The key to using birth control is first being able to find it.

There are many places to find contraceptives and information about safe sex in Ames.

One location on campus dedicated to promoting birth control is the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center.

Marcia Purdy, secretary at the Sloss House, said they provide programs on condom etiquette.

“We have educational programs regarding safe sex and throughout the year we have free condoms in the bathrooms of the Sloss House,” she said.

Purdy said upon request, they provide programs on safe sex in classrooms, fraternities and throughout the community.

“We do whatever the public is interested in just so we can get that message out, because we feel it is an important message,” she said.

Purdy said they also have pamphlets and handouts regarding safe sex and the use of condoms. She said anyone interested should stop by the Sloss House.

Food and drug stores in Ames also carry a wide array of contraceptives.

Melissa Burbridge, pharmacist at Osco Drug, 207 S. Duff Ave., said their number one birth control pill sold is Ortho Tri-Cyclen, but they do have other options as well.

She said the cost of the pills range from $25 to $32.

Along with other contraceptives, Osco Drug also carries condoms. The three main brands they carry are Trojan, Lifestyle and Durex. Burbridge said a 3-pack costs $4 and a 12 pack is $12.

“The Trojan brand is the most popular,” said Paul Mohlke, store manager of Osco Drug. “We probably go through 2,600 packages a year.”

Osco Drug also carries other forms of contraceptives.

“We have the female condom, the gel contraceptives, the foam contraceptives and inserts,” he said.

“They all run under $10.”

Mohlke said customers should not be embarrassed to buy contraceptives.

“That’s a thing of the past,” he said.

“Anymore it’s just a thing that nobody should be embarrassed to buy. People are less embarrassed to buy them than they used to be. Now it’s just a fact of life.”

Another option for Ames residents is Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa, 2530 Chamberlain St.

“The birth control methods we provide are condoms, female condoms, diaphragms, IUD (intrauterine contraceptive device), Depo-Provera (an injectable hormone), Lunelle (a monthly injectable hormone) and birth control pills,” said Denise Van, communication manager for Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa. “Some clinics do provide vasectomies.”