The Short Answer
There are many birth control options available, each with different effectiveness rates, side effects, and requirements. The most effective methods are IUDs and implants (99%+ effective), while pills, patches, and rings are 91-99% effective with typical use. The best option depends on your lifestyle, health, and preferences.
Key Points:
- Multiple options available with different effectiveness rates
- Consider lifestyle, health, and preferences when choosing
- Most methods are highly effective when used correctly
- Talk to your healthcare provider about the best option for you
Birth Control Effectiveness Comparison
| Method | Perfect Use | Typical Use | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUD (Hormonal) | 99.8% | 99.8% | 3-7 years |
| IUD (Copper) | 99.2% | 99.2% | 10+ years |
| Implant | 99.95% | 99.95% | 3-5 years |
| Birth Control Pills | 99.7% | 91% | Daily |
| Patch | 99.7% | 91% | Weekly |
| Vaginal Ring | 99.7% | 91% | Monthly |
| Shot (Depo) | 99.8% | 94% | 3 months |
| Condoms (Male) | 98% | 82% | Per use |
| Condoms (Female) | 95% | 79% | Per use |
Hormonal Birth Control Methods
Birth Control Pills
How it works: Daily pill containing hormones that prevent ovulation
Types: Combination (estrogen + progestin) or progestin-only
Effectiveness: 91-99.7%
Duration: Daily
Cost: $0-50/month
Pros:
- Highly effective when taken correctly
- Can improve acne and regulate periods
- Reversible immediately
- No insertion procedure needed
Cons:
- Must remember to take daily
- May cause side effects
- Requires prescription
- Can be affected by other medications
Birth Control Patch
How it works: Hormone-releasing patch worn on skin
Types: Combination hormones (estrogen + progestin)
Effectiveness: 91-99.7%
Duration: Change weekly
Cost: $0-80/month
Pros:
- Only need to remember weekly
- Highly effective
- No daily pill to remember
- Can improve acne and periods
Cons:
- May cause skin irritation
- Visible on skin
- Can fall off
- May cause side effects
Vaginal Ring
How it works: Flexible ring inserted in vagina that releases hormones
Types: Combination hormones (estrogen + progestin)
Effectiveness: 91-99.7%
Duration: Change monthly
Cost: $0-80/month
Pros:
- Only need to remember monthly
- Highly effective
- Can't feel it during sex
- Can improve acne and periods
Cons:
- Must be comfortable inserting/removing
- May cause vaginal irritation
- Can fall out
- May cause side effects
Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)
How it works: Hormone injection given every 3 months
Types: Progestin-only
Effectiveness: 94-99.8%
Duration: 3 months
Cost: $0-100/3 months
Pros:
- Only need injection every 3 months
- Highly effective
- No daily/weekly/monthly maintenance
- Can reduce or stop periods
Cons:
- Must visit healthcare provider every 3 months
- May cause weight gain
- May cause irregular bleeding
- Can take up to 10 months to return to fertility
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Hormonal IUD
How it works: Small T-shaped device inserted in uterus that releases hormones
Types: Progestin-only (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla)
Effectiveness: 99.8%
Duration: 3-7 years
Cost: $0-1,300 (one-time)
Pros:
- Most effective birth control method
- Long-lasting (3-7 years)
- Can reduce or stop periods
- Reversible immediately after removal
Cons:
- Requires insertion procedure
- May cause cramping during insertion
- May cause irregular bleeding initially
- Requires healthcare provider for removal
Copper IUD
How it works: Copper device inserted in uterus that prevents pregnancy
Types: Non-hormonal (Paragard)
Effectiveness: 99.2%
Duration: 10+ years
Cost: $0-1,300 (one-time)
Pros:
- No hormones
- Long-lasting (10+ years)
- Highly effective
- Reversible immediately after removal
Cons:
- May cause heavier periods
- May cause more cramping
- Requires insertion procedure
- Requires healthcare provider for removal
Birth Control Implant
How it works: Small rod inserted under skin in arm that releases hormones
