Find a Birth Control Option That Works for You.
Need birth control? We can help. Our expert providers can walk you through all your options and help you choose the one that works best for you and your lifestyle.
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Types of Birth Control Methods, Listed by Most Effective to Least Effective
One Time Procedure
Vasectomy - 99.9% Effective
Vasectomy is a simple, safe, and extremely effective form of permanent birth control. We offer scalpel free vasectomies. Vasectomy works by blocking the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles. Vasectomy doesn’t protect you from STD's.
Low Maintenance
Birth Control Implant - 99% Effective
The implant is a highly effective method. It is a tiny rod that includes hormones and is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It can prevent pregnancy for up to five years. It doesn’t protect you from STIs, so use a condom with your implant.
Low Maintenance
Intrauterine Device (IUD) - 99% Effective
The IUD is a highly effective method. It is a t-shaped piece of plastic that is placed in your uterus in a 5-minute procedure. Some contain hormones and some don’t. It offers pregnancy protection for 3 -12 years, depending on the type you get. It doesn’t protect you from STIs, so use a condom with your IUD.
IUDs can also be used as emergency contraception. Click here to learn more about emergency contraception options.
Used on a Schedule
Birth Control Shot - 96% Effective
The shot is a highly effective method. It is an injection that contains hormones that prevent pregnancy for three full months. It doesn’t protect you from STIs, so use a condom with the shot.
Used on a Schedule
Birth Control Vaginal Ring - 93% Effective
The birth control ring is a self-insertable vaginal ring that is a moderately effective birth control method. It is a small, flexible ring that contains hormones to prevent pregnancy.
You wear the ring in your vagina for three to four weeks at a time. It doesn’t protect you from STIs, so use a condom with your ring.
Used on a Schedule
Birth Control Patch - 93% Effective
The patch is moderately effective. It is a thin, beige piece of plastic that looks like a square Band-Aid. You wear the patch on your skin, changing it weekly, and it gives off hormones that prevent pregnancy. It doesn’t protect you from STIs, so use a condom with your patch.
Used on a Schedule
Birth Control Pill - 93% Effective
The pill is moderately effective when taken exactly as directed. The pill is taken at the same time each day. The hormones in the pill help prevent pregnancy. It doesn't protect you from STIs, so use a condom with the pills.
Used Every Time
External Condoms - 87% Effective
An external condom is is worn over the penis to block sperm, help prevent pregnancy, and lower the risk of STIs. Use another birth control method with a condom for even more pregnancy preventing power.
Used Every Time
Diaphragm - 83% Effective
The diaphragm is a less effective method, and it must be used exactly as directed and with spermicide. It is a shallow, dome-shaped cup made of silicone that is inserted into your vagina before sex and blocks sperm. It doesn’t protect you from STIs, so use a condom with your diaphragm.
Used Every Time
Internal Condom - 79% Effective
An internal condom is inserted into the vagina and blocks sperm. It helps protect you from STIs. Use another birth control method with your internal condom for even more pregnancy preventing power.
Used Every Time
Contraceptive Gel - 79-86% Effective
Contraceptive gel comes in a pre-filled applicator similar to a tampon and is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse. The gel maintains the vaginal pH at a level that traps and kills sperm. It must be used every time you have vaginal sex. It doesn't protect you from STIs, so use a condom with your gel.
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Looking for a Birth Control that is low-maintenance and long-acting?
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARCs) - IUDs and implants - are popular because they:
- Don't require any significant effort after they've been inserted
- Are 99% effective
- Last for 5-12 years without any maintenance once they are in place
- Can be removed when you want to get pregnant with no issues
- The IUD is available in a non-hormonal option
Accidents Happen. That’s Why There’s Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is available via oral pills or via the insertion of an IUD. Find out which one is right for you.
- Effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but most effective if taken as soon as possible.
- Available over-the-counter without a prescription, or call/drop in to a PPAZ health center to purchase oral emergency contraception or have an IUD inserted.
- Copper and hormonal IUDs are both effective as emergency contraception up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but insertion requires an office visit. Same-day visits are available for this time-sensitive service. IUDs are much more effective as emergency contraception than oral pills.
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