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San Francisco
OVERVIEW
San Francisco has a long cultural history of supporting women's reproductive rights, LGBT rights and progressive health care.
Contraception
Laws & Social Stigmas
Contraception is legal but must be obtained through a physician's prescription. However, once obtained, there is very little social stigma regarding birth control in San Francisco
What to Get & Where to Get It
The most common pharmacies in San Francisco are Walgreens, CVS and Rite-Aid. For uninsured patients, you can typically receive a prescription write-up as well as the actual medication at Planned Parenthood or low-cost clinics, such as Haight Ashbury Free Clinic (1735 Mission Street or 558 Clayton Street) or San Francisco Free Clinic (4900 California Street). If you are insured under your employer in California, there is also a very good chance that you are insured under Kaiser Permanente. Their main site, including the pharmacy, is found at 2238 Geary, but they have many facilities all over the wider Bay Area.
Costs
There is no one standard birth control price, as this greatly depends on which method is used. But, if you are uninsured, you can expect to pay between $20-$150/month supply of pills.
Morning After Pill/Plan B
Laws & Social Stigmas
In San Francisco, Plan B is legal. You do not need a prescription to purchase Plan B, and there is typically little stigma related to the act. You can buy Plan B at many drug stores, such as Walgreens.
What to Get & Where to Get It
Nearly all SF pharmacies should have Plan B. But be aware that most pharmacies in SF are not 24 hours, with the exception of some Walgreens locations (3201 Divisadero, 498 Castro and 459 Powell Street).
Costs
Plan B pills typically cost between $35-$60/pill.
Medications
Laws & Social Stigmas
In SF, some medications can be obtained over-the-counter while others require a prescription. For yeast infections, you do not need a prescription. But, for urinary tract infections, it is necessary to have a doctor test for a possible UTI -- and, if tests come back positive, then you will be given a prescription for UTI medication. For STD medication that require antibiotics, such as gonorrhea, you will also need a prescription.
What to Get & Where to Get It
Nearly all SF pharmacies should have basic medications for yeast infection, UTIs and STD medications.
Costs
Costs vary greatly according to the medication. For uninsured consumers, some medication costs may seem very steep, so you may want to seek out clinics with sliding-scale payment options if you do not have any insurance.
Menstruation
Laws & Social Stigmas
There is no social stigma against tampons in NYC or generally in the USA. They can be obtained as readily as pads in most drug stores.