Women's Health
Birth Control Methods
What is birth control?
Birth control encompasses a variety of methods, medications, and devices used to prevent pregnancy. Women have numerous options to choose from, each varying in effectiveness and implementation. The best choice depends on individual health, current and future family planning goals, and the need for protection against sexually transmitted infections.
There are many types of birth control available today and they work in different ways. A birth control method can only work if it is used correctly. It is important to learn some basic facts about each method so that you can make an informed decision as to which is best for you. Consulting with a healthcare provider will also help determine the most suitable birth control method for your specific situation.
Types of birth control
Women have various birth control methods to choose from, listed here from most to least effective:
- Sterilization (female tubal ligation or occlusion, male vasectomy): Permanent birth control through surgery or a medical procedure.
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) (intrauterine devices, hormonal implants): Once inserted by a doctor, these methods last 3 to 10 years and don't require daily or monthly attention.
- Short-acting hormonal methods (pill, mini pills, patch, shot, vaginal ring): Prescription methods that need daily or monthly use; the shot is administered by a doctor every 3 months.
- Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms, sponge, cervical cap): Used each time during sex to prevent pregnancy.
- Natural rhythm methods: Avoiding sex or using birth control on the most fertile days, identified through ovulation tests or fertility monitors.
Method details and effectiveness:
The effectiveness of the methods discussed below are estimations, with the exception of abstinence. Abstaining from sex and sexual contact is the only form of birth control that's 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Important Reminder
Birth control methods/devices, other than the condom, have no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms should be used along with birth control methods to help protect you and your partner from the spread of these diseases.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) is a method that can be used to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex if:
- You think your birth control failed
- You didn’t use contraception
- You were forced to have sex
Emergency contraceptive pills reduce the risk of getting pregnant from a single act of intercourse by roughly 89%.
Please Note
- EC should be used as soon as possible after unprotected sex, preferably within 72 hours of intercourse but up to 120 hours (5 days).
- EC will not work if you are already pregnant.
- EC is not as effective as birth control that’s used before/during sex. If you are sexually active or planning to be, don’t use EC as your only protection against pregnancy.
Here to Help
Our team is here to answer your questions and provide the support you need. If you need help regarding birth control methods, please contact us.