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Fun Fact: What is thought to be the most effective birth control method?
Answer is at bottom of page.
| Method | What it looks like | How it works | Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| Male Condom |
| Effectiveness: 85%-98% Blocks semen from entering the vagina or anus. | Safe, effective and easy to get Prevents both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections Latex free options are available | Decrease spontaneity, and may feel uncomfortable putting on You have to be sure to use it correctly - every time! | |
| Female Condom |  | Effectiveness: 79%-98% It is inserted into the vaginal canal prior to penetration. | Latex free Can be used in the vagina or anus The external ring of the condom may provide extra clitoral stimulation,thus enhancing pleasure | Can be difficult to insert, uncomfortable to wear More expensive and harder to find than male condoms May feel uncomfortable interrupting foreplay to put in | |
| Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) |  | Effectiveness: 92%- 99.7% Take 1 pill per day orally for 3-3.5 weeks. Changes hormone levels in body | Does not interfere with spontaneity Increases menstrual regularity Can provide protection from ovarian cysts, uterine and breast fibroids, specific cancers, and pelvic inflammatory disease | Requires a prescription No protection from STIs Potential side effects Can be expensive Must remember to take 1 pill per day, every day | |
| Intrauterine Device (IUD) |  | Effectiveness: 99.2%-99.9% Small plastic device is inserted by a physician to bottom of cervix Two types: Paraguard and Mirena
| Least expensive method of contraception over time Do not interfere with spontaneity Long-lasting contraceptive effects Mirena IUD reduces or eliminates menstrual flow Can also be used as emergency contraception Once removed, fertility is quickly restored | Require moderately painful insertion and removal procedures May cause irregular bleeding and spotting Heavier periods if using Paraguard IUD No protection from STIs | |
| Withdrawal | How to use | Effectiveness: 73% - 96% Involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina or anus before ejaculation | It is an acceptable means for those who use another birth control method or for religious reasons It is better than nothing | No protection from STIs Can be difficult and stressful to use This requires trust from the female partner and control by the male partner | |
| Three-month Injectable (such as Implanon) |  | Effectiveness: 97%-99.7% A shot that is injected once every 3 months | Does not interfere with spontaneity Reduces menstrual flow Does not contain estrogen Moderately expensive | Must schedule office visits once per 3 months to be injected Can experience a range of side effects Bone density loss (but will return after use stops) | |
Nuvaring |  | Effectiveness: 92%- 99.7% Inserted in the vagina once per month; it releases a constant amount of estrogen and progestin | Does not interfere with spontaneity Increases menstrual regularity Easy to use Has lower levels of hormones than other hormonal methods May offer protection from pelvic inflammatory disease and specific cancers | Prescription is necessary No protection from STIs May cause side effects There is risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome It may take 1-2 months for a woman's period to return after discontinued use | |
| Diaphragm |  | Effectiveness: 84% -94% Inserted in vagina before intercourse creating a barrier between female reproductive organs and sperm Should be left in place at least 8 hours after intercourse | Allows partners to engage in intercourse multiple times using the same method May reduce risk for cervical dysplasia and cancer Protects against pregnancy Does not affect hormone levels | Requires prescription Does not protect against STIs May be difficult to insert and may shift during intercourse Cannot be used during menstruation | |
| Contraceptive Sponge |  | Effectiveness: 84%-91% Pushed in through vagina to cervix. Blocks entrance to uterus, absorbs sperm, and deactivates sperm | Immediately effective Does not affect hormone levels or spontaneity Partners can engage in intercourse multiple times during a 24-hour period Does not require prescription | Does not protect against STIs Can be found in many pharmacies May be difficult to insert Cannot be used during menstruation May increase risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome
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For women using 21 or 28-day combination birth control pills.
| Number of pills missed | When pills were missed | What to do | Should I use a back-up method? |
| First 1-2 Pills | Beginning of Pack | Take a pill as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at usual time. | Yes |
| 1-2 Pills | Days 3-21 | Take the pill as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at the usual time. | No |
| 3 or more Pills | First 2 weeks | Take the pill as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at the usual time. | Yes |
| 3 or more Pills | Third week | Do not finish pack. Start new pack. | Yes |
For prescription birth control and free condoms
For free condoms (latex, latex-free, vegan), dental dams, Lube, and female condoms
AND you can request these safe sex supplies anonymously here
