Ultimate Birth Control Guide

Confused by all the birth control options? We break it down so you can make the right choice.

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Struggling to find the right birth control? Consider the best option for YOU with our easy guide!

►► MOST EFFECTIVE 

What is it?EfficacyFrequencyThings to Consider

Brand: N/A
Type: Abstinence
Description: Choosing not to engage in sexual activity
100%
Never Ending
  • 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.
  • 100% effective in preventing STD’s / STI’s.
  • No hormonal or medical side effects.
  • No cost or need for medical appointments.
  • Promotes self-control and discipline

Brand: Paragard
Type: Non-Hormonal IUD
Description: A small, T-shaped device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
>99%
10 Years
  • A great method for women who do not want hormones.
  • Some women may experience slightly heavier periods or more cramping.
  • Covered by most insurances
  • Copper creates an environment that is toxic to sperm, preventing fertilization.
  • Does not protect against STD’s/STI’s
  • Read more about this method Here.

Brand: Mirena
Type: Hormonal IUD
Description: A small, T-shaped device placed inside the uterus that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
>99%
8 Years
  • You can expect a short or light period. Some patients do not have a period at all.
  • popular choice for those seeking both contraception and menstrual relief
  • Can cause cramping when initially inserted, usually relieved by Ibuprofen.
  • Releases a small amount of progestin (levonorgestrel) into the uterus, which thickens cervical mucus to block sperm, thins the uterine lining, and may prevent ovulation.
  • Does not protect against STD’s/STI’s
  • Read more about this method Here.

Brand: Kyleena
Type: Smaller Hormonal IUD
Description: A smaller version of the hormonal IUD that fits inside the uterus and releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
>99%
5 Years
  • Easy insertion, popular with teens or patients who have no children.
  • Can cause cramping when initially inserted, usually relieved by Ibuprofen.
  • Smallest, lowest dose five-year option.
  • Will eventually make your periods less heavy and less painful.
  • Releases a small amount of progestin (levonorgestrel) into the uterus, which thickens cervical mucus to block sperm, thins the uterine lining, and may prevent ovulation.
  • Does not protect against STD’s/STI’s
  • Read more about this method Here.

Brand: Nexplanon
Type: Contraceptive Implant
Description: A tiny, flexible rod placed under the skin of the arm that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
>99%
3 Years
  • No need for a pelvic exam!
  • Safe for breast feeding mothers.
  • Small incision required for removal or reinsertion.
  • Can cause unpredictable or daily bleeding, but most women experience lighter or less frequent
    bleeding.
  • Great for women who don’t want anything inserted into their uterus!
  • Low-dose progestin-only hormone implant, and completely estrogen free
  • Does not protect against STD’s/STI’s
  • Read more about this method Here.

►► EFFECTIVE 

What is it?EfficacyFrequencyThings to Consider

Brand: Depo-Provera
Type: Birth Control Shot
Description: A hormone injection given intramuscularly that prevents ovulation and pregnancy.
>97%
Every 12 weeks
  • Requires a visit to the doctor and an injection every 12 weeks.
  • May cause weight gain or irregular periods.
  • Should not be used longer than 2 years
  • Exceeding 2 years can cause reversible bone density loss.
  • May cause weight gain
  • Does not protect against STD’s/STI’s
  • Read more about this method Here.

Brand: NuvaRing /Annovera
Type: Vaginal Ring
Description: A soft, flexible ring placed in the vagina that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
>92%
Monthly
  • Lessens menstrual flow.
  • Can be discontinued at any time.
  • The ring must be inserted vaginally and replaced every 4 weeks.
  • Not safe for women with some types of migraines, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a clotting disorder.
  • Not safe if you are over the age of 35 and a smoker.
  • Does not protect against STD’s/STI’s
  • Read more about this method Here.

Brand: Xulane
Type: Birth Control Patch
Description: A small patch worn on the skin that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
>92%
Weekly
  • Lessens menstrual flow.
  • Can be discontinued at any time.
  • The patch must be changed weekly for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by one week without the patch.
  • Placement should be rotated to various parts of the body.
  • Not safe for women with migraines, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a clotting disorder.
  • Not safe if you are over the age of 35 and a smoker.
  • Does not protect against STD’s/STI’s
  • Read more about this method Here.

Brand: Various Brands
Type: Birth Control Pills
Description: A daily pill that contains hormones to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and preventing fertilization.
>92%
Daily
  • Gives you the ability to safely skip a period.
  • Can be discontinued at any time.
  • Requires the patient to take the pill daily and consistently at the same time.
  • Most common side affects are sore breasts, nausea, spotting, and decreased sex drive.
  • Not safe for women with migraines, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a clotting disorder.
  • Not safe if you are over the age of 35 and a smoker
  • For patients who cannot take estrogen, ask your doctor about a special progestin only pill
  • Does not protect against STD’s/STI’s
  • Read more about this method Here.

►► LESS EFFECTIVE 

What is it?EfficacyFrequencyThings to Consider

Brand: Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Type: Fertility Awareness Method
Description: Tracking your menstrual cycle to avoid sex during your fertile days to prevent pregnancy.
>87%
Every Time
  • No office visit Required.
  • Avoids hormones and Devices.
  • Only effective if you ovulate regularly.
  • Requires consistent & continuous tracking.
  • Read more about this method Here.

Brand: Phexxi
Type: pH Modulators
Description: A vaginal gel that helps prevent pregnancy by maintaining a low pH environment, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
>86%
Every Time
  • Can be discontinued at any time.
  • Must be applied before each act of intercourse for effectiveness.
  • A good option for those who prefer a hormone-free birth control method.
  • May cause mild vaginal irritation or discomfort in some users.
  • Works best when used consistently and correctly with every sexual encounter.
  • Does not protect against STD’s/STI’s
  • Read more about this method Here.

Brand: Various Brands
Type: Condoms
Description: A thin barrier worn during sex to help prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
>80%
Every Time
  • No prescription necessary.
  • You have to make sure to use condoms correctly, every time, no matter what, for them to be effective.
  • Completely hormone free.
  • Only method that will protect you from STD’s/STI’s!

Brand: N/A
Type: Withdrawal Method
Description: Withdrawing before ejaculation to reduce the chance of pregnancy.
>62%
Every Time
  • Doesn’t require a visit to the doctor
  • Pre-ejaculation could still result in pregnancy
  • Does not protect against STD’s/STI’s

Important To Note:

This guide covers some of the most popular birth control methods but is not an exhaustive list of all available options. The efficacy rates provided reflect typical use rather than perfect use. Choosing the right method requires a discussion with your healthcare provider, as individual suitability may vary. The ‘Things to Consider’ section offers general guidance and should not be taken as medical advice.