Birth control (contraception)

When we think of birth control for women, we might often only think about something to put in or on our body, like the pill, intrauterine device (IUD) or condoms. But there are other kinds of birth control as well, like vasectomy, tubal ligation, natural family planning — even abstinence. Think of birth control as any pregnancy prevention method — temporary or permanent.

What are the different types of birth control?

Your overall health, future plans to have kids and personal preference can help determine the method of birth control that’s best for you. Be sure to do your research. Your doctor can answer any questions you have to help you decide. Here are some options to consider.1,2

These are put inside your body and last anywhere from 3 to 10 years, depending on the method you choose. IUDs and hormonal implants are examples of this kind of contraception.

These are methods you use regularly — sometimes daily. The birth control pill, patch, injection and vaginal ring are all short-acting hormonal contraceptives.

Emergency contraception is often used after unprotected sex to reduce the chance of getting pregnant. This might be needed due to forgetting to take birth control pills multiple days in a row, a condom breaking during sex or not using a method of birth control.

Emergency contraception doesn’t cause an abortion — it prevents pregnancy from happening. That’s why it’s important to use it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception won’t work if you’re already pregnant.3

There are two types of emergency contraception:

  • Pills: Often referred to as “the morning after pill.” You can get some types of emergency contraception pills over the counter, while other types may need a prescription.
  • Copper IUD: This is a small device that a health care professional inserts into your uterus. It tends to be the most effective form of emergency contraception.3

While IUDs can last up to 10 years, emergency contraception pills shouldn’t be used as a long-term form of birth control.3 If you need a reliable method of birth control, visit your doctor to discuss your options.

These are things you use every time you have sex, like condoms, diaphragms, sponge and cervical cap.

A permanent, surgical method to preventing pregnancy is sterilization. Women have their tubes tied (called a tubal ligation) and men get their vasa deferentia cut and sealed (called a vasectomy). This might be something a person chooses after they’ve had the number of children they want. Or certain health conditions may require one of these procedures to help keep you healthy.

The most effective birth control is to not have sex. Abstaining from sex is a personal choice that should be respected — and it’s 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Benefits of birth control beyond contraception

While many women start birth control to help prevent pregnancy, some women may use it for other health reasons. Here’s a list of the other ways contraception might help you:4

  • Lighter periods: The hormones in some birth control methods, like certain types of the pill and IUD, thin your uterine lining. This may make your periods lighter if you experience a heavy flow.
  • Relief from endometriosis symptoms: The shot (hormone injection) and hormonal IUDs may help with painful periods and cramps from endometriosis.
  • Clearer skin: Testosterone is a male hormone that naturally occurs in your body and can cause acne to develop. Some birth control pills decrease your testosterone levels, which may help clear your skin.
  • Reduced PMS: Birth control pills may help with things like cramping, mood swings, bloating, tender breasts and menstrual migraines.
  • A lower risk of some cancers: Birth control pills may lower your risk of getting some cancers, like ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, which can be beneficial if they run in your family.

Side effects of birth control

Every woman’s body will react differently to birth control. If you try one and notice negative side effects, talk to your doctor about switching to a birth control option that might work better with your body. Here are some side effects you could experience with some different types of birth control:

  • Birth control pill, patch and vaginal ring: The hormones in these types of birth control may cause nausea, sore or swollen breasts, spotting between periods and headaches. The patch may also cause skin irritation, while the ring may cause vaginal irritation or discharge. All of these side effects are usually short term and typically go away after a few months.5
  • The birth control shot: A hormonal injection, the shot may cause irregular periods or spotting, especially during the first year of use. After the first year, you may only have light periods or no period at all.6
  • IUD: Hormonal IUDs can cause spotting and irregular, heavier periods, while copper IUDs may increase your flow and cause painful periods. You may also experience tender breasts, nausea, headaches or mood changes. These symptoms usually improve after the first few months but may last longer.7

Sometimes birth control can cause more serious side effects, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about any potential risks, especially if you have a medical condition. If you’re considering sterilization (getting your tubes tied), this is a surgical procedure that requires recovery time. Talk with your doctor about what recovery might look like and any side effects you could experience.8

Natural family planning

Also known as fertility awareness, natural family planning does not use any hormones or devices. It involves tracking your menstrual cycle pattern to help predict ovulation. This helps determine when you’ll likely be most fertile and able to get pregnant. If you’re using natural family planning for birth control, you’ll need to avoid having sex or use a barrier method during this time. If you’re trying to get pregnant, this ovulation window is when you’re most likely to conceive.9

Used alone or together, the different types of fertility awareness-based methods include:9

  • Standard Days method: This method works best if you have regular cycles that are consistently between 26 days and 32 days long. Based on this cycle length, the Standard Days method assumes days 8 through 19 are your most fertile. You should avoid sex during this window or use a barrier method, like a condom.
  • Basal body temperature method: Your body temperature typically increases slightly during ovulation and stays high until your cycle ends. Using a basal thermometer, you take your temperature every morning before getting out of bed, doing any activity or eating or drinking. Recording your temperature every day may help you predict ovulation and your most fertile time — the 2 to 3 days before your temperature increases.
  • Cervical mucus method: Your cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle. With this method, you track the amount, consistency and feel of your mucus each day. When you notice increased mucus that is slippery and thin (like egg whites), this typically means you’re about to ovulate. You should avoid sex or use a barrier method when you notice this mucus. After ovulation, your mucus decreases and becomes thicker.

Keep in mind that illness, changes to your health, medications and other factors can impact the effectiveness of fertility awareness methods. 

When used correctly and consistently, fertility awareness can be effective at preventing pregnancy.9 That said, it’s considered one of the least effective forms of birth control. On average, around 25% of women become pregnant the first year.10 For comparison, IUDs are 99% effective.11 Birth control pills are also 99% effective when used correctly (take a pill every day).12 The shot is 96% effective.13 Condoms can be up to 98% effective when used correctly.14

Natural family planning requires time and commitment, so you may want to consider other methods of birth control depending on your lifestyle.

How to get birth control

Interested in learning more about birth control or changing your current method? Schedule a visit with your primary care provider or gynecologist. The type of birth control your doctor recommends will be based on your age, overall health, lifestyle, personal preference and family history. Be sure to write down your questions and concerns before your visit.

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