The special time has come.

You've found the perfect partner, the relationship is progressing and you finally feel like you're ready for the big "s" word.

With all the birth control and contraception choices available, however, direction may be needed to find the right form for you and your partner without spending an arm and a leg.

UW students can rest assured that many resources are available right on campus. Hall Health, the primary health care center on campus, provides women's care and contraception for a reduced fee. John Medina, director of the UW pharmacy, is aware that price is an issue for many students.

"There are a variety of forms of birth control, and a high priority is price," he said. "We usually try to give students the option of a cheaper medication if it's possible."

Generic birth control costs $20 to $27, brand name is $40 to $47, without insurance. These prices are lower than at the drug store because the UW is a big institution and can therefore afford to charge less, Medina said.

Along with birth control, Hall Health pharmacy also offers Plan B, the pill women can take after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

"Basically, if you're 17 or under, you need a prescription by your doctor. That goes at any pharmacy," Medina said. "For those 18 and older, it is considered an over-the-counter drug, and all that is needed is a valid I.D."

Plan B costs $29.70 plus tax if purchased at Hall Health, slightly less than at the drug store, Medina said.

Linda Eckert is an OB/GYN at Hall Health and an associate professor in obstetrics and gynecology. Her advice to women is to get a primary care provider and the HPV vaccine, if they haven't already.

Along with the women's center, Hall Health is also home to the Condom Club, an organization that allows students to purchase condoms at a reduced price. Students can purchase a membership card for $10, which is good for 10 uses. For every use, students receive five condoms.

Besides the 50 condoms students will receive through their use of the card, members receive a starter pack, which includes five condoms and lubricant.

"Condoms are probably the easiest and cheapest form of protection," junior Chris Maynard said. "They seem to be everywhere — people even hand them out for free on the HUB lawn."

The UW provides many services for students when it comes to sexual health, but other options are available as well. Planned Parenthood, a nationwide organization that is celebrating its 90th birthday this year, provides teens and young adults with free or reduced price birth control, condoms and other medical services.

Planned Parenthood in Western Washington participates in the Take Charge program, which allows qualified individuals to receive an annual physical exam and counseling, birth control, emergency contraception or sterilization, all free of charge.

Although this particular program can only be used for one year, all of Planned Parenthood's services are reduced, or in the case of condoms, free.

"I use the Take Charge program to get free birth control because I don't want to have to spend a lot of money to have safe sex," senior Jessica Gill said. "Plus, it's super easy to sign up. Any resident of Washington who makes less than $2,000 a month is eligible."

With anyone eligible for free condoms and the many opportunities available for reduced fees, safer sex is a reality for all.

So the next time you and your sweetie want to take that next step, don't forget the protection.

Many condom manufacturers offer free samples of their products via their Web sites. Here are a few to check out.

Trojan condoms: www.trojancondoms.com/freesample.aspx

Durex condoms: www.durex.com/cm/country.asp?strRedirect=freesample.asp#

Birth control costs at Hall Health Pharmacy

Generic birth control: $20 to $27

Brand name birth control: $40 to 47

Plan B: $27.70

Condom Club (Hall Health, Room 213)

Membership: $10

Wednesday special: $1 for 5 condoms

Condom Club membership includes 50 condoms (you receive five at a time), plus a starter pack that includes five condoms, lubricant, candy, condom use directions and a membership card.

Reach reporter Stephanie Small at features@thedaily.washington.edu.