Birth control is not one size fits all. Some methods are more effective than others, but finding a method that fits with your budget, goals, and lifestyle is also important.
To find which birth control method is best for you, learn about how the different methods work, their effectiveness, the cost, and some of the pros and cons of each option.
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Birth control methods can be broken down into categories based on their mode of use, including:
Most birth control methods have two effectiveness rates. The first is how effective it is at preventing pregnancy when used exactly as intended, under ideal conditions. The second is how effective it is with typical use, taking into account human error and other factors that may lower the real-life effectiveness.
With the exception of internal and external condoms, contraceptive methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If protection from STIs are needed in addition to the prevention of pregnancy, barrier methods (condoms) must be used, and may be combined with other forms of birth control.
Only latex and plastic condoms protect against STIs. Lambskin condoms help prevent pregnancy, but do not protect against STIs.
External condoms are thin pouches that are slipped on over the erect penis right before intercourse. They are usually made of latex, but plastic condoms and lambskin condoms are available for people who are allergic to latex.
Internal condoms are thin pouches that create a barrier between the penis and the vagina. Internal condoms go inside the vagina (or anus) instead of on the penis.
Both condoms prevent skin-to-skin contact between the penis and the partner's skin. They also "catch" pre-ejaculate and ejaculate (semen), preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
How Effective Is It?
External condoms ideal use: 98% effective
Typical use: About 85% effective
Internal condoms ideal use: 95% effective
Typical use: About 79% effective
How Much Does It Cost?
External condoms cost about $2–$6 for a box of three. Packs of 12 or more often work out to about $1 per condom. Internal condoms cost $2–$3 each. Some places such as sexual health clinics will give out condoms for free.
Pros
Cons
The birth control sponge is a small, round, squishy plastic sponge that is placed deep inside the vagina (to cover the cervix) before sex. The sponge blocks sperm from entering the uterus. It contains spermicide, which slows down sperm.
How Effective Is It?
Ideal use: About 91% effective. About 80% effective if you have given birth.
Typical use: About 88% effective. About 76% effective if you have given birth.
How Much Does It Cost?
A pack of three sponges costs about $15.
Pros
Cons
A diaphragm is a soft, shallow, silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. It prevents sperm from entering the uterus by blocking the cervix.
A diaphragm is used with spermicide, which slows sperm and increases the effectiveness of the diaphragm. Spermicide also helps keep the diaphragm in place.
How Effective Is It?
Ideal use (with spermicide): 94% effective
Typical use (with spermicide): About 88% effective
How Much Does It Cost?
Diaphragms require a prescription and are fitted to the individual. They can cost up to $250. The cost may be covered by insurance, Medicaid, or other state programs.
Spermicide costs about $5–$15 a tube or kit.
Pros
Cons
A cervical cap is a small silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina before sex. It is similar to a diaphragm but smaller and shaped differently. It helps prevent sperm from meeting the egg. It must be used with spermicide to be at its most effective.
Cervical caps come in three sizes: Small (for people who have never been pregnant), medium (for those who have had an abortion, miscarriage, or cesarean delivery), and large (for people who’ve given birth vaginally)
How Effective Is It?
(With spermicide)
People who’ve never given birth: 86% effective
People who have given birth: 71% effective
How Much Does It Cost?
Cervical caps require a prescription and an exam to make sure the right size is used. It can cost up to $275 but may be covered by insurance or programs like Medicaid.
Spermicide costs about $5–$15 a kit.
Pros
Cons
Diaphragms and cervical caps are single-user items only. Do not share with other people.
In addition to the hygiene factor, these barrier methods are not one size fits all. They must be fitted to the individual. Wearing the wrong size can make them ineffective.
Spermicide is an over-the-counter (OTC) product that comes in gel, cream, foam, or suppository. It is inserted deep in the vagina to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. There is also a prescription gel called Phexxi that works in a similar way to impair sperm mobility.
Spermicide or Phexxi can be used on their own but are more effective when used with other contraceptives such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, or sponges.
How Effective Is It?
Spermicide used alone: 72% effective
Phexxi used alone: Ideal use is 93% effective. Typical use is about 86% effective
How Much Does It Cost?
Spermicide typically costs about $0.60–$3 per dose (about $8–$15 per kit). It can be found for free in some sexual health clinics. Phexxi requires a prescription and costs may vary depending on your insurance coverage.
Pros
Cons
Spermicide is to be used on or in the genitals only. It is dangerous to ingest it.
Also referred to as "pulling out," this method requires removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation happens. Ejaculation happens away from the vulva and vagina.
How Effective Is It?
In practice, about 78% effective
How Much Does It Cost?
Free
Pros
Cons
The birth control shot (also called Depo-Provera) is a hormonal injection received every three months. The birth control shot contains the hormone progestin, which prevents ovulation. It also makes cervical mucus thicker, making it hard for sperm to get through.
How Effective Is It?
Ideal use: More than 99% effective
Typical use: About 94% effective
How Much Does It Cost?
Including an exam, it may cost up to $250. Each additional visit may cost up to $150. Costs are often covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid or other state programs.
