Birth Control Methods

What you need — and what you need to know.

There are various options and methods available, and our providers will help you determine the safest, healthiest and most effective option for your situation. Below you’ll find an overview of the most popular contraceptives, from most effective to least effective. 

• Sterilization - The most permanent option, this is a surgical procedure that can be performed on both men and women.
• LNG IUD - This is a device that’s placed inside the uterus and is effective for up to six years.It can sometimes make periods lighter or eliminate them altogether.
• Copper IUD - This is another type of device that’s placed inside the uterus, effective for up to 10 years. It can occasionally cause heavier periods.
• Implant - A small device that’s inserted into the upper arm and is effective for up to three years.
• Injectables - A shot in the arm or hip, or under the skin, that the patient receives every three months.
• Pill - Known as oral contraceptives, these are taken daily at the same time. Various types are available.
• Patch - Placed on the skin like a bandage, this slowly releases contraceptive medication through the skin and is replaced weekly.
• Ring - Inserted into the vagina and replaced monthly, this can also have effects on your period.
• Diaphragm - This is used each time you have sex, similar to a condom. It creates a barrier to your cervix but also relies on the use of spermicide to be effective.
• Male condom - The most well-known and most-used form of birth control. It is put over the penis each time you have sex and is a single-use item meant to be disposed of.
• Withdrawal - This is when the male removes the penis from the vagina before ejaculation.
• Female condom - Rather than over the penis, this is inserted into the vagina every time you have sex. Like a male condom, this is a single-use item.
• Sponge - Used every time you have sex, this is a round sponge that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix and prevent sperm from entering. It also contains spermicide as an additional layer of protection.
• Fertility-awareness-based methods - The practice of monitoring your menstrual cycle and choosing to either not have sex or use other methods like condoms on the days that you’re most fertile.
• Spermicides - These are foams or lubricants that are put inside the vagina every time you have sex.