Know Your Choices: Birth Control

These birth control methods require a prescription from a health care provider and are over 90% effective when used correctly. They release hormones that stop your body from releasing an egg (i.e., ovulation) and make it harder for sperm to enter your uterus.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

A small device that is placed inside the uterus. It can last for 3-8 years and be removed at any time.

Implant (Nexplanon)

Implant (Nexplanon)

A tiny rod that is inserted into your arm. It lasts for up to 5 years and can be removed at any time.

Injection (Depo-Provera)

Injection (Depo-Provera)

A shot that is given once every 3 months, typically by a health care provider.

Patch

Patch

A patch that is worn on your stomach, back, butt or upper arm. It needs to be changed once a week and should not be applied to the same spot as the last one.

Pill

Pill

A tiny pill that is taken daily. They usually come in 21-day or 28-day packs and can also be used to help manage periods.

Vaginal Ring

Vaginal Ring

A small, bendable ring that is worn inside the vagina for weeks at a time. Depending on the type, it may be reused or replaced with a new one after removal.

These forms of birth control must be used every time you have sex. All are available over the counter at most drugstores and pharmacies. When used correctly, their effectiveness ranges from 70-90%.

Male Condom

Male Condom

A thin covering worn over a penis during sex that contains sperm so it cannot enter the vagina and cause pregnancy. Condoms made of latex or plastic also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Female (Internal) Condom

Female (Internal) Condom

A thin plastic pouch that is placed inside the vagina before sex to contain sperm so it cannot cause pregnancy. These condoms also protect against STIs.

Sponge

Sponge

A small sponge that is inserted into your vagina before sex to block the cervix so that sperm cannot meet an egg. Most sponges also contain spermicide, which prevent sperm from moving effectively.

Cervical Cap

Cervical Cap

A small, flexible cup that is inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix before sex to prevent sperm from meeting an egg. Cervical caps work best when used with spermicide.

Diaphragm

Diaphragm

A flexible, shallow cup that is inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix before sex to prevent sperm from meeting an egg. Diaphragms work best when used with spermicide.

Spermicides

Spermicides

A cream, gel, film, foam or suppository that is placed inside your vagina before sex. The chemicals in spermicide stop sperm from moving well enough to reach an egg.

These methods are permanent and highly effective (99%) at preventing pregnancy.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy

A non-invasive surgery for men which closes the tube that carries sperm. Though intended to be permanent, sometimes they are reversible.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal Ligation

A permanent surgery for women that seals off the fallopian tubes. This prevents the egg and sperm from meeting.

Except for abstinence, these methods tend to have a higher risk of unintended pregnancy due to human error. To raise effectiveness, combine them with another birth control method.

Withdrawal (Pulling Out)

Withdrawal (Pulling Out)

The penis is removed from the vagina before ejaculation so that sperm does not enter the vagina.

Fertility Awareness

Fertility Awareness

Tracking your menstrual cycle to identify when you are most fertile (i.e., likely to get pregnant). During those days, avoid sex or use a barrier method.

Abstinence/Outercourse

Abstinence/Outercourse

Not having vaginal sex, even if you engage in other sexual activities. This is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective.

If you had unprotected sex or your birth control method failed, there are still ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy. These methods are more effective the sooner they are administered.

Ulipristal Acetate (ella)

Ulipristal Acetate (ella)

A pill that can prevent pregnancy if taken within 5 days of unprotected sex. A prescription is required to obtain ella and it works best for women who weigh under 195 pounds.

Levonorgestrel (Plan B)

Levonorgestrel (Plan B)

A pill that can prevent pregnancy if taken within 5 days of unprotected sex. There are many different brand names, but they all work the same way. It is available over the counter at most drugstores and works best for women under 165 pounds.

Copper IUD (Paragard)

Copper IUD (Paragard)

A small device that can prevent pregnancy if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. It can stay in for years as a long-lasting birth control method.

Each birth control method is different, so some may match your lifestyle better than others. You want to choose one that you feel comfortable using consistently and correctly. When selecting a birth control, consider the following.

Speak with your health care provider if you have existing medical conditions.