Find a Birth Control Option That Works for You.

Abstinence is highly effective when used all the time. This means not having vaginal sex.

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 four years. It doesn’t protect you from STDs, so use a condom with your implant to help stop pregnancy and STDs.

Sterilization is highly effective. A healthcare provider closes or blocks the tubes that carry sperm or eggs. This method works for the rest of your life. It doesn’t protect you from STDs, so it’s smart to also use a condom. 

The IUD is a highly effective method. It is a t-shaped piece of plastic that gets put in your uterus. 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 STDs, so use a condom with your IUD.

The shot is a highly effective method. It is a shot that contains hormones that prevent pregnancy for three full months. It doesn’t protect you from STDs, so use a condom with the shot.

The ring is a moderately effective method when used exactly as directed. It is a small, bendable ring that contains hormones to prevent pregnancy. You insert it into the vagina for three to four weeks at a time. It doesn’t protect you from STDs so use a condom with your ring.

The patch is moderately effective. It is a thin, beige piece of plastic that looks like a square Band-Aid. You stick the patch on your skin and it gives off hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. It doesn’t protect you from STDs, so use a condom with your patch.

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, but it doesn’t protect you from STDs so it’s good to also use a condom.  

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 and blocks sperm.  It doesn’t protect you from STDs, so use a condom with your diaphragm to help stop pregnancy and STDs.

External condoms are a less effective method and they must be used exactly as directed. They slip over the penis to block sperm, help prevent pregnancy, and lower the risk of STDs. Use another birth control method with a condom for even more pregnancy preventing power.

Internal condoms are a less effective method, and they must be used exactly as directed. It is inserted into the vagina and blocks sperm. They help protect you from STDs. Use another birth control method with your internal condom for even more pregnancy preventing power.