There are a variety of uses for birth control, one being as contraception to prevent pregnancy. This page explores the different types and methods of birth control—prescription, non-prescription, and surgical—ranging from their use, effectiveness, duration, and more. It’s recommended those interested in exploring or starting birth control should consult a medical professional.
For more information on birth control options, visit the Planned Parenthood website!
Prescription Methods
- A prescribed small, reusable silicone cup inserted vaginally to cover cervix
- With thorough cleaning, can be reused up to 1 year
- Typically used with spermicide
- 71%-86% effective
- Effectiveness depends on whether have given birth or not
- Must wait 6 hours after last sperm ejaculation before removal
- Soft, bendable silicone cup inserted vaginally to cover cervix & is used with spermicide
- Prescription needed for some brands
- 83-96% effective
- Most effective when used every time
- Insertion time before sex varies from brand and spermicide use
- Must wait 6 hours after last sperm ejaculation before removal
- One-time, matchstick-sized implant with upper arm insertion
- Releases the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy
- Lasts from 3-5 years.
- 99% effective
- Takes around 1 week to provide protection
- Non-latex sheath inserted vaginally (w/ring) or anally (w/o ring)
- Prevents STIs and pregnancy
- 79-95% effective
- Most effective when used every time
- One-time use, dispose after in trash
- Available online only
- FC2 only FDA approved brand & prescription needed
Hormonal
- Inserted into uterus
- Releases the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy
- Lasts 3-8 years (depending on brand)
- 99% effective
- Takes around 1 week to provide protection
Non-Hormonal
- Inserted into uterus
- Uses copper to prevent pregnancy
- Lasts up to 12 years
- 99% effective
- Provides protection immediately after insertion
- Placed on the skin & replaced every 7 days
- Releases estrogen & progestin
- 94-99% effectiveness.
- Takes 1 week to provide protection after the very first initial patch and then it must be replaced weekly
- One pill taken at the exact same time daily
- Releases the hormones progestin & estrogen to prevent pregnancy
- 93-99% effective
- Takes 1 week to provide protection
- One pill take at the exact same time daily
- Releases the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy
- 91-99% effective
- Takes 2 days to provide protection
- In the upper arm every 3 months.
- Releases progestin to prevent pregnancy
- 94-99% effective
- Not recommended beyond 2 years of use.
- Takes 1 week to provide protection
- Self-inserted vaginally
- Replaced every 21 days
- Releases oestrogen & progestogen to prevent pregnancy
- 93-99% effectiveness.
- Takes 1 week to provide protection
Non-Prescription Methods
- Typically refers to the absence of any sexual activity, yet varies on cultural and personal preferences
- Main goal is to prevent pregnancy by not engaging in any sex
- 100% effective
- Daily cycle tracking, determining which days are best to have sex to avoid pregnancy
- 75% effectiveness depending on consistency of usage
- Solely breastfeeding one’s child(ren) for 6 months after birth, potentially suppressing ovulation
- 98% effective if exclusively breastfeeding
- Is not effective if period has returned after postpartum bleeding
- Thin, protective sheath placed on an erect penis
- Prevents STIs and pregnancy
- 87-98% effective
- Most effective when used every time
- One-time use, dispose after in trash
- Defined as either non-penetrative sexual activity or sex that will not result in pregnancy (ex.: oral sex, anal sex, etc.)
- 100% effective
- Soft, squishy plastic foam covered w/spermicide and inserted vaginally to cover cervix
- Can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse
- 78-91% effective
- Effectiveness depends on whether have given birth or not
- Must wait 6 hours after last sperm ejaculation before removal
- Uses chemicals to prevent sperm from reaching the egg & applied each time
- Foam, cream, gel, or jelly texture and tablet form
- Typically used with other methods (ex.: diaphragm)
- 72% effective by itself for 60 minutes at a time
- Insert prior to sex, time prior depends on chosen form
- Multiple same-day uses may produce irritation
Surgical Methods
- Surgical procedure that closes the fallopian tubes, acting as a form of permanent birth control
- 99% effective immediately
- 1-3 weeks recovery before vaginal penetration can occur
- May be reversible, yet not guaranteed
- Surgical procedure cutting & sealing the tube that carries sperm
- Ejaculation will still occur without containing sperm
- 99% effective after 3 months
- Semen analysis at 3 months to check if there is sperm in the semen
- 1-2 week recovery before penetration can occur