Birth Control Methods

Cervical Cap or Diaphragm

• Insert into the vagina before sex
• Used with spermicide
• 14-29 of 100 can get pregnant using this method

+ 5

Combined Pill

• Take by mouth once a day
• Can make periods lighter or more predictable
• 2 hormones (estrogen + progestin)
• 7 of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

Contraceptive Gel

• Placed in vagina before sex
• Kills or blocks sperm from reaching an egg
• Works best with a barrier method
• 21 out of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

+ 6

Copper IUD

• Lasts up to 12 years*
• A provider places it into the uterus
• Doesn't have hormones
• Includes removal services also
• Fewer than 1 of 100 can get pregnant using this method

Emergency Contraception

• In pill or IUD form
• Use up to 5 days after unprotected sex
• Helps prevent pregnancy
• Works best the sooner it's used

+ 8

Hormonal IUD

• Lasts 3-8 years
• A provider places it into the uterus
• Light or no periods possible
• Includes removal services also
• Fewer than 1 of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

+ 2

Implant

• Lasts 3–5 years*
• Tiny rod inserted under skin in arm
• Bleeding changes are likely
• Includes removal services also
• Fewer than 1 of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

Patch

• Worn on skin and changed weekly
• Start and stop on your own
• Can make periods lighter or more predictable
• 7 out of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

Progestin-only Pill

• Take once a day at the same time
• Option for people who need or want to avoid estrogen
• 1 hormone (progestin)
• 7 of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

Ring

• Inserted into vagina and sits inside body
• Can be replaced monthly or used continuously
• Help to regulate periods, can be used to treat acne
• 7 out of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

Shot

• Given every 3 months
• Can take up to 18 months for return to fertility
• Lighter or no periods possible
• When prescribed online, it is a self-administered shot
• 4 out of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

Spermicide

• Gel or foam placed in vagina before sex
• Kills or blocks sperm from reaching an egg
• Works best with a barrier method
• 21 out of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

Breastfeeding

• Works up to 6 months after giving birth
• Only if feeding exclusively** every 4 hours or less
• Stops working once periods return
• 2 of 100 can get pregnant using this method

Condoms

• Use every time you have sex
• Only method that protects from STIs
• Easy to keep on hand
• How well it works depends on what kind of condom you use *

Fertility Awareness

• Tracks fertility using body signs or cycle patterns
• Avoid sex on fertile days
• Requires regular periods
• 2-23 out of 100 can get pregnant using this method. The chances of getting pregnant in one year using this method range from 2 people out of 100 to 23 out of 100.

Pull-Out

• Partner withdraws penis before ejaculation
• Relies on control and trust
• 21 out of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

Sponge

• Insert into the vagina before sex
• Already has spermicide
• 14-29 of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

Tubal Surgery

• Surgery that cuts or ties the fallopian tubes typically done as an outpatient procedures**
• Keeps eggs from meeting sperm
• Permanent, not easily reversible
• Less than 1 out of 100 can get pregnant using this method*

Vasectomy

• Surgery that seals or cuts the tubes that carry sperm
• Done in a provider's office in minutes
• Permanent, sometimes reversible
• Less than 1 out of 100 can get pregnant using this method*