Birth Control Products

Learning about birth control is an important part of taking care of your health. Knowing your options helps you choose what fits your body, lifestyle, and future. 

What is birth control?

Birth control, or contraception, is any method used to help prevent pregnancy. Many birth control products are available. For a birth control product to work, it must be used the right way every time. Abstinence (not having sex) is the only way that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

How does birth control work?

Pregnancy can occur if an egg meets a sperm after having sex (intercourse). The fertilized egg travels to the uterus, where it starts growing into a baby. 

Birth control works in 3 main ways. It can:

• Stop sperm from reaching an egg
• Stop the release of an egg (ovulation)
• Stop a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus

Types of birth control

Each birth control method works in a different way to lower the risk of pregnancy. There is no one way that works best for everyone. 

Things to think about when choosing a birth control product include:

• Your health and any medical conditions
• Possible risks and side effects
• Comfort and convenience
• Protection against STIs

Talk to your health care provider about what may be right for you.

Barrier products

Barrier methods block sperm from reaching an egg. They do not contain hormones. 

Barrier methods include:

• Condoms (male and female): Thin latex or plastic barriers 
  • Pros: Condoms are easy to use and easy to get. Male latex condoms protect against STIs. 
  • Cons: You must use a new condom every time you have sex. They can also slip or break. “Natural” and “lambskin” condoms may not protect against STIs. Female condoms do not protect as well against STIs as male condoms.
• Diaphragm: Silicone cup placed over the cervix
  • Pros: You can insert the cup 1 – 2 hours before sex. It can be removed 6 – 24 hours after sex.
  • Cons: You must see a health care provider to have the diaphragm fitted to your body. A water-based spermicide (a chemical that can kill sperm or stop it from moving) must be used with a diaphragm. It does not protect against all STIs.
• Cervical cap: Silicone cup that fits in the cervix
  • Pros: You can insert a cervical cap 6 hours before sex. It can stay in place up to 48 hours. 
  • Cons: You must see a health care provider to have the cervical cap fitted to your body. You must use a spermicide with a cervical cap. It does not protect well against STIs.
• Sponge: Small, soft device that covers the cervix and contains spermicide
  • Pros: You can insert a sponge up to 24 hours before sex. No prescription is needed.
  • Cons: It must stay in place for at least 6 hours after sex. Then, the sponge must be removed within 30 hours. It does not protect against STIs. It may increase the risk of vaginal infections. It does not work as well for people who have given birth.

Hormonal products 

Hormonal birth control products use hormones to prevent ovulation, make cervical mucus thicker, or thin the uterus lining. This can make it hard for a sperm to reach an egg and helps prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.  

Hormonal products may also:

• Lower the risk of pregnancy
• Help regulate menstrual periods, cramping, and acne
• Cause side effects (like nausea, headaches, breast soreness, or mood changes)
• Not protect against STIs
• Be unsafe for people with certain health conditions

Hormonal products include:

• Birth control pills: Pills taken orally (by mouth) 
  • Pros: They are very effective when taken correctly. They may lower the risk of ovarian cysts and certain cancers. 
  • Cons: Birth control pills must be taken every day. Some must be taken every day at the same time. 
• Patch: A small, thin sticker that you wear on the skin 
  • Pros: The patch must be replaced 1 time every week. 
  • Cons: It may cause skin irritation. 
• Vaginal ring: A soft, bendable ring placed inside the vagina 
  • Pros: You can insert it yourself. It can stay in place for 3 weeks. It should then be taken out for 1 week.  
  • Cons: It may increase the risk of blood clots.
• Birth control shot: Hormone injection  
  • Pros: You get the shot 1 time every 3 months. 
  • Cons: It is only given at a clinic. It may cause temporary changes in menstrual periods. Your ability to get pregnant (fertility) may not return for several months after stopping the shot.
• Implant: Small rod placed under the skin
  • Pros: The implant can stay in place and work for 3 – 5 years. 
  • Cons: It must be inserted and removed by a health care provider. 

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) 

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device that is shaped like the letter T. It is inserted in the uterus. Different types of IUDs are available. Hormonal IUDs release hormones that prevent ovulation and change the uterine lining. Copper IUDs keep sperm from fertilizing an egg.  

• Pros: Hormonal IUDs may last 3 – 7 years. Copper IUDs may last 10 – 12 years. IUDs may help with menstrual periods. They can be removed any time. 
• Cons: Only a health care provider can place and remove an IUD. IUDs may cause cramping, irregular bleeding, changes in menstrual periods, or other side effects. 

Other birth control methods

Other options may lower the risk of pregnancy. They are not used every day like birth control and do not protect against STIs. They are not recommended as a main way to prevent pregnancy. These include:

• Withdrawal (pull-out): Removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation
  • Pros: No devices or hormones are needed.
  • Cons: Even if the penis is pulled out before ejaculation, sperm can still be in pre-ejaculate fluid and can cause pregnancy. Withdrawal does not protect against STIs. This method is not recommended to lower the risk of pregnancy. 
• Fertility awareness: Tracking menstrual cycles and fertility signs   
  • Pros: Fertility awareness or cycle tracking does not use hormones. It can be used with other methods.
  • Cons: It is hard to do correctly and is often inaccurate. It is much less effective than birth control products. It does not protect against STIs. This method is not recommended to lower the risk of pregnancy. 
• Emergency contraception (morning-after pill): Pill taken after sex for emergencies – like if a condom broke or you forgot your usual birth control.
  • Pros: It can be used in emergencies. Many do not need a prescription.
  • Cons: It is less effective than regular methods. It cannot be used often. It can cause minor side effects, such as nausea, headache, or changes to your next menstrual period.

Myths and Facts About Birth Control

Tips for choosing birth control

• Find a health care provider you trust: Talking about birth control can feel awkward. But a health care provider can explain your options, how to use a birth control product, and what side effects each has.
• Protect against STIs: When thinking about birth control, it is important to protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
• Be consistent: Use birth control products the right way every time to make sure they work as well as possible.
• Consider abstinence: The only way to protect 100% against pregnancy and STIs is to not have sex.

Questions to ask your health care provider

• Which birth control method is best for me?
• Are there health reasons I shouldn’t use certain methods?
• How effective is this method if I use it correctly?
• What side effects should I expect?
• Will this method protect me from STIs?
• How easy is it to start and stop this method?
• What should I do if I forget a dose or make a mistake?
• Do I need a parent’s permission or doctor’s prescription for birth control?
• Can I switch methods if I don’t like the one I am using?
• Who can I talk to if I have questions?
• How can I talk to my partner about birth control?

Find more information

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