Birth Control Options

Birth control is also called contraception. Birth control prevents pregnancy.

There are many types of birth control. Work with your health care provider to find the best option for you.

Birth control that uses hormones

These types of birth control have hormones in them to prevent pregnancy.

Birth control implant

This is a small tube that is put into the skin of your arm. The tube can stay in for up to 3 years.

Birth control shot

These are shots you get every 3 months.

Birth control pills

This is a pill you take every day. You need to take it at the same time each day.

Birth control patch

This is a patch that you put on your skin. You change it 1 time each week for 3 weeks. After that, you take the patch off for 1 week.

Vaginal ring

This is a soft plastic ring that you put in your vagina. The ring is left in for 3 weeks. Then, you take it out for 1 week. Then, you put a new ring in.

Barrier methods

Male condom

This is a thin covering that you put on the penis before sex. The condom is thrown away after sex.

Female condom

This is a soft, loose covering that you put in the vagina before sex. The condom is thrown away after sex.

Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a soft barrier that is shaped like a bowl. It must be made to fit your body. You put it in the vagina before sex with a chemical that kills sperm called spermicide. A diaphragm should be left in the vagina for 6–8 hours after sex and taken out within 24 hours.

You need to replace a diaphragm:

Every 1–2 years.
After giving birth.
After gaining more than 15 lb (6.8 kg).
If you have surgery on your pelvis.

Cervical cap

This is a small, soft cup that fits over the cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus. It's put in the vagina before sex, along with spermicide. The cap must be made for you. The cap should be left in for 6–8 hours after sex. It is taken out within 48 hours.

A cervical cap must be prescribed and fit to your body by a provider. It should be replaced every 2 years.

Sponge

This is a small sponge that is put into the vagina before sex. It must be left in for at least 6 hours after sex. It must be taken out within 30 hours and thrown away.

Spermicides

These are chemicals that kill or stop sperm from getting into the uterus. They may be a pill, cream, jelly, or foam that you put into your vagina. They should be used at least 10–15 minutes before sex.

Intrauterine device

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a device that's put in the uterus by a provider. There are two types:

Hormone IUD. This kind can stay in for 3–5 years.
Copper IUD. This kind can stay in for 10 years.

Permanent birth control

Female tubal ligation

This is surgery to block the fallopian tubes.

Male sterilization

This is a surgery, called a vasectomy, to tie off the tubes that carry sperm in men. This method takes 3 months to work. Other forms of birth control must be used for 3 months.

Natural planning methods

This means not having sex on the days the female partner could get pregnant. Here are some types of natural planning birth control:

Using a calendar:
- To keep track of the length of each menstrual cycle.
- To find out what days pregnancy can happen.
- To plan to not have sex on days when pregnancy can happen.
Watching for signs of ovulation and not having sex during this time. The female partner can check for ovulation by keeping track of their temperature each day. They can also look for changes in the mucus that comes from the cervix.

Where to find more information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov. Then:
- Enter "birth control" in the search box.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.