues, according to 2020 research, but mood changes are a commonly reported symptom.1 So it’s important to write down any mood-related symptoms right along with your physical symptoms each day and try to name them as best you can, such as feeling particularly emotional at certain times, having sharp swings in your moods, or feeling depressed, says Dr. Sridhar. You should also include references to specific life events or happenings—say, a breakup or a high-stress period at work, or any other impactful life events—that correlate with the time period you started birth control, she adds.Medications or supplements you’re taking: There are plenty of medications that can trigger similar side effects to birth control. For example, some antidepressants and blood pressure drugs can also impact libido. So, make sure you write down other meds you’re taking in your journal (yes, including supplements); add the medication name, dosage, and how often you take it, Dr. Sridhar recommends. It’s not always easy to decipher exactly which side effect is coming from which medication on your own, she points out, so having all this information down can be helpful if you need to have a conversation with your doctor.Diet and exercise changes: If you changed up either of these recently, include them in your tracker, Dr. Sridhar says. For example, if you recently started eating a vegan diet and your mystery symptoms are stomach-related, it’s worth documenting what foods you’re eating and how you feel after to see if there’s any sort of connection. The same goes for your exercise habits: Major shifts in your activity—for example, you start training for a marathon—can also prompt changes in your body, like muscle soreness, headaches if you’re dehydrated, or GI symptoms (runners trots are so real). Basically, write down any workouts that feel especially new to you, says Dr. Sridhar, and note how your symptoms change during and after.3. Take a break to see if you notice any significant changes.If you feel that your symptoms are bothersome and interfere with your normal activities, another way to parse whether your birth control might be causing your symptoms is to stop using that method of birth control, if you can. Keep up with your journal for a good three months after so you can see if there’s a difference, says Dr. Sridhar.It’s generally safe to stop taking birth control pills, wearing the patch or ring, or ask your doctor for an IUD or implant removal at any time. If you use birth control to help manage a medical condition like PCOS, be sure to discuss it with your doctor before you stop taking your birth control, Dr. Kiley notes.And remember to use a backup method of contraception right away, such as condoms or spermicide, if you’re not planning to get pregnant, Dr. Sridhar adds.If your doctor determines your birth control is the root of your side effects, here’s what to consider.So, you’ve brought your robust symptom journal to your doctor, and the two of you end up determining that your contraception is likely causing your symptoms. Now what?

When the push notification declaring that the Supreme Court intended to overturn Roe v. Wade popped up on my phone, I felt like a lot of people did: incredibly afraid for my future. I’m a trans man, and I’ve been on testosterone for half a year, but I knew I wasn’t immune from an unwanted pregnancy. After taking a moment to cry, I googled, “tubes tied near me.”I got a tubal salpingectomy, the removal of both my fallopian tubes, in late July. It was a procedure I had wanted for years, but the need for it had suddenly become immediate and urgent.In the aftermath of the Dobbs decision access to contraception will become even more important for anyone who is concerned about their reproductive health, including trans men, transmasculine people, and non-binary people. Of course, there are tons of birth control options out there—but not all transmasculine folks want to deal with daily reminders to take the pill or weekly swaps to re-up their birth control patch. On top of that, frequent visits to your ob-gyn’s office or the pharmacy present their own challenges, especially when it comes to facing possible stigma from health care providers and grappling with the effects of gender dysphoria.That’s when long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and permanent contraception (sterilization) can be helpful options, because they’re basically set-it-and-forget-it methods. To help you make sense of it all, SELF spoke to three experts about what transmasculine people should keep in mind when looking into LARC and sterilization.One big thing before we get into it: None of the methods of birth control we’re covering in this article provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For that, you’ll need to use a condom or another barrier method. Okay, here’s what you need to know:I’m a trans guy on testosterone. Can I still get pregnant?Despite popular misconceptions, taking testosterone is not a reliable form of pregnancy prevention. Even if your period has stopped or you have been on testosterone for a while, you may still ovulate, which means you can still potentially get pregnant. If you want to avoid getting pregnant, you should consider birth control.Can transmasculine folks on T use hormonal birth control methods?Yes! According to Holly Cummings, MD, MPH, a Pennsylvania-based ob-gyn who specializes in transgender gynecologic care, trans people on testosterone can use any form of birth control, even if it contains hormones. Because the progestin in hormonal birth control, including in certain LARC options, is unlikely to hinder the effects of testosterone, you should feel free to choose whatever birth control method feels like the right fit for you. That said, Dr. Cummings tells SELF that if you aren’t comfortable using hormonal birth control or have had negative experiences with certain hormonal methods, you have other options (more on that shortly).What are my options for long-acting reversible contraception?When providers talk about LARC methods, they’re typically talking about intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the birth control implant, Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a member of SELF’s medical review board and a clinical professor of gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the Yale School of Medicine, tells SELF.

