21 Birth Control Methods

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For Details, click on any underlined item Success Rates Risk of Complications Protection Duration Hormones Included Helps Prevent STDs Helps with Periods Breastfeeding Safe Doctor or Nurse Required
Abstinence or Outercourse 100% No each time no yes no yes no
Breastfeeding 98% No 4-5 hours no no no yes no
Cervical Cap 71% or 86% Yes each time no no no yes yes
Condom 87% No each time no yes n/a n/a no
Diaphragm 83% Yes each time no no no yes yes
Emergency Contraception(IUD or pill) 99% see IUD or Pill see IUD or Pill see IUD or Pill no see IUD or Pill see IUD or Pill varies
Female Condom 79% No each time no yes no yes yes
Fertility Awareness(3 methods) 77%-98% No daily no no no yes no
Implant 99% Yes 5 years no no no yes no
IUD(copper) 99% Yes 3-10 years no no no yes yes
IUD(hormonal) 99% Yes 3-10 years yes no yes yes yes
Patch 93% Yes week yes no yes wait yes
Phexxi Gel 86% Yes each time no no no yes yes
Pill(pill or mini-pill) 93% Yes take daily yes no yes varies yes
Shot 96% Yes 3 months yes no yes yes yes
Spermicide 79% Yes each time no no no yes no
Sponge 73% or 86% Yes each time no no no yes no
Sterilization - Tubal Ligation 99% Yes permanent no no no n/a yes
Sterilization - Vasectomy 99% Yes permanent no no n/a n/a yes
Vaginal Ring 93% Yes month yes no yes wait yes
Withdrawal (Pull Out) 78% No each time no no no yes no

Summary of Birth Control Options

Birth control can prevent pregnancy. There are 21 different options from abstinence to the IUD to the pill and more. Your choice can:

  • be reliable (up to 100%!)
  • have no or several side effects
  • last a day or be permanent
  • improve periods
  • prevent STDs
  • include or exclude hormones
  • be purchased with or without a prescription

Easily compare success rates and side effects then select your best choice with your physician. Choose confidently!

Put the odds in your favor!

Find the best course of treatment with the highest success rate and the least side effects. 

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