Contraception Options 101: Everything You Need to Know About Birth Control
Sexual HealthContraception & Safe Sex

Contraception Options 101: Everything You Need to Know About Birth Control

Contraception Options 101: Everything You Need to Know About Birth Control
Adobe Stock
By
Updated on May 5, 2026
by

If you have a uterus and you have sex with someone assigned male at birth, it’s possible you’ll get pregnant. But if you don’t want to have a baby, many forms of birth control can help you reduce your risk of pregnancy. While abstinence, or refraining from intercourse, is the only way to prevent pregnancy with 100 percent certainty, contraception, or birth control, comes in several different forms, both nonhormonal and hormonal.

Nonhormonal methods generally create a physical barrier between the sperm and the egg; a notable exception is the copper IUD, which changes the environment of the uterus but does not actually present a physical barrier. Two permanent contraception methods require surgery: tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men.

Hormonal methods generally prevent ovulation (the release of an egg), make it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, or prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

How Effective Is Birth Control?

The effectiveness rate of various birth control methods is based on perfect use — meaning that you use the method consistently and correctly every single time — and typical use, which includes people who use the method inconsistently or incorrectly.

Knowing what all your birth control options are will help you and your partner choose what works best for you. “I think it’s awesome to be talking about it. A lot of people just don’t know” about birth control, says Christine Carlan Greves, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist with Orlando Health in Florida.

RELATED: Learn More About Contraception Speak: What Is Perfect Use of Birth Control?

Type of Contraception: Hormonal Birth Control

Contraceptive methods that use hormones prevent pregnancy by altering how your body works. These range from daily-use options, such as birth control pills, to long-term-use approaches, such as hormonal IUDs, which can stay in place for several years, says Keosha T. Bond, EdD, MPH, EdD, an assistant medical professor at The City University of New York (CUNY) School of Medicine in New York City.

Birth Control Pills

Two types of birth control pills are available:

  • Combination Pills These contain both estrogen and a form of progesterone called progestin.
  • Progestin-Only Pills These are also known as the mini pill.

The pills work by preventing ovulation so that your ovaries don’t release an egg for sperm to fertilize, or by thickening cervical mucus so sperm can’t travel to an egg.

You’ll need to take birth control pills every day as directed. Take most types of progestin-only pills within the same three-hour time window every day. A doctor might also prescribe some pills to stop your period.

How effective are birth control pills? Combined and progestin-only birth control pills are more than 99 percent effective with perfect use and 91 percent effective with typical use.

How much do they cost? You need a prescription to get birth control pills. They may cost nothing or up to $50 a month and can be free or low-cost with most types of health insurance, Medicaid, or other government programs.

The Shot, Depo, or Depo-Provera

An injection of medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera), also known as the birth control shot, can prevent pregnancy for three months.

The shot contains high-dose progestin to prevent ovulation, and it also makes cervical mucus thicker to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

In most cases, your doctor or nurse will give you the shot every quarter. But in some cases, you may be able to bring the shot home to give it to yourself.

How effective is the shot? Injectables are more than 99 percent effective with perfect use and 96 percent effective with typical use.

How much does it cost? It can cost nothing or up to $150, and it can be free or low-cost with many health insurance plans, Medicaid, and some government programs.

Birth Control Implant, or Nexplanon

The birth control implant (Nexplanon) is a small rod about the size of a matchstick that a doctor places into your upper arm. It releases progestin to prevent pregnancy for up to five years.

 Nexplanon stops ovulation and makes your uterus lining thinner, making it harder for the egg to attach to the wall of your uterus. It also thickens the mucus in your cervix, which makes it less likely that the sperm will reach the egg.

The implant must be inserted by a trained healthcare professional. You can request its removal at any time if you want to get pregnant.

How effective is the implant? The implant is more than 99 percent effective.

How much does it cost? It can cost anywhere between $0 and $2,300. But it’s totally free with most health insurance plans, Medicaid, and some government programs.

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing or Annovera)

Like combination birth control pills, the vaginal ring contains both progestin and estrogen. It’s a small ring that you wear inside your vagina, and the hormones work to prevent ovulation and pregnancy.

