Find Your Birth Control
There are many options beyond the pill or condoms. We’re here to help you choose.
Start by picking your preferences for things like cost, hormones, hassle, and spontaneity below.
- Your options
Cervical Cap
1 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
Prescription onlyNo hormonesUse with spermicideNot enough review data. Review it!32%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearA small silicone cup that prevents pregnancy. The cervical cap is easy to use but not great at preventing pregnancy on its own. It's most effective (and recommended) when used with a spermicide, which can be irritating and messy.
Condoms
Over-the-counterNo hormones84%saidit'sworth it18%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearSlips over the penis to prevent pregnancy and reduce risk of STDs. Condoms are easy to use, easy to get, and a great way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.
Diaphragm
2 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
Prescription onlyNo hormonesUse with spermicide61%saidit'sworth it12%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearA silicone cup that prevents pregnancy. The diaphragm is easy to use, but needs to be inserted into the vagina correctly. It's most effective (and recommended) when used with a spermicide, which can be irritating and messy.
Emergency Contraception
5 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
Prescription or OTCMultiple hormones73%saidit'sworth it2%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearUsed to prevent pregnancy up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is commonly known as "the morning after pill," which works by delaying or preventing ovulation. Less common methods of EC are the copper IUD and the Yuzpe method. Emergency contraception IS NOT the abortion pill.
Female Condom
Over-the-counterNo hormonesUse with spermicideNot enough review data. Review it!21%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearA pouch inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy and reduce risk of STDs. Also known as an internal condom because it goes inside the vagina. Works like the male condom, is cheap and prevents STDs.
Female Sterilization
5 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
No hormonesNot enough review data. Review it!0.5%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearPermanent surgical procedure for women to prevent pregnancy. Invasive or non-invasive sterlization is a one-and-done procedure to stop reproductive function of a woman's body. It's highly effective and irreversible.
Fertility Awareness
6 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
No hormones100%saidit'sworth it24%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearTracking ovulation as a way to prevent pregnancy. The fertility awareness method (FAM) - also referred to as rhythm method or natural family planning - requires observing and understanding your body in order to determine when your body is ovulating, or can get pregnant. It's hard to get right, so it isn't as effective as most other types of birth control.
IUD
4 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
Prescription onlyMultiple hormones79%saidit'sworth it0.8%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearA small T-shaped device that's inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. The "intrauterine device" is one of the most hassle-free and effective methods of birth control. It's a small plastic or copper device inserted inside your uterus, and lasts between 3-12 years, depending on type.
Implant
1 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
Prescription onlyProgestin-only64%saidit'sworth it0.05%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearA small plastic implant that prevents pregnancy. The implant is one of the most hassle-free and effective long-term methods of birth control. The procedure can be intimidating for some people as a small hormone-releasing rod is inserted under the skin of your upper arm.
Shot
1 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
Prescription or OTCProgestin-only75%saidit'sworth it6%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearThe shot is a hormone injection that prevents pregnancy. The shot, also called Depo, is an effective method of birth control that has to be done every 3 months. Your health care provider can give you the shot or you can do it yourself at home.
Male Sterilization
6 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
No hormonesNot enough review data. Review it!0.15%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearPermanent surgical procedure for men to prevent fertility. Invasive or non-invasive sterlization is a one-and-done procedure to stop reproductive function of a man's body. It's highly effective and irreversible.
Patch
1 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
Prescription onlyProgestin-only58%saidit'sworth it9%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearA small adhesive patch that sticks to your skin to prevent pregnancy. The patch is an effective form of combination birth control (containing estrogen and progestin) that looks like a small sticker; it needs to be replaced at the same time and day every week. It is very effective if used correctly but may be less effective for some women such as those over 198 lb or taking certain medications.
The Pill
87 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
Prescription onlyMultiple hormones79%saidit'sworth it9%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearA pill taken every day to prevent pregnancy. The pill is one of the most popular forms of hormonal birth control. It's easy to get a prescription for and highly effective when used correctly.
Ring
1 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
Prescription onlyProgestin-only74%saidit'sworth it9%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearA small, flexible ring inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. The ring is an effective form of combination birth control that's inserted and kept inside the vagina, releasing low doses of hormones over 3 weeks – but prevents pregnancy for a whole month. It's very effective if used correctly and may have fewer side effects since it contains lower doses of hormones.
Spermicide
Over-the-counterNo hormonesNot enough review data. Review it!28%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearA chemical substance that kills sperm to prevent pregnancy. Spermicide comes in many forms, like creams or suppositories, and are usually used with barrier contraceptives to increase the effectiveness of preventing pregnancy.
Sponge
1 brand(s) or procedure(s) available for this method
Over-the-counterNo hormones40%saidit'sworth it24%of people using this method got pregnant in a yearA round piece of foam inserted into the vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy. The sponge may be more of a hassle than other methods of birth control, but it does not contain any hormones so you will get fewer side effects.
Pull out, cross fingers. Withdrawal means pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. This is often easier said than done.