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Birth control methods fact sheet
- What is the best method of birth control (or contraception)?
- What are the different types of birth control?
- Can all types of birth control prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
- How well do different kinds of birth control work? Do they have side effects?
- Where can I get birth control? Do I need to see a doctor?
- Are there any foams or gels I can use to keep from getting pregnant?
- How effective is withdrawal as a birth control method?
- Everyone I know is on the pill. Is it safe?
- Will birth control pills protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS?
- I've heard my girlfriends talking about dental dams — what are they?
- More information on birth control methods
What is the best method of birth control (or contraception)?
There is no "best" method of birth control. Each method has its pros and cons.
All women and men can have control over when, and if, they become parents. Making choices about birth control, or contraception, isn't easy. There are many things to think about. To get started, learn about birth control methods you or your partner can use to prevent pregnancy. You can also talk with your doctor about the choices.
Before choosing a birth control method, think about:
- Your overall health
- How often you have sex
- The number of sex partners you have
- If you want to have children someday
- How well each method works to prevent pregnancy
- Possible side effects
- Your comfort level with using the method
Keep in mind, even the most effective birth control methods can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lowest if the method you choose always is used correctly and every time you have sex.
What are the different types of birth control?
You can choose from many methods of birth control. They are grouped by how they work:
Types of birth control
- Contraceptive sponge
- Diaphragm, cervical cap, and cervical shield
- Female condom
- Male condom
- Oral contraceptives — combined pill ("The pill")
- Oral contraceptives — progestin-only pill ("Mini-pill")
- The patch
- Shot/injection
- Vaginal ring
- Implantable rods
- Intrauterine devices
- Sterilization implant
- Surgical sterilization
Detailed information on each type is provided in the following charts. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about any of the choices.
Natural family planning/rhythm method |
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This method is when you do not have sex or use a barrier method on the days you are most fertile (most likely to become pregnant). You can read about barrier methods in the following chart. A woman who has a regular menstrual cycle has about 9 or more days each month when she is able to get pregnant. These fertile days are about 5 days before and 3 days after ovulation, as well as the day of ovulation. To have success with this method, you need to learn about your menstrual cycle. Then you can learn to predict which days you are fertile or "unsafe." To learn about your cycle, keep a written record of:
This method also involves checking your cervical mucus and recording your body temperature each day. Cervical mucus is the discharge from your vagina. You are most fertile when it is clear and slippery like raw egg whites. Use a basal thermometer to take your temperature and record it in a chart. Your temperature will rise 0.4 to 0.8° F on the first day of ovulation. You can talk with your doctor or a natural family planning instructor to learn how to record and understand this information. |
Hormonal methods — Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or implantation of the fertilized egg |
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Oral contraceptives — combined pill ("The pill") The pill contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. It is taken daily to keep the ovaries from releasing an egg. The pill also causes changes in the lining of the uterus and the cervical mucus to keep the sperm from joining the egg. Some women prefer the "extended cycle" pills. These have 12 weeks of pills that contain hormones (active) and 1 week of pills that don't contain hormones (inactive). While taking extended cycle pills, women only have their period three to four times a year. Many types of oral contraceptives are available. Talk with your doctor about which is best for you. Your doctor may advise you not to take the pill if you:
Antibiotics may reduce how well the pill works in some women. Talk to your doctor about a backup method of birth control if you need to take antibiotics. Women should wait three weeks after giving birth to begin using birth control that contains both estrogen and progestin. These methods increase the risk of dangerous blood clots that could form after giving birth. Women who delivered by cesarean section or have other risk factors for blood clots, such as obesity, history of blood clots, smoking, or preeclampsia, should wait six weeks. |
The patch Also called by its brand name, Ortho Evra, this skin patch is worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, outer arm, or upper body. It releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs in most women. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining with the egg. You put on a new patch once a week for 3 weeks. You don't use a patch the fourth week in order to have a period. Women should wait three weeks after giving birth to begin using birth control that contains both estrogen and progestin. These methods increase the risk of dangerous blood clots that could form after giving birth. Women who delivered by cesarean section or have other risk factors for blood clots, such as obesity, history of blood clots, smoking, or preeclampsia, should wait six weeks. |
