BIRTH CONTROL METHODS

The patch delivers hormones through a patch worn on the back, butt, upper arm, or belly.

2 options: Twirla and Xulane

Replaced every 3 weeks and left off during the week of your period.

93% effective if used correctly

Pro: convenient due to monthly replacement

Con: weight may impact effectiveness

Contraceptive injection that pauses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus.

Given every 3 months in a doctors office or at home

Depo is a popular option

96% effective

Pro: convenient, only 4 shots per year!

Con: fertility may take up to 10 months to return following cessation of the shot

Flexible rod placed under the skin in the upper arm, pauses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus

Can be removed at any time in a doctors office

Nexplanon is one option

99% effective

Pro: lasts up to 5 years

Con: light spotting is common in first 6 to 12 months

Inserted into the vagina and releases estrogen and progestin to pause ovulation and thicken cervical mucus

2 kinds, Nuvaring and Annovera

Left in for 21 days and left out for a week

93% effective when used correctly

Pro: self inserted, no doctors visit needed other than for the prescription

Con: common side effects as with any birth control: sore breasts, nausea, spotting, and health affects

A small piece of flexible plastic shaped like a T inserted into the uterus by a doctor.

Either hormonal or non-hormonal.

Non-hormonal IUD's are wrapped in copper and can be used for 12 years.

Hormonal IUD's use progestin to prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and pausing ovulation

99% effective

Pros: long term and one of most effective forms

Cons: potentially painful insertion, cramping, spotting, or irregular periods

Thin, stretchy pouch worn on the penis during sexual intercourse to prevent sperm entering the vagina

3 types, latex, non-latex, & lambskin.

Lambskin condoms to do not protect against STD's or STI's like latex and non-latex condoms

Most effective when combined with another form

Around 87% effective

Pros: protects against STD's, no side effects, cost effective

Con: can break during intercourse

Hormonal medication delivered through a daily pill. 

Two types, combination which includes both estrogen and progestin, or progestin-only pill.

Most effective when taken at the same time everyday.

93% effective when used correctly

Pros: can prevent acne, anemia, and cysts in breasts and ovaries

Con: effectiveness lessens if not taken at the same time each day, less convenient

Inserted into the vagina for protection against pregnancy & STI's.

Most effective when combined with another form.

79% effective.

Pro: can help prevent STI's 

Shallow, bendable cup inserted into vagina that covers the cervix

For best use, combine with spermicide gel

Must be inserted 2 hours prior to sex and left in for 6 hours after

83% effective

Pro: effective immediately

Con: does not protect against STI's, can cost up to $250 without insurance

Chemical gel or cream used in the vagina prior to sex that prevents sperm from swimming to eggs

Gel applied 10-15 minutes before sex

79% effective

Pros: cheap, non-hormonal, does not need prescription

Cons: does not protect against STI's, may cause UTI's, only lasts 1 hour

Safe way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex

Must take within 5 days of unprotected sex

Two types, ella and Plan B

• ella is the most effective, but needs a prescription and doesn't work if you are over 195 pounds​

• Plan B works best if used within 3 days, are over the counter, but won't work if you are over 165 pounds

Pros: no serious complications reported or long term side effects

Cons: side effects like bleeding between periods or nausea