Pros
Cons
The birth control ring (also called the vaginal ring, or the ring) is a small, flexible ring that goes inside the vagina and releases estrogen and progestin into the body. These hormones prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.
The two kinds of birth control rings are:
How Effective Is It?
Ideal use: 99% effective
Typical use: 91% effective
How Much Does It Cost?
One NuvaRing can cost up to $200. One ANNOVERA ring can cost up to $2,200. They are usually covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid.
Pros
Cons
The birth control patch is a patch that is worn on the belly, butt, back, or upper arm. The patch contains estrogen and progestin, which prevent ovulation. It also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to get in.
How Effective Is It?
Ideal use: 99% effective
Typical use: About 91% effective
How Much Does It Cost?
One pack of three patches can cost up to $150. They are usually covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid.
Pros
Cons
The combination birth control pill contains estrogen and progestin. The progestin-only pill, or minipill, only contains progestin.
Both pills work to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus (making it harder for sperm to get in). It is taken daily ideally at the same time. The minipill must be taken within the same three-hour window each day.
How Effective Is It?
Ideal use: 99% effective
Typical use: About 91% effective
The progestin-only pill is slightly less effective than the combination pill.
How Much Does It Cost?
A one-month pack can cost up to $50, but they are usually covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid. They may also be available for a reduced price at Planned Parenthood.
Pros
Cons
Fertility awareness methods (also called "natural family planning” or the rhythm method) are routines that track ovulation so that sex can be avoided on days most likely to result in pregnancy.
Tracking methods can include taking your temperature every morning before getting out of bed, checking cervical mucus (vaginal discharge) daily, and charting your cycle on a calendar or in a period tracking app.
How Effective Is It?
About 76%–88% effective. Most effective when multiple methods (such as temperature, mucus, and calendar) are used together.
How Much Does It Cost?
It's free except for equipment such as a thermometer.
Pros
Cons
The birth control implant is a small rod that is implanted into the upper arm by a healthcare provider. The implant releases the hormone progestin, which prevents ovulation. It also thickens cervical mucus, which helps stop sperm from getting in.
The implant lasts up to five years.
How Effective Is It?
More than 99% effective
How Much Does It Cost?
The implant can cost up to $1,300. Implant removal can cost up to $300. The cost is usually at least partially covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid.
Pros
Cons
What Is It?
An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small, flexible T-shaped contraption that is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and nonhormonal. Both thicken the cervical mucus to keep sperm out.
Hormonal IUDs release a tiny amount of the hormone progestin (which prevents ovulation) into the uterus over a period of three to seven years, depending on which IUD is used.
The nonhormonal IUD releases a small amount of copper (which is toxic to sperm). It is effective for up to 12 years.
How Effective Is It?
More than 99% effective
How Much Does It Cost?
An IUD can cost up to $1,300, including medical exams, getting the IUD put in, and follow-up visits. This is often at least partially covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid.
Pros
Cons
The nonhormonal copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception. It is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy if it is inserted within 120 hours (five days) after having unprotected sex. It can remain in afterward to prevent future pregnancies.
A vasectomy is a surgery in which the small tubes (vas deferens) in the scrotum that carry sperm are cut or blocked off. It is performed by a healthcare provider in an office, hospital, or clinic. The procedure is very short (about 20 minutes) and heals within a few days. It permanently prevents pregnancy.
How Effective Is It?
Almost 100%
How Much Does It Cost?
A vasectomy can cost up to $1,000, including follow-up visits. Vasectomies may be fully or partially covered by some health insurance plans, Medicaid, and other government programs.
Pros
Cons
Tubal ligation (“getting your tubes tied”) is a surgical procedure in which a healthcare provider permanently cuts or seals off the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from being released into the uterus. This keeps eggs and sperm from meeting.
It's usually a laparoscopic procedure (through one or two small cuts, using a tool with a light and a lens), with either local or general anesthesia. It takes about 20–30 minutes and leaves little scarring. Most people go home the same day.
How Effective Is It?
More than 99% effective
How Much Does It Cost?
Tubal ligation can cost up to $6,000, including follow-up visits. This may be fully or partially covered by some health insurance plans, Medicaid, and other government programs.
Pros
Cons
There are more factors to consider than effectiveness and cost when choosing birth control. The birth control that is best for you depends on things such as:
Condoms plus another form of birth control is a good way to prevent pregnancy and STIs.
Before starting a birth control method, it's a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider, even if your method of choice doesn't require a prescription.
Your healthcare provider can help you decide what would best suit your needs, discuss any risks you should be aware of, and help make sure you are using the method correctly.
If you are having penis-in-vagina sex and you don't wish to become pregnant or cause someone else to, you will need to find an effective birth control method.
There are many choices available, each with benefits and disadvantages. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options and which method or methods work best for you and your needs.
It's important to remember that the only birth control method that protects against STIs are condoms. Combining condoms with another form of birth control protects against STIs and gives extra protection from pregnancy.
Which birth control is the best depends on what your personal needs and comfort levels are. In general, using condoms along with another form of birth control helps protect against STIs and gives extra protection from pregnancy.
Hormonal birth control methods such as the birth control pill or patch can help with acne.