Shot/injection The birth control shot often is called by its brand name Depo-Provera. With this method you get injections, or shots, of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or arm every 3 months. A new type is injected under the skin. The birth control shot stops the ovaries from releasing an egg in most women. It also causes changes in the cervix that keep the sperm from joining with the egg. The shot should not be used more than 2 years in a row because it can cause a temporary loss of bone density. The loss increases the longer this method is used. The bone does start to grow after this method is stopped. But it may increase the risk of fracture and osteoporosis if used for a long time. |
Vaginal ring This is a thin, flexible ring that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from joining the egg. It is commonly called NuvaRing, its brand name. You squeeze the ring between your thumb and index finger and insert it into your vagina. You wear the ring for 3 weeks, take it out for the week that you have your period, and then put in a new ring. Women should wait three weeks after giving birth to begin using birth control that contains both estrogen and progestin. These methods increase the risk of dangerous blood clots that could form after giving birth. Women who delivered by cesarean section or have other risk factors for blood clots, such as obesity, history of blood clots, smoking, or preeclampsia, should wait six weeks. |
Can all types of birth control prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No. The male latex condom is the only birth control method proven to help protect you from STIs, including HIV. Research is being done to find out how effective the female condom is at preventing STIs and HIV. For more information, see Will birth control pills protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS?
How well do different kinds of birth control work? Do they have side effects?
All birth control methods work the best if used correctly and every time you have sex. Be sure you know the right way to use them. Sometimes doctors don't explain how to use a method because they assume you already know. Talk with your doctor if you have questions. They are used to talking about birth control. So don't feel embarrassed about talking to him or her.
Some birth control methods can take time and practice to learn. For example, some people don't know you can put on a male condom "inside out." Also, not everyone knows you need to leave a little space at the tip of the condom for the sperm and fluid when a man ejaculates, or has an orgasm.
Here is a list of some birth control methods with their failure rates and possible side effects.
Method | Failure rate (the number of pregnancies expected per 100 women) | Some side effects and risks |
---|---|---|
Sterilization surgery for women |
Less than 1 pregnancy |
|
Sterilization implant for women |
Less than 1 pregnancy |
|
Sterilization surgery for men |
Less than 1 pregnancy |
|
Implantable rod |
Less than 1 pregnancy Might not work as well for women who are overweight or obese. |
|
Intrauterine device |
Less than 1 pregnancy |
|
Shot/injection |
Less than 1 pregnancy |
|
Oral contraceptives (combination pill, or "the pill") |
5 pregnancies Being overweight may increase the chance of getting pregnant while using the pill.
|
|
Oral contraceptives (continuous/extended use, or "no-period pill") |
5 pregnancies Being overweight may increase the chance of getting pregnant while using the pill. |
|
Oral contraceptives (progestin-only pill, or "mini-pill") |
5 pregnancies Being overweight may increase the chance of getting pregnant while using the pill. |
|
Skin patch |
5 pregnancies May not work as well in women weighing more than 198 pounds. |
|
Vaginal ring (NuvaRing) |
5 pregnancies |
|
Male condom |
11-16 pregnancies |
|
Diaphragm with spermicide |
15 pregnancies |
|
Sponge with spermicide (Today Sponge) |
16-32 pregnancies |
|
Cervical cap with spermicide |
17-23 pregnancies |
|
Female condom |
20 pregnancies |
|
Natural family planning (rhythm method) |
25 pregnancies |
None
|
Spermicide alone |
30 pregnancies It works best if used along with a barrier method, such as a condom. |
|
Emergency contraception ("morning-after pill," "Plan B One-Step," "Next Choice") |
1 pregnancy It must be used within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. Should not be used as regular birth control; only in emergencies. |
|
Where can I get birth control? Do I need to see a doctor?
Where you get birth control depends on what method you choose.
You can buy these forms over the counter:
- Male condoms
- Female condoms
- Sponges
- Spermicides
- Emergency contraception pills (girls younger than 17 need a prescription)
You need a prescription for these forms:
- Oral contraceptives: the pill, the mini-pill
- Skin patch
- Vaginal ring
- Diaphragm (your doctor needs to fit one to your shape)
- Cervical cap
- Cervical shield
- Shot/injection (you get the shot at your doctor's office)
- IUD (inserted by a doctor)
- Implantable rod (inserted by a doctor)
You will need surgery or a medical procedure for:
- Sterilization, female and male
Are there any foams or gels I can use to keep from getting pregnant?