Types: Progestin-only (Nexplanon)
Effectiveness: 99.95%
Duration: 3-5 years
Cost: $0-1,300 (one-time)
Pros:
- Most effective birth control method
- Long-lasting (3-5 years)
- Can reduce or stop periods
- Reversible immediately after removal
Cons:
- May cause irregular bleeding
- May cause mood changes
- Requires insertion/removal procedure
- May cause weight gain
Barrier Methods
Male Condoms
How it works: Latex or polyurethane sheath worn over penis
Types: Latex, polyurethane, lambskin
Effectiveness: 82-98%
Duration: Per use
Cost: $0.50-2.00 per use
Pros:
- Protects against STIs
- No prescription needed
- Immediately reversible
- Widely available
Cons:
- Must use every time
- Can break or slip off
- May reduce sensation
- Requires partner cooperation
Female Condoms
How it works: Polyurethane pouch inserted in vagina
Types: Polyurethane
Effectiveness: 79-95%
Duration: Per use
Cost: $2-4 per use
Pros:
- Protects against STIs
- No prescription needed
- Woman controls use
- Can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex
Cons:
- Must use every time
- Can be difficult to insert
- May reduce sensation
- More expensive than male condoms
Diaphragm
How it works: Silicone cup inserted in vagina to cover cervix
Types: Silicone with spermicide
Effectiveness: 71-88%
Duration: Per use
Cost: $0-75 (one-time) + spermicide
Pros:
- No hormones
- Reusable
- Can be inserted up to 2 hours before sex
- Woman controls use
Cons:
- Must use with spermicide
- Requires fitting by healthcare provider
- Must be left in place for 6 hours after sex
- May cause urinary tract infections
Natural Family Planning Methods
Fertility Awareness Methods
How it works: Tracking fertility signs to avoid sex during fertile days
Types: Calendar, cervical mucus, basal body temperature
Effectiveness: 76-88%
Duration: Daily tracking
Cost: $0-50 (for tracking tools)
Pros:
- No hormones or devices
- No side effects
- Can help understand your cycle
- Immediately reversible
Cons:
- Requires daily tracking
- Less effective than other methods
- Requires abstinence during fertile days
- Can be affected by illness or stress
Emergency Contraception
Plan B (Levonorgestrel)
How it works: High-dose progestin pill taken after unprotected sex
Types: Over-the-counter emergency contraception
Effectiveness: 75-89% (within 72 hours)
Duration: Single use
Cost: $10-50
Pros:
- Available over-the-counter
- Can be taken up to 72 hours after
- No prescription needed
- Safe for most people
Cons:
- Less effective than regular birth control
- May cause nausea or irregular bleeding
- More effective the sooner it's taken
- Not a regular birth control method
Copper IUD as Emergency Contraception
How it works: Copper IUD inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex
Types: Paragard copper IUD
Effectiveness: 99.9% (within 5 days)
Duration: 10+ years of protection
Cost: $0-1,300
Pros:
- Most effective emergency contraception
- Provides long-term birth control
- No hormones
- Can be used up to 5 days after
Cons:
- Requires healthcare provider insertion
- May cause cramping
- More expensive than pills
- Requires appointment
How to Choose the Right Method
Consider These Factors:
- Effectiveness: How important is it to avoid pregnancy?
- Lifestyle: Can you remember to take a pill daily?
- Side effects: Are you comfortable with potential side effects?
- Cost: What's your budget for birth control?
- Duration: Do you want short-term or long-term protection?
- Health conditions: Do you have any medical conditions that affect your options?
- Future plans: When do you want to have children?
Getting Started
Steps to Get Birth Control:
- Research your options - Use this guide to understand different methods
- Talk to your healthcare provider - Discuss your options and health history
- Get a prescription - Most hormonal methods require a prescription
- Start your method - Follow instructions carefully
- Monitor side effects - Track any changes and report concerns
- Follow up - Schedule regular check-ups as recommended