Short-Term Birth Control

Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera, 12-week injection, DMPA): Prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus, and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg. 

• 99.7% effective at preventing pregnancy  

• Progesterone only hormone  

• One shot every three months  

The Patch: prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus, and prevents implantation of fertilized egg. 

• 95-99% effective at preventing pregnancy 

• Weekly patch  

• Progesterone and estrogen  

The Ring (NuvaRing or Annovera): prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus, and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg. 

• 95-99% effective at preventing pregnancy 

• Insert into the vagina once a month

• Progesterone and estrogen 

The Pill: prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus, and prevents implantation of fertilized egg. 

• 95-99% effective at preventing pregnancy 

• A pill a day  

• Estrogen/Progesterone or only progesterone  

Diaphragm: Inserted into vagina to create a barrier, preventing sperm from reaching egg. 

• 80-94% effective at preventing pregnancy  

• Use before every sexual encounter  

Emergency Contraception Pill: prevents release of egg, thickens cervical mucus, and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg if taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. 

• 75-89% effective at preventing pregnancy