Oral Contraceptives
Combined oral contraceptives
Combined oral contraceptives—Also called “the pill,” combined oral contraceptives contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. This form of the pill prevents ovulation (which is necessary for a pregnancy to happen) which means your ovaries do not release an egg. It is prescribed by a licensed medical provider. A pill is taken at the same time each day. If you are older than 35 years and smoke, have a history of blood clots or breast cancer, your doctor may advise you not to take the pill. This form of contraceptive does not protect against any form of STI. Typical use failure rate: 7%.
Progestin only pill
Progestin only pill—Unlike the combined pill, the progestin-only pill (sometimes called the mini-pill) only has one hormone, progestin, instead of both estrogen and progestin. This does still stop ovulation but not consistently. It also works by a thickening of the cervix making it difficult for sperm to enter. It is prescribed by a licensed medical provider. It is taken at the same time each day. It may be a good option for women who can’t take estrogen. Like the estrogen-based pill, this form of birth control does not offer any protection against STI transmission. Typical use failure rate: 7%.
Injection or “shot”
Injection or “shot”—Women get injections of the hormone progestin into the buttocks or arm every three months from their licensed medical provider. This form of birth control provides no protection against STD/STI transmission. Typical use failure rate: 4%.
IUD
Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUD)
Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUD)—The LNG IUD is a small T-shaped device like the Copper T IUD. It is placed inside the uterus by a licensed medical provider. It releases a small amount of progestin each day to prevent ovulation and pregnancy. The LNG IUD can stay in your uterus for 3 to 6 years, depending on the device and your preference. Typical use failure rate: 0.1-0.4%.
Copper T intrauterine device (IUD)
Copper T intrauterine device (IUD)—This IUD is a small device that is shaped in the form of a “T.” A licensed medical provider places it inside the uterus to prevent ovulation and pregnancy. It can stay in your uterus for up to 10 years. Typical use failure rate: 0.8%.
Barrier Methods
Male condom
Male condom—Worn by the man, a male condom keeps sperm from getting into a woman’s body. Latex condoms, the most common type, help prevent pregnancy, HIV and other STDs, as do the newer synthetic condoms. “Natural” or “lambskin” condoms also help prevent pregnancy, but may not provide protection against STDs, including HIV. Typical use failure rate: 13% Condoms can only be used once. You can buy condoms, KY jelly, or water-based lubricants at a drug store. Do not use oil-based lubricants such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly with latex condoms. They will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break.
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods
Fertility awareness-based methods
“Family Planning”—Understanding your fertility cycle can help you plan to get pregnant or avoid getting pregnant. Your fertility pattern is the number of days in the month when you are fertile (able to get pregnant), days when you are infertile, and days when fertility is unlikely, but possible. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, you have about nine or more fertile days each month. If you do not want to get pregnant, you do not have sex on the days you are fertile, or you use a barrier method of birth control on those days. Failure rates vary across these methods. Range of typical use failure rates: 2-23%.
- Contraception. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Dec. 6, 2019.
- Birth control methods. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. Accessed Dec. 6, 2019.
- Dehlendorf C. Contraceptive counseling and selection for women. Accessed Dec. 6, 2019.
- Hatcher RA, et al. Choosing among contraceptive methods. In: Managing Contraception 2019-2020: For your pocket. 15th ed. Bridging the Gap Foundation; 2020.
- Hatcher RA, et al., eds. Efficacy, safety, and personal considerations. In: Contraceptive Technology. 21st ed. Ayer Company Publishers; 2018.
- AskMayoExpert. Contraception. Mayo Clinic; 2019.