If you’re thinking about starting birth control, you’ll be happy to know that there are several options. Each method provides a different level of effectiveness and maintenance.
- Birth Control Pill
The birth control pill comes in a monthly pack. The pill itself contains hormones that stop ovulation from taking place and thicken the mucus on the cervix, thus preventing pregnancy. It must be taken every single day at the same time to work effectively. It is 91% effective when used correctly and it can cost $0-$50 depending on brand and insurance coverage.
- Birth Control Patch
The birth control patch is exactly what it sounds like: a small-squared patch that you stick on your back, butt, upper arm, or belly. Your skin then absorbs the hormones from the patch which stop ovulation from occurring and thicken the mucus on the cervix to prevent pregnancy. One patch lasts a week and a new one needs to be applied every week while the old one is taken off. The new patch is applied to a different area on the body. It is 91% effective when directions are followed and it can cost $0-$150 depending on insurance coverage.
- Birth Control Vaginal Ring
The birth control ring is a small, flexible ring that can be worn inside the vaginal canal. Pregnancy is prevented when the vaginal lining absorbs the hormones from that ring which stop ovulation from occurring and thicken the mucus on the cervix. The ring can be worn for up to five weeks. If you want to get your period sooner, you can take it out after three weeks or four weeks. After seven days, insert a new ring. It is 91% effective when used correctly and it can cost $0-$200 depending on insurance coverage.
- Birth Control Shot
Otherwise known as the Depo Shot, the birth control shot is an injection of progestin every three months. Pregnancy is prevented when the hormone stops ovulation from taking place and thickens the mucus on the cervix. It is 94% effective when administered correctly and it can cost $0-$150 depending on insurance coverage.
- Birth Control Implant
The birth control implant is a thin rod that is inserted in the arm by a doctor and it lasts up to five years. The implant releases progestin to stop ovulation and to thicken the mucus in the cervix, thus preventing pregnancy. It is 99% effective and it can cost $0-$1300 depending on insurance coverage.
- Birth Control Sponge
The birth control sponge is a small, circular plastic sponge. It must be put inside the vaginal canal before sexual intercourse. Pregnancy is prevented because it covers the cervix and this blocks entry to the uterus. The birth control sponge also contains spermicide which slows down sperm from reaching your egg. It must be left in for at least six hours after sexual intercourse, but no more than 30 hours to avoid infections. It is 76-88% effective when used correctly and it can cost $0-$15 depending on insurance coverage.
- IUD
IUD stands for Intrauterine Device and it goes inside the uterus. It is small in size, made of plastic, and shaped like the letter “T”. There is the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD. The copper IUD prevents pregnancy because the copper makes it hard for sperm to get to the egg and it can last up to 12 years. The hormonal IUD prevents pregnancy by releasing progestin to stop ovulation and to thicken the mucus in the cervix. The hormonal IUD lasts anywhere from three to seven years, based on which brand you get. Both types must be inserted by a doctor or a nurse. It is 99% effective and it can cost $0-$1300 depending on insurance coverage.
- Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a small cup made from silicone. It is put inside the vaginal canal, no more than six hours prior to sexual intercourse. Spermicide is added to the diaphragm before insertion in order to ensure it is effective. The diaphragm covers the cervix to block sperm from entering the uterus and the spermicide stops sperm from moving so that sperm can’t get to an egg. Diaphragms are reusable for up to two years and they must be left in for at least six hours after sexual intercourse. A doctor should check the fit of your diaphragm every year. It is 88% effective and it can cost $0-$75 depending on insurance coverage.
- Spermicide
Spermicide prevents pregnancy by not allowing sperm to get to your cervix and by stopping sperm movement. The main chemical in spermicide is Nonoxynol-9, it is what affects the movement of sperm. Spermicide comes in different forms, such as: gel, cream, foam, film, and suppositories. Suppositories are inserts that dissolve into a cream. The spermicide is inserted into the vaginal canal to cover the cervix. It is usually used with condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. It is 71% effective and can cost $0-$8 depending on insurance coverage.
- Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a small cup, made from silicone, that is put in the vaginal canal to cover the cervix. It must be put in no more than six hours prior to sexual intercourse and cannot be removed for at least six hours after sexual intercourse; it can be left in up to two days after sexual intercourse. Spermicide is added to the cervical cap before insertion in order to ensure it is effective. The cervical cap covers the cervix to block sperm from entering the uterus and the spermicide stops sperm from moving so that sperm can’t get to an egg. It is reusable, but should be changed after a year or if there is any wear or tears. A doctor must fit you for it and recheck the fit every year. It is 71%-86% effective and it can cost $0-$90 depending on insurance coverage.
- Condom
A condom is a thin, stretchy barrier device that helps with preventing pregnancy by collecting semen and preventing sperm from reaching an egg. Condoms are also effective with preventing STD and limiting skin-to-skin contact which spreads STIs. They can be made from latex, plastic, or lambskin (lambskin condoms do not protect against STDs). Condoms are not reusable. Lube can help with reducing the risk of condom tears; avoid oil-based lubes since they wear down latex. Condoms are 85% effective and the cost varies depending on brand.
- Internal Condom
An internal condom is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of covering the penis, internal condoms go inside the vaginal canal. They help with pregnancy prevention and STD/STI transmission. Internal condoms are made from plastic and they collect semen to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. They can also be used for anal sex to protect against STDs and STIs. Internal condoms are not reusable. It is 79% effective against pregnancy and can cost $0-$3 per internal condom.
- Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be used as a form of birth control, because while breastfeeding ovulation does not occur. Without ovulation no eggs are released by the ovaries. This form of birth control is also known as LAM, Lactational Amenorrhea Method. Its effectiveness is determined by whether you are exclusively breastfeeding (regularly). It is 98% effective and cost free.
- Withdrawal
Withdrawal is commonly referred to as the “pull-out-method”. The idea behind it is to pull out before ejaculation to prevent sperm from entering the vaginal canal. This form of birth control is more effective when used with another form of birth control, because pre-cum can contain sperm. It is 78% effective and cost free.
- Fertility Awareness Methods
Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) involve tracking your menstrual cycle. The methods are: temperature method, cervical mucus method, calendar method, and standard days method. By tracking your menstrual cycle, you are aware of when your ovaries are ready to release an egg. People who use these methods either use other forms of birth control or avoid sexual intercourse during their “unsafe” days. They are 76%-88% effective and cost depends on supplies used ($0-$20).
- Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is a form of sterilization. This is when a procedure is performed to tie the fallopian tubes, it is a permanent form of birth control. Tubal ligation prevents pregnancy by making sure sperm does not reach an egg that is moving in one of your fallopian tubes. Menstruation still occurs after the procedure, but pregnancy is not possible. It is 99% effective and can cost $0-$6000 depending on insurance coverage.
- Vasectomy
A vasectomy is also a form of sterilization. It is when a procedure is performed to cut or block off two tubes in the scrotum, it is a permanent form of birth control. This form of sterilization prevents pregnancy by not allowing sperm to mix in with other fluids that make up semen. Ejaculation still occurs after the procedure, but the semen won’t have sperm in it. It is 99% effective and can cost $0-$1000 depending on insurance coverage.
- Abstinence and Outercourse
Abstinence is when a person refrains from sexual activities. Outercourse is when a person engages in sexual activities besides vaginal intercourse; such as oral sex, kissing, masturbating, dry humping, massage, or anal sex. Abstinence (in this case meaning no sexual intercourse of any kind) is 100% effective and cost free. Outercourse is also 100% effective (unless if semen spills into the vagina during anal sex) and cost free.
*Individual articles on the methods mentioned above are available on the site, make sure to check them out for more details.
“Birth Control.” Learn, Planned Parenthood, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control.
Images by David Cohen, Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, Christian Buehner, Pawel Szvmanski, Vidar Nordli-Mathisen, and Roman Khripkov from Unsplash.