There’s a lot to love about college: sudden independence, late nights with new people who turn into lifelong friends, and endless opportunities to learn and grow. It can also keep you super busy—a packed schedule probably means that checking out various campus services is the last thing on your mind. But if there’s one service you use, make it your student health center.Not only will it put your health into your own hands (which may be a new thing for you), but it will help you stay on your A-game all throughout college. And if this is the first time you’ve had access to a one-stop shop for all your health needs, you may not even know everything that is available to you. In fact, when the SELF team discussed their biggest health-related college regrets, an overwhelming number of people said they wish they’d taken advantage of their campus health center.So here’s a rundown of the most important services that your student health center has to offer and why you should definitely check them out.1. You’re already paying for these health services.Here’s the thing: The cost of college includes tuition, room and board, and various student fees. Those fees generally include student health services, which means you might already be paying to access those resources. So why not make the most of it?For example, the health fee is mandatory for all students at UNC-Chapel Hill, whether or not they actually visit the health center, Ken Pittman, MHA, FACHE, executive director of campus health services at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, tells SELF. (Though 78% of students do utilize the university’s health services at least once a year, he notes). Basic services such as primary care visits, gynecology checkups, urgent care, and mental health counseling are covered under that fee, he says—so they won’t be billed to health insurance at all.As for services not covered by the student health fee? These vary at each school, but can include lab tests, like rapid flu testing, X-rays, and some procedures (for example, some campus health centers do IUD insertions and others don’t), says Pittman. These services are billed to the student’s personal health insurance, which may be required at some institutions.Remember, you can stay on your parents’ health insurance plan until you turn 26 years old, per Healthcare.gov, so you might have coverage that way. Many colleges and universities even offer students medical insurance plans, which may be another option for you. To learn more about your school’s specific health care requirements, chat with the folks at your campus health center.2. It makes it easy to schedule regular checkups.When you’ve got papers to write and classes to attend, getting annual checkups can feel like a drag. Besides, if you feel fine (save for the occasional sleepless night), do you really need routine checkups?TBH, yes. Regular checkups are a form of preventive care, which can help you identify or avoid health issues before they become bigger problems that require treatment. This involves services like routine blood tests, mental health screenings, and physical examinations, according to the US National Library of Medicine. Yes, your childhood primary care doctor, if you have one, can perform these services—but thanks to your student health center, you won’t need to wait until you’re back home to book an appointment.

In the spring of 2019, students from Boston University’s Students for Reproductive Freedom (SRF) club attended an annual reproductive justice conference, now called the Collective Power Conference, at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. At the meeting, the SRF students met members of a like-minded group from Brandeis University who told them about a surprising and innovative project: They had a vending machine installed on their campus that dispensed emergency contraception (EC).The BU students were inspired and set out to “emulate that Brandeis project on BU’s campus,” Charlotte Beatty, who served as co-president of SRF last year and was a freshman at the time of the conference, tells SELF. Over the next three years, BU students, including Beatty and her SRF co-president Molly Baker, worked to make an EC vending machine a reality on their campus. This past March, it was finally installed, providing BU students with reliable, convenient, and anonymous access to a generic version of Plan B at a much lower cost than they’d likely pay in a drugstore. Today, student activists across the country—from Brandeis to Stanford—have spearheaded projects to install these machines, which could become more vital than ever in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade’s overturning. If you’re fired up to increase access to reproductive health care services, here’s how you can get an emergency contraception vending machine onto your campus.Make sure you have the support of campus officials and fellow students.Before you begin the project, it’s important to find out what’s feasible on your campus, Nicola Brogan, project manager for the American Society of Emergency Contraception, tells SELF. Brogan also oversees the organization’s Emergency Contraception for Every Campus (EC4EC) program, which helps college students get EC vending machines on their campus or establish other EC distribution programs.“If you don’t have support from administration, a vending machine is basically impossible,” Brogan says. In other words, logistics like getting permission (from someone like a dean, student health center manager, or facilities director) to take up campus space with an EC machine, using empty slots in an existing vending machine, and buying the medication itself all require help from the campus powers that be.Campus officials may also wonder if an EC machine is even legal. Though some states require permits for these vending machines, according to EC4EC’s state-by-state regulation guide, only one state, Connecticut, has laws explicitly prohibiting dispensing EC from a vending machine.It may also be helpful to poll students by conducting a survey on campus to find out how many people would utilize the vending machine, says Brogan. Not only is it useful to the students spearheading the project to know that there’s a need and enthusiasm for the service, but administrators might be more likely to get on board once they realize it’s something students want and will actually use, she says.“That acts as a foundation when you go and have that conversation with the administration to prove, like, hey, this is not just me and my two friends who want to do this,” Brogan says. She adds that a survey can show officials that many students “think it’s a good opportunity for the campus.”Figure out how to pay for the project.Buying large amounts of generic Plan B, as well as the vending machine itself (if you aren’t able to add the medication to an existing machine on campus), will obviously cost money, and there are a variety of ways to pay for it, says Brogan. For instance, BU’s SRF group is a Planned Parenthood Generation Action club, meaning they get annual funding through Planned Parenthood (in their case, through Boston Planned Parenthood). The students also used club funding provided by BU’s student organization office—a support source available on many college campuses—and money from individual alumni donations, says Beatty. Between installing, stocking, and promoting the vending machine, it cost the BU students around $3,000, according to Beatty. The largest expense was the machine itself, she says, which was about $2,700.Get help sourcing the medication and buying and stocking the vending machine.Even though they had the funding, BU’s SRF students found that there were other obstacles to overcome—namely, finding someone with the right type of medical license to bulk order Plan B.