Birth Control Products for You
There are many types of birth control available to prevent pregnancy. How these different types of birth control are used and how they work to prevent pregnancy are important factors for you and your partner to consider.
How do I know which birth control is right for me?
There are several key questions for you to consider when choosing birth control methods. You may want to discuss your options with your doctor or pharmacist. These questions include:
- Your overall health, age, and smoking history
- How often you have sex
- How many sexual partners you have
- Expected effectiveness based on correct use every time
- Consideration of potential side effects
- Protection from HIV and STDs
- Ease and willingness to use the method each time you have sex
What type of birth control is best for teens or first-time users?
Experts often recommend using long-acting reversible contraceptives such as an implant or injection due to the increased efficacy and not having to consider using for each sexual encounter. However, additional protection from STDs with a condom is also necessary with these methods.
What type of birth control is most effective?
Birth control methods are evaluated for effectiveness based on the rate of pregnancy per 100 women in the first year of typical use. For methods that require your action this is based on the consistent and correct use of the method every time.
The average rate of pregnancy for unprotected sex (no birth control methods) per year in 100 women is 85. The estimated effectiveness is included in the tables below for each birth control method.
What types of birth control are available without a prescription?
These barrier methods work by preventing sperm from getting to the egg. Spermicide can be combined with other methods (e.g., male condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap) to increase effectiveness.
| Method | Expected Pregnancies per 100 women | How To Use |
|---|---|---|
| Male Condom | 18 | Must use for every sexual encounter. Provides protection for some STDs |
| Female Condom | 21 | Must use for every sexual encounter. Provides protection for some STDs |
| Spermicide (Cream, Gel, Suppositories, Film) | 28 | Must use or reapply for every sexual encounter |
What types of birth control require a prescription?
These hormonal prescription products work by preventing release of an egg from the ovary each month. The patches and vaginal ring only require monthly placement compared to taking a pill daily.
| Method | Expected Pregnancies per 100 women | How To Use |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Contraceptives (the pill) -combination of progestin and estrogen | 9 | Take a pill every day |
| Oral Contraceptives (the pill) -progestin only | 9 | Take a pill every day |
| Contraceptive Patch) - combination of progestin and estrogen | 9 | Place patch on skin and keep on for 3 weeks, then remove for 1 week - repeat monthly |
| Contraceptive Vaginal Ring | 9 | Insert ring into vaginal and keep in for 3 weeks, remove for 1 week - repeat monthly |
What types of birth control requires placement or injection by a healthcare professional?
IUDs are a small T-shaped plastic device that is placed in the uterus by a healthcare professional, some may also release hormones. Implantable rods and injections are given as shot by a healthcare professional and provide long-acting release of hormones to prevent release of an egg from the ovary each month.
| Method | Expected Pregnancies per 100 women | Use |
|---|---|---|
| IUD (copper) | <1 | Lasts up to 10 years |
| IUD (progestin) | <1 | Lasts 3-5 years depending on type |
| Implantable rod | <1 | Lasts up to 3 years |
| Injection | <1 | Requires a shot every 3 months |
What types of birth control requires fitting by a healthcare professional?
These types are also barrier methods that prevent the sperm from getting to the egg. The diaphragm fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix – it must be used with spermicide. The cervical cap fits tightly over the cervix and stays in place by suction. Refitting of these methods are necessary after giving birth or after gaining or losing weight.
| Method | Expected Pregnancies per 100 women | How To Use |
|---|---|---|
| Diaphragm | 12 (when used with spermicide) | Must use every time you have sex |
| Cervical Cap | 17-23 (when used with spermicide) | Must use every time you have sex |
Summary
There are many considerations for choosing your birth control method and your preferences may change over time. Although some methods used to prevent pregnancy are more effective than others, no method is 100% effective. If you have questions about your birth control options, ask your pharmacist or another healthcare professional.