Types of Birth Control Methods

There’s a variety of contraception methods. Find the right one for you.

If you’re sexually active but not ready to start a family (or grow the one you have), birth control is a safe, effective way to protect against unplanned pregnancies.

But a lot goes into choosing the type of birth control method that’s right for you. The options seem endless. Pill, patch, ring or something else? Short-term or permanent? Then there are ease of use, reliability and potential side effects to consider.

There’s no single answer for everyone. “The best birth control for you depends on your health, needs and preferences — and, of course, the method that you’ll use consistently and correctly,” says Richard Greco Jr., DO, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Geisinger.

So, do your homework. Once you know your options, talk with your women’s health provider to help you narrow down the right one for your lifestyle and family planning needs.

What are my birth control options?

Birth control is broadly categorized into 2 types: hormonal and non-hormonal.

Hormonal birth control methods, such as the pill, patch and hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), modify levels of estrogen, progestin or both in a person’s body to do one of the following:

Prevent ovulation
Thicken cervical mucus so sperm can’t easily pass through to reach an egg
Thin the uterine lining to make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant

Non-hormonal birth control, also known as barrier methods, include condoms, copper IUDs and diaphragms. These are designed to physically block sperm from reaching an egg.

As you investigate the right birth control for your needs, consider the pros and cons of each type.

Hormonal birth control benefits and risks

The primary advantage of hormonal birth control is the high effectiveness rate, ranging from 91% to 99%. These methods are generally low maintenance and easy to use, and a few offer a long-term option.

“Some hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills and hormonal IUDs, also can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual cramps and even help clear acne,” says Dr. Greco. “Some can alleviate symptoms of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis, and reduce the risk of ovarian, uterine and colon cancers in women.”

Unfortunately, hormonal birth control does come with health risks. These methods can lead to side effects like nausea, mood changes, headaches, weight gain and breast tenderness. And increased levels of estrogen can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots.

Also, all hormonal birth control options require a prescription from your doctor. And for short-term options like the pill and vaginal ring, you need to remember to use them on a daily, weekly or monthly basis for consistent protection.

Non-hormonal birth control benefits and risks

The primary benefit of non-hormonal birth control (barrier) methods is they work without the use of hormones. So they’re an ideal option if you want to sidestep hormonal birth control side effects and health risks. Plus, they don’t require a prescription, and you can usually find them at the local drugstore.

Another plus: Male and female condoms are the only birth control options that also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

However, user error can reduce the non-hormonal options’ effectiveness.

“Barrier methods aren’t as effective as hormonal methods, ranging in effectiveness between 85% and 98% — but only when used consistently and correctly during intercourse,” says Dr. Greco. “They also require proactive planning, which may not be ideal for everyone.”

Hormonal birth control options

A variety of hormonal birth control options are available — from a pill you take daily to an IUD that lasts up to 10 years — and they all work a little differently:

Birth control pill

Birth control pills, also called ‘the pill,’ use hormones to prevent pregnancy and regulate the menstrual cycle,” says Dr. Greco.

They come in 2 types: combined pills (which contain estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills (also called “mini pills”). Depending on the type, birth control pills prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus or thinning the uterine lining.

For most types, you take 21 days of active pills, followed by 7 days of inactive pills with no hormones. You’ll typically get your period during the week of inactive pills. Missing a pill can put you at risk for pregnancy, so consider setting an alarm or reminder to help you remember to take your pill each day.

If you plan to get pregnant, you can start trying as soon as you stop taking the pill.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

An IUD is a small T-shaped device implanted in the uterus. It works by preventing sperm from reaching an egg.

“IUDs are reversible and last anywhere from 3 to 10 years, depending on the type,” says Dr. Greco. “An IUD may be a good option if you prefer long-term birth control. This is a popular option because it’s very effective and low maintenance.”

Hormonal and non-hormonal options are available. Hormonal IUDs emit a continuous dose of progestin. They may also reduce your menstrual flow. And the non-hormonal IUD Paragard^® emits copper ions. Those ions irritate sperm, preventing them from getting to an egg. The copper IUD may make your menstrual flow heavier or last longer, so keep that in mind when considering this option.

Arm implant

During a minimally invasive procedure, your doctor will insert a thin, tiny rod into your upper arm. There, it emits a continual dose of the hormone progestin. It’s a long-lasting option, preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years.

Vaginal ring

The birth control ring is a small, flexible ring you place inside your vagina. Like combination birth control pills, the ring contains both estrogen and progestin to prevent sperm from reaching an egg.

You’ll keep that ring for 21 days, then remove it for 7 days to have your period. After that week is up, you put a new ring in, changing every 3 weeks. If you forget to insert a new ring, use backup protection like condoms to avoid pregnancy.

Contraceptive patch

This adhesive patch works similarly to combination birth control pills, releasing a low dose of hormones into your bloodstream to prevent ovulation. To use it, clean and dry your skin. Then decide where to stick it. Choose from your:

Arm
Buttock
Upper body
Abdomen

You’ll place a new patch every week for 3 weeks, then remove on the fourth week to have your period. After 7 days, apply a new patch.

Don’t forget to check your patch regularly to make sure it’s still there. “If it comes off or gets damaged, you could be at risk for pregnancy,” says Dr. Greco. “Apply a new patch and use backup contraception for a week.”

Contraceptive injection

The contraceptive injection is a shot of progestin given by your healthcare provider every 3 months. It prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.

Non-hormonal birth control options

There are several types of barrier methods. Whichever option you choose, you have to use it each time you have sex to protect against unplanned pregnancy.

Non-hormonal birth control options include:

Male or female condoms: A thin covering either worn on the penis or inserted into the vagina to create a physical barrier that prevents sperm from entering the vagina. They can also protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Diaphragm: A dome-shaped silicone device is inserted into the vagina before sex to cover the cervix and block sperm from reaching an egg.
Cervical cap: This device works similarly to a diaphragm, but is smaller and fits snugly over the cervix.
Spermicide: A gel or foam placed inside the vagina that immobilizes or destroys sperm. You can use it alone, but using it with other barrier methods, like the condom, diaphragm or cervical cap, increases its effectiveness.

Things to consider when choosing birth control

Birth control is a personal choice, so think about your goals to narrow down your choices.

Start by considering:

Whether you plan to have children in the future
How often you have sexual intercourse
If you’d prefer using something daily, or something that’s longer-term and lower maintenance
Level of effectiveness
Your health and whether you need protection from STIs
Potential side effects

After weighing your options and goals, talk to your women’s health provider. They can answer any questions you have and explain the pros and cons of each type. Working together, you’ll find the right birth control for you that aligns with your health history, lifestyle and family planning goals.

“Just remember, most birth control options don’t protect against STIs like HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes, so make sure to protect yourself by using condoms,” says Dr. Greco. “The good news is doubling up birth control methods — like using a condom and taking birth control pills — increases the effectiveness and your protection.”