Key takeaways
- Various methods can prevent pregnancy, including barrier methods, hormonal birth control, IUDs, and sterilization.
- Barrier methods like condoms are the only options that protect against STIs, while hormonal methods primarily prevent ovulation.
- Emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy after sex without a barrier method or birth control failure, but it shouldn’t replace regular birth control.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
Factors to consider when choosing birth control include how they work, how effective they are, and whether or not they protect a person from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
A person risks becoming pregnant every time they have sex without contraception, including the first time they ever have sex.
Some methods are available without a prescription, but most require one. Each form of birth control has advantages and disadvantages. Read on to learn more about the different types of contraception designed to help people avoid pregnancy.
Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg. They include:
1. Male condoms
Male and female condoms are the only types of contraception that protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
When used correctly, male condoms are approximately
To use a male condom correctly:
- Choose the correct size.
- Place the condom on the head of the erect penis. If uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back first.
- Pinch the tip of the condom to remove any air.
- Unroll the condom down the penis, being careful not to tear it.
- After intercourse, hold the base of the condom in place before pulling out of the vagina.
- Remove the condom and dispose of it. Never reuse a condom.
Most male condoms are made of latex, but other types are available for those with a latex allergy.
2. Female condoms
Female condoms are also available without a prescription. They can be used instead of a male condom, but should never be used with one. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), female condoms are about
3. Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception that a person places inside the vagina. It is important to apply spermicide to the diaphragm before each use.
When used correctly, diaphragms are 92 to 96 percent effective at preventing conception.
A person must insert the diaphragm a few hours before intercourse, leave it in place for 6 hours after sex, and remove it after 24 hours. Diaphragms do not protect against STIs.
4. Cervical cap
A cervical cap (sold as FemCap in the United States) is a soft silicone cup that is placed deep inside the vagina. It covers the cervix to stop sperm from reaching an egg.
The effectiveness of the cervical cap varies according to sources. It does not protect against STIs.
5. Sponge
The contraceptive sponge is a method of birth control that a person can buy without a prescription. Made of polyurethane foam and containing spermicide, the sponge is placed deep inside the vagina to block entry to the uterus.
Contraceptive sponges are typically less effective than other barrier methods.
6. Spermicide
Spermicide is a chemical that inactivates sperm. It is available to buy without a prescription and is used with forms of barrier contraception, such as condoms, but not with the sponge.
Hormonal forms of birth control prevent conception by stopping ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries. This type of contraception does not protect against STIs.
Most hormonal contraceptives are only available with a prescription from a doctor and, except for emergency contraception, it is not usually available online.
7. Contraceptive pills
Birth control pills are one of the
There are two forms of the pill:
- The combined pill, which contains estrogen and progestin: These should be taken daily, as per the instructions. The pill pack often contains some pills that are free of hormones. When taking these pills, a person will have a monthly period.
- The mini-pill, which contains only progestin: A person must take this pill at the same time every day without a break. Someone taking the mini-pill will not necessarily have a scheduled period.
Depending on how well a person uses them, these pills are 91 to 99 percent effective.
8. Patches
The contraceptive patch can be up to 99 percent effective when used correctly. With typical use, it is closer to
A person can place a contraceptive patch on the:
- back
- buttocks
- stomach
- upper arm
A person must wear each patch for 3 weeks, before removing it for 1 week to allow for a menstrual period. There is a small risk of skin irritation.
9. Injection
The contraceptive shot (Depo-Provera) is usually given by a doctor. It can last 8 to 13 weeks and is highly effective.
It may take up several months, or sometimes longer, for fertility to return to normal after a person stops getting the contraceptive shot.
10. Vaginal ring
The birth control ring known as the NuvaRing is over 99 percent effective when used correctly, but is typically less than 95 percent effective due to human error.
This small, plastic ring is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks. It releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy.
The ring must be removed for 7 days to allow for a menstrual period before inserting a new ring.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants are long-term contraceptive devices. These are highly effective at preventing pregnancy because there is little room for human error. However, they do not protect against STIs.
11. IUDs
An IUD is a small device that a doctor inserts into the uterus. There are two types of IUDs:
- Hormonal: Once fitted, an IUD lasts for at least 5 years before it needs replacing. IUD’s do not completely stop ovulation but act as contraception by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm entering the uterus, as well other hormonal changes. Brand names include Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla.
- Copper-based: Sold as ParaGard, this hormone-free IUD is covered in copper wire, which destroys sperm trying to enter the uterus. One IUD can prevent pregnancy for approximately 10 years.
Adverse reactions include spotting between periods, irregular periods, and menstrual cramps.
12. Implants
Implants are another form of hormonal birth control. A nurse or doctor inserts a matchstick-sized rod into a person’s arm to protect against pregnancy.
Implants work by releasing the hormone progestin into the body, which prevents ovulation. Implants must be replaced about every 3 years.
There are other methods of pregnancy prevention, with varying efficacy rates.
13. Natural family planning
The natural method of contraception involves tracking the menstrual cycle and avoiding sex when a person is in the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle.
An individual’s “fertile window” lasts for around 6 to 9 days per month and coincides with ovulation, which is the release of the egg.
Several methods are possible for natural family planning. Many people use the following signals to work out whether they are ovulating or are in their fertile window:
- measuring basal body temperature
- taking note of the quality and quantity of the cervical mucus
- logging the start and end times of their cycle details over several months
The risk of human error here is high, and as a result the overall efficacy rate of natural family planning is low.
14. Emergency contraception
In the case of sex without a barrier method or failed birth control, such as a broken condom, it is possible to use emergency contraception to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Emergency contraception should not be used in place of regular birth control methods.
There are two forms of emergency contraception:
- Emergency contraceptive pill: People must take a hormonal pill within 3 days of intercourse. The sooner a person takes it, the more effective it is, so a person should take it as soon as possible after having sex.
- Copper IUD: The ParaGard IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after sex to prevent pregnancy.
15. Sterilization
Both women and men can undergo procedures to reduce their fertility permanently. These procedures are typically over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, but they do not protect against STIs.
Men can get a vasectomy, which involves snipping the tubes that carry sperm. It is a minor procedure that does not require hospitalization. A vasectomy reversal is possible in some cases. However, fertility after reversal is not always fully restored.
Women can have a sterilization procedure known as tubal ligation. It involves clamping or sealing the fallopian tubes. The effects are usually permanent. In rare cases, tubes can reconnect and result in pregnancy.
There are many contraceptive options to help avoid pregnancy, ranging from barrier methods to hormonal pills, patches, and IUDs.
Different methods may work better for different people, and a person may try several options before working out the contraceptive strategies that work for them.
Methods of contraception vary in terms of their effectiveness. People who are sexually active should speak with their doctor about the available options, so they can choose the method that is best for them.
Finally, remember that male and female condoms are the only types of contraception that prevent STIs.