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Birth Control

What is birth control? 

Birth control is used to prevent pregnancy and treat certain medical conditions.  There are many methods of birth control, including long-acting reversible contraceptives, short-acting hormonal methods, barrier methods and lifestyle methods. 

Remember!  Birth control methods, except condoms, do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.  To protect yourself from STIs, make sure to use a condom when having sex in addition to other birth control methods. 

For a quick look at how different birth control methods compare, check out the chart below. 

Long-Lasting Reversible Contraceptive 

Long-acting reversible contraceptives are the most effective types of reversible birth control.  The implant and hormonal and non-hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) are long-acting reversible contraceptives.  They do not have to be used with any other type of birth control to prevent pregnancy effectively. 

  • The Implant (aka Nexplanon) is a small plastic rod about the size of a matchstick placed under the skin of the upper arm.  
  • 99% effective in preventing pregnancy 
  • Lasts up to five years  
  • Uses etonogestrel 
  • An IUD is a small piece of T-shaped plastic that is inserted in the uterus by a healthcare provider.  There are two types of IUDs, hormonal and non-hormonal. 

Hormonal IUDs include the Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta and Skyla IUDs.  

  • 99% effective 
  • Last 3-8 years 
  • Use progestin  

The Non-Hormonal IUD available in the United States is the Paragard IUD. 

  •  
  • 99% effective 
  • Lasts up to 12 years  
  • Uses copper  

Short-Acting Hormonal Methods 

Short-Acting Hormonal Methods are the next-most effective type of birth control.  They use hormones to prevent pregnancy and must be used on a schedule to be effective.  They include birth control pills, hormonal rings, contraceptive injections and the birth control patch.  

  • Birth Control Pills contain hormones that prevent pregnancy and are taken daily. 
  • 93% effective 
  • Taken daily  
  • Uses estrogen and progestin or progestin-only 
  • The Hormonal Ring (aka NuvaRing) is a small ring of flexible plastic that is placed inside the vagina and releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.  
  • 93% effective 
  • Change monthly  
  • Uses estrogen and progestin 
  • Contraceptive Injections (aka Depo Provera) is a birth control injection given by a nurse.  
  • 96% effective 
  • Get every 3 months 
  • Uses progestin 
  • The Birth Control Patch is placed on the skin of your arm, belly, butt or back and releases hormones that are then absorbed by your skin. 
  • 93% effective 
  • Change once a week 
  • Uses estrogen and progestin 

Barrier Methods 

Barrier Methods create a physical barrier that blocks sperm from entering the uterus, sometimes used with a spermicide to be more effective.  They must be used every time you have sex to be effective.  They include condoms, internal condoms, diaphragms and birth control sponges.  

  • Condoms are thin pouches that are worn over the penis to keep sperm from getting into the vagina.  They must be used every time you have sex to prevent pregnancy.  Using condoms every time you have any kind of sex is also the best way to prevent getting or spreading an STD. 
  • 87% effective 
  • Put it on before you have sex, every time   
  • Internal Condoms work similarly to regular condoms and provide almost the same protection from pregnancy and STDs, but are worn inside the vagina.  Like regular condoms, they must be used every time you have sex to prevent pregnancy and STDs. 
  • 79% effective 
  • Put in before you have sex, every time 
  • Diaphragms are bendable cups that go inside your vagina and cover your cervix to keep sperm from contacting an egg.  For best results, diaphragms must be used with spermicide.  
  • 83% effective 
  • Put it in before you have sex, every time 
  • Birth Control Sponges are round, spermicide-containing sponges that go in your vagina and cover your cervix to help prevent pregnancy.  
  • 76-86% effective 
  • Put it in before you have sex, every time  

Lifestyle Methods 

  • Pulling Out involves pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation (when semen, a fluid that contains sperm, is ejected from the penis).  Pulling out works best with another form of birth control, like a condom.  
  • 78% effective 
  • Must ALWAYS pull out before ejaculation 
  • Tracking Your Cycle (aka Fertility Awareness) involves tracking your ovulation (when an egg is released) so you can prevent pregnancy.  There are many different methods you can use to track your cycle.  Read more here. 
  • 76-98% effective 
  • Requires daily tracking and no sex on certain days