Birth Control Choices
We understand gender is a spectrum. We may use gendered terms to talk about anatomy and health risk. Please use this information in a way that works best for you and your doctor as you talk about your care.
Birth control keeps you from getting pregnant from sex. There are many types of birth control. Some work better than others. New types are tested all the time. Your doctor can help you decide which type is best for you. But no matter which type you choose, you and your partner must use it the right way each time you have sex. Here are some of the most common types.
Barrier methods
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Condom. A male condom is a thin covering that fits over the penis. A female condom fits inside the vagina. A condom catches sperm that come out of the penis during sex.
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Spermicide. This comes as a gel, foam, cream, tablet, or sponge. The sponge also works as a barrier with spermicide. It is put in the vagina before sex to kill sperm.
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Diaphragm and cervical cap. A diaphragm is a round rubber cup. It keeps sperm out of the uterus. A cervical cap is like it, but smaller. They also hold spermicide in place.
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Sponge. A contraceptive sponge is a small device that has spermicide in it. It is put in the vagina to cover the cervix. It keeps sperm from going in the uterus.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
An IUD is a small device put in the uterus by a doctor. It stays in place for months or years as needed.
The pill and other hormonal methods
The birth control pill is taken daily. It has hormones that stop ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
Hormones that stop an egg from being released each month from an ovary can be given in other ways. These include a shot, implant, patch, or vaginal ring.
Other choices
Some other birth control methods are:
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Male sterilization (vasectomy). This surgery ties off or cuts the tubes (vas deferens) in the testes. It's done so sperm doesn't come out in the semen released from the penis.
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Female sterilization. This surgery blocks or cuts the fallopian tubes. It can be done through the belly (laparoscopy) to block the tubes or to take out part or all of them. It can also be done during a C-section.
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Withdrawal method. This is when the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation. The failure rate for this method is high. It ranges from 22% to 28%.
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Natural family planning. This is also called the rhythm method or fertility awareness. This is when a person with ovaries and a uterus keeps track of their fertile days. They only have sex at times when they are not likely to get pregnant. This method is hard for those who have irregular periods.
Effectiveness of different birth control methods
How effective birth control is depends on how well you use it. No birth control method is 100% effective.
Talk with your doctor about the birth control choices that are right for you.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says that sterilization is the most effective permanent birth control method for both men and women. The most effective reversible birth control methods are implants (Nexplanon) and IUDs (copper and hormonal). These methods result in less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women in a year.
Some methods considered to be effective (6 to 12 pregnancies per 100 women in a year) are shots (such as Depo-Provera), birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings (such as NuvaRing), and diaphragms.
Some barrier methods considered partly effective are male and female condoms, cervical caps, sponges, and spermicides. These methods result in 18 or more pregnancies per 100 women in a year. The range of effectiveness is from 18 or more pregnancies per 100 women in a year for the male condom to 28 or more pregnancies per 100 women in a year for spermicide use.
The natural family planning method relies on knowing when you're least likely to get pregnant. About 24 in 100 (1 in 4) women who use this method will get pregnant in a year.
Emergency contraception (EC)
EC can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Anyone can get hormone pills over the counter. They are also known as morning after pills. A second type of EC is a copper IUD. This needs to be put in by a doctor. Either type of EC can be used up to 5 days after sex. But it should be used as soon as possible. The sooner it's used after unprotected sex, the more likely it is to work. EC will not work if you’re already pregnant.
Things to consider
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Choose a type of birth control that is easy for you to use.
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Learn how to use your birth control the right way. Read the package. Follow your doctor's instructions.
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Keep in mind that most types of birth control don't protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To protect against STIs, always use a latex condom. If you are allergic to latex, a nonlatex condom may help protect you.