Birth control, also known as contraception, is the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types. Some are reversible, while others are permanent. Some types can also help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What are the different types of birth control?
There are several different types of birth control, and they work in different ways:
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods work by physically blocking sperm from reaching the egg. Some also offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Male Condom: A thin sheath worn over the penis. Made of latex or polyurethane, they collect sperm and prevent it from entering the woman’s body. They are effective in preventing STIs.
- Female Condom: A thin, flexible plastic pouch inserted into the vagina before intercourse. It prevents sperm from entering the uterus and can also help prevent STIs.
- Contraceptive Sponge: A small sponge inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. It also contains spermicide to kill sperm.
- Spermicide: A substance (foam, jelly, cream, suppository, or film) inserted into the vagina near the uterus that kills sperm cells. It can be used alone or with other barrier methods like a diaphragm or cervical cap.
- Diaphragm and Cervical Cap: Reusable, cup-shaped devices placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix. They are used with spermicide and come in various sizes, requiring a healthcare provider’s fitting.
Hormonal Methods
Hormonal methods prevent pregnancy by releasing hormones (estrogen and/or progestin) that regulate ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining.
- Oral Contraceptives (“the pill”): Pills taken daily. They can contain only progestin or both progestin and estrogen.
- Contraceptive Patch: A patch applied to the skin weekly, releasing hormones into the bloodstream.
- Vaginal Ring: A thin, flexible ring inserted into the vagina that continuously releases hormones for three weeks. It’s removed for the fourth week, and then a new ring is inserted.
- Injectable Birth Control: A hormonal injection given every three months by a healthcare provider.
- Implant: A single, thin rod inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm by a healthcare provider. It can last for four years.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)
LARCs are highly effective, long-term birth control methods that can be easily removed if pregnancy is desired.
- Intrauterine Device (IUD): A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. IUDs can last from 3 to 10 years and come in two types: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs.
Sterilization
Sterilization methods are permanent procedures that prevent pregnancy.
- Vasectomy: A surgical procedure for men that permanently prevents them from causing a pregnancy.
- Tubal Ligation: A surgical procedure for women that permanently prevents pregnancy.
What are some other forms of pregnancy prevention?
There are some types of pregnancy prevention that do not involve medicines, devices, or surgery:
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (Natural Rhythm Methods): These involve tracking a woman’s fertility cycle to identify fertile days and avoiding unprotected intercourse during those times. This method typically has higher pregnancy rates than other birth control types.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM): A natural birth control method for new mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding. It relies on the mother feeding her baby only breastmilk for up to six months and not experiencing any menstrual periods or spotting during that time.
Withdrawal (Coitus Interruptus): During intercourse, the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering. However, this method has a higher pregnancy rate because sperm can leak out before withdrawal.
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is not a regular method of birth control. But it can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or if a condom breaks. There are two types:
- Copper IUD, which is a small, T-shaped device that a provider inserts into the within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse.
- Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), which are hormonal pills which the woman takes as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
What else should I know about birth control?
When deciding which birth control type is right for you, there are many different factors to consider:
- Do you want to have children someday? How soon?
- Do you have any health conditions?
- How often do you have sex?
- How many sex partners do you have?
- Do you also need protection from HIV and other STIs?
- How well does the birth control method work?
- Are there any side effects?
- Will you be able to use it correctly every time?
- How much does it cost?
Your provider can answer your questions about birth control to help you select the best type for you.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
