Which birth control is right for you?
Barrier methods that can be used with other methods
→ hormonal
Uses hormones to keep the ovaries from releasing eggs while thickening the cervical mucus to block sperm from getting to the eggs
Cervical cap
Effective immediately, no hormones, can be inserted up to 6 hours before sex
Cervical caps are dome-shaped silicone cup that you insert into your vagina before sex that covers your cervix to block sperm. They are about an inch and a half wide and once inch high. FemCaps is the only brand that is available right now. For the cervical cap to be the most effective, you need to use spermicide with it.
Condoms
Effective immediately, no hormones, and protects against STIs
Condoms are a thin, loose-fitting pouch or sheath that protects against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They create a barrier that stops semen and other body fluids from entering the vagina, rectum, or mouth. Types of condoms include external condoms and internal condoms. Condoms can be paired with another form of birth control for extra pregnancy protection.
Diaphragm
Effective immediately, no hormones, can be inserted up to 6 hours before sex
Diaphragms are a dome-shaped silicone cup that can be placed in the vagina to cover the cervix to keep sperm out of the uterus. They are about few inches in diameter. For diaphragms to work effectively, you will need to use spermicide.
Sponge
Effective immediately, no hormones, can be inserted up to 24 hours before sex
The sponge is a round piece of plastic foam with an imprint on one side and a nylon loop across the top. It is about two inches across. The sponge gets placed in the vagina before sex. It blocks the cervix to keep sperm from getting to the uterus and releases spermicide.
See each of the Non-hormonal birth control methods listed above compared side-by-side. Note, NHBCs are barrier methods that can be used with other methods.
The pill
Easy to use, doesn’t interrupt the heat of the moment, and can have positive side effects
bedsider.orgThe pill is an oral contraceptive that you take every single day at the same time. There are lots of different kinds of the pill. They all work by releasing hormones that keep your ovaries from releasing an egg each month and thicken your cervical mucus to block sperm from getting to an egg.
The patch
Easy to use, works like the pill, but only have to worry about it once a week
The patch is a thin, beige, piece of plastic that is little less than two inches across. You stick it on your skin every week and then leave it off the fourth week. It gives off hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs and by thickening your cervical mucus to help block sperm from getting to an egg.
The shot
Effective immediately, long-lasting, private, a good hormonal choice for those who can’t take estrogen
The shot is an injection that is often called “Depo”, which is short for Depo-Provera. Once you get the shot, you are covered for three months. The shot contains progestin only, which is a hormone that prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg every month. It also thickens your cervical mucous to block sperm from getting to an egg.
The ring
Easy to insert, works like the pill, keeps you protected for a month at a time
The ring is a small, bendable ring that is inserted into your vagina. It works by releasing hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg every month and by thickening your cervical mucus to block sperm from getting to an egg. There are two types of rings available, NuvaRing and Annovera. NuvaRing is a disposable ring that is thrown away after 3 weeks. Annovera is a reusable ring that is inserted for 3 weeks at a time.
Hormonal birth control methods use hormones like estrogen, progestin or both to keep the ovaries from releasing eggs while thickening the cervical mucus to block sperm from getting to the egg.
IUD
Long lasting, won’t interrupt the moment, hormonal or non-hormonal
IUD (intrauterine device) is a tiny t-shaped device that is placed inside your uterus. Non-hormonal IUDs work by limiting the movement of sperm to stop it from reaching an egg. Hormonal IUDs also limit the movement of sperm, but also releases hormones that prevents your ovaries from releasing an egg every month and by thickening your cervical mucus to block sperm from getting to an egg. There are 5 types of IUDs in the U.S.: Mirena, ParaGard (non- hormonal), Skyla, LILETTA, and Kyleena.
Birth control implant
There is nothing to think about in the moment and it’s hidden from everyone
The implant is tiny rod that is about the same size of a match stick. It is inserted under the skin of your upper arm and provides up to 3 years of pregnancy protection. The implant releases the hormone progestin to prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs and thicken your cervical mucus to keep sperm from getting to an egg.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are low-maintenance contraceptives that can last for long periods of times.
Fertility awareness methods
Inexpensive and hormone-free
Fertility awareness methods are also known as natural family planning. It involves tracking and knowing your menstrual cycle to determine the days you can become pregnant. You will need to pay close attention to your body and its patterns.
Withdrawal method
Doesn’t cost anything or require a visit to a healthcare provider
The withdrawal method is also known as the “pull out method” where the penis is removed before ejaculation. Withdrawal relies on body awareness and the ability to predict ejaculation to pull out beforehand and has to be done correctly every single time for it to work.
Natural family planning relies upon self-discipline.
