Birth Control Methods


Primary Birth Control Hormonal
How to Use
Effectiveness (Perfect Use)
Prescription
Protects Against STDs

21-day and 28-day oral contraceptive (the Pill)

Take 1 pill every day as directed. A period occurs every 28 days

approximately 99% effective

Yes

No

Extended-cycle oral Contraceptive (the extended-cycle pill)  91 and 365 day

For 91 day cycle, take 1 pill every day for 3 months as directed. A period occurs just 4 times a year. For the 365 day cycle, take 1 pill everyday, you should not have a period.

Approximately 99% effective

Yes

No

Contraceptive Patch

Apply to skin and change weekly

Approximately 99% effective

Yes

No

Vaginal ring

(hormonal; Insert monthly and leave in place for 21 days

More than 98% effective

Yes

No

Injection

Get injections every 3 months

More than 99% effective

Injections given in Doctor's office

No

IUD (hormonal)

Inserted in the uterus and can remain for up to 5 years

More than 99% effective

IUD inserted in Doctor's office

No

Primary Birth Control Non-Hormonal
How to Use
Effectiveness (Perfect Use)
Prescription
Protects Against STDs

Spermicide

Apply every time before sex

94% effective

No

Some

Diaphragm

Insert every time before sex

Up to 94% effective

Yes

Some

Cervical cap 
Or Contraceptive Sponge

Insert every time before sex

91 % effective if never pregnant;74% after having children

Yes

Some

Female condom

insert every time before sex

95% effective

No

Some

Male condom

Partner must wear every time during sex

Up to 97% effective

No

Yes, most condoms

IUD (copper)

Inserted in the uterus and can remain for up to 10 years

98.5% effective

UID inserted in Doctor's office

No

Female sterilization ("tubes tied") or male Sterilization (vasectomy)

No action required after surgery

99.5% effective (female); 99.9% effective (male)

No. Performed surgically

No

Emergency Contraception -if your primary method of birth control fails

Emergency contraceptive pill

Take 1st pill within 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Take 2nd pill 12 hours after the 1st dose

89% effective

No

No