You can buy spermicides over the counter. They work by killing sperm. They come in many forms:
- Foam
- Gel
- Cream
- Film
- Suppository
- Tablet
Spermicides are put in the vagina no more than 1 hour before having sex. If you use a film, suppository, or tablet, wait at least 15 minutes before having sex so the spermicide can dissolve. Do not douche or rinse out your vagina for at least 6 to 8 hours after having sex. You will need to use more spermicide each time you have sex.
Spermicides work best if used along with a barrier method, such as a condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. Some spermicides are made just for use with the diaphragm and cervical cap. Check the package to make sure you are buying what you need.
All spermicides contain sperm-killing chemicals. Some contain nonoxynol-9, which may raise your risk of HIV if you use it a lot. It irritates the tissue in the vagina and anus, so it can cause the HIV virus to enter the body more freely. Some women are sensitive to nonoxynol-9 and need to use spermicides without it. Medications for vaginal yeast infections may lower the effectiveness of spermicides. Also, spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
How effective is withdrawal as a birth control method?
Not very! Withdrawal is when a man takes his penis out of a woman's vagina (or "pulls out") before he ejaculates, or has an orgasm. This stops the sperm from going to the egg. "Pulling out" can be hard for a man to do. It takes a lot of self-control.
Even if you use withdrawal, sperm can be released before the man pulls out. When a man's penis first becomes erect, pre-ejaculate fluid may be on the tip of the penis. This fluid has sperm in it. So you could still get pregnant.
Withdrawal does not protect you from STIs or HIV.
Everyone I know is on the pill. Is it safe?
Today's pills have lower doses of hormones than ever before. This has greatly lowered the risk of side effects. But there are still pros and cons with taking birth control pills. Pros include having:
- More regular and lighter periods
- Fewer menstrual cramps
- A lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), noncancerous ovarian cysts, and iron deficiency anemia
Cons include a higher chance, for some women, of:
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, and blood clots
- Nausea, headaches, sore breasts, and weight gain
- Irregular bleeding
- Depression
Many of these side effects go away after taking the pill for a few months. Women who smoke, are older than 35, or have a history of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancer are more at risk of bad side effects and may not be able to take the pill. Talk with your doctor about whether the pill is right for you.
Will birth control pills protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS?
No, they won't protect you. Birth control pills and most other birth control methods will not protect you from STIs, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). They only protect against pregnancy.
The male latex condom is the best birth control method that also can protect you from STIs, including HIV. If you are allergic to latex, polyurethane condoms are a good alternative. If your partner can't or won't use a male condom, female condoms also create a barrier that can help protect you from STIs.
It is important to only use latex or polyurethane condoms to protect you from STIs. "Natural" or "lambskin" condoms have tiny pores that may allow for the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B, and herpes. If you use non-lubricated male condoms for vaginal or anal sex, you can add lubrication with water-based lubricants (like K-Y jelly) that you can buy at a drug store. Never use oil-based products, such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly, to lubricate a male condom. These will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break. Use a new condom with each sex act.
I've heard my girlfriends talking about dental dams — what are they?
The dental dam is a square piece of rubber that is used by dentists during oral surgery and other procedures. It is not a method of birth control. But it can be used to help protect people from STIs, including HIV, during oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex. It is placed over the opening to the vagina or the anus before having oral sex. You can buy dental dams at surgical supply stores.
More information on birth control methods
For more information about birth control methods, call womenshealth.gov at 800-994-9662 (TDD: 888-220-5446) or contact the following organizations:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Phone: 800-762-2264 x 349 (for publications requests only) - Food and Drug Administration
Phone: 888-463-6332 - Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Phone: 800-230-7526 - Population Council
Phone: 212-339-0500
The information on our website is provided by the U.S. federal government and is in the public domain. This public information is not copyrighted and may be reproduced without permission, though citation of each source is appreciated.
Content last reviewed March 6, 2009.
Content last updated November 21, 2011.
womenshealth.gov
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