There are two types of vaginal rings:

  • Ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel (NuvaRing)
  • Ethinyl estradiol and segesterone (Annovera)

Each NuvaRing lasts for up to five weeks. You take the old one out and put in a new one about once a month, and it can be used to safely skip your period. Each Annovera ring lasts for one year, but you must put it in your vagina for three weeks, then take it out for one week every month, during which time you’ll typically have a period.

How effective is the vaginal ring? Vaginal rings are more than 99 percent effective

 if used perfectly and 93 percent effective if used typically.

 

How much does it cost? You need a prescription to get the vaginal ring, and the ring can cost anywhere from $0 to $200. But vaginal rings can be free or low-cost with most health insurance plans, Medicaid, and some government programs.

The Patch (Xulane or Twirla)

Like the vaginal ring, the patch (Xulane or Twirla) also releases estrogen and progestin, but through a patch worn on your stomach, buttocks, or back.

The patch needs changing once a week for three weeks, and then you skip a week and have your period. You can also use Xulane to prevent your period if you add a new patch on the fourth week instead of skipping a week.

How effective is the patch? The patch is more than 99 percent effective if used perfectly and 94 percent effective if used typically.

How much does it cost? You need a prescription to get the patch. One pack of three patches lasts for up to one month and can cost from $0 to $150. It is free with most health insurance plans, Medicaid, and some government programs.

Hormonal Birth Control Side Effects

Some people have uncomfortable side effects from hormonal contraception. “Each woman is different, and you have to understand your body,” says Bond. Let your doctor know if you get one or more of these side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Weight gain
  • Headaches
  • Changed menstrual cycles, including spotting

Who Shouldn’t Take Hormonal Birth Control?

For some people, the use of estrogen-based birth control is not recommended. “The pill is easy and awesome, but if you have migraines with aura (vision changes during a bad headache) or have a history of deep vein thrombosis, stroke, or other cardiac changes,” talk to your doctor to learn if you should consider another birth control option, says Dr. Greves. Hormonal options containing only progestin don’t carry the same risks and are suitable for people with these underlying health issues.

What’s more, if you have a blood-clotting disorder, it's safest to avoid taking estrogen. And if you have breast cancer, it’s best to avoid taking estrogen or progestin. If you smoke or have overweight or obesity, you can ask your doctor about which contraceptives are recommended for you.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are one of the most effective forms of birth control. A healthcare professional inserts an IUD into your uterus. The device can work for up to 10 years, depending on which type you choose. You can also request its removal any time you want to try getting pregnant.

Copper (Nonhormonal) IUD

The Paragard copper IUD (also called the copper IUD) is the only nonhormonal IUD on the market. It’s a small piece of flexible plastic shaped like a T with copper wrapped around it, which prevents sperm from reaching an egg. That's because sperm are repelled by copper.

Hormonal IUDs

Like the nonhormonal IUD, hormonal IUDs are a small piece of flexible plastic shaped like a T. They release a tiny amount of progestin into your body over several years, which helps prevent pregnancy.

There are four brands of hormonal IUDs available in the United States:

  • Mirena
  • Kyleena
  • Liletta
  • Skyla

Different brands last for different lengths of time. Whichever you choose, you can request the removal of your IUD whenever you want. A healthcare professional must insert or remove an IUD.

How effective is the IUD? All IUDs are more than 99 percent effective both for perfect and typical use.

How much do they cost? IUDs can cost up to $1,800. But they’re free or low-cost with many health insurance plans, Medicaid, and other government programs.

Next up video playing in 10 seconds

Vasectomy: The Ultimate Birth Control?

Considering a vasectomy? Learn about its effectiveness, risks, and impact on sexual performance. Make an informed choice!

Barrier Methods

Other than condoms, these older methods of contraception typically aren’t as effective. “Sponges or a diaphragm? I don’t want to say they are outdated, but they aren’t talked about as much today by healthcare providers,” says Bond. Most barrier methods need to be inserted into the vagina before sex, so “they take away from the romance aspect of engaging in sex,” she adds.

Similarly, “a diaphragm doesn’t work that great,” says Greves. “It’s better than nothing, but I don’t remember the last time I recommended it to someone.”

On the other hand, male condoms and internal condoms remain effective forms of contraception that can also help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Male Condoms

Your wear male or external condoms as a sheath over your penis during sex. They prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from getting into the vagina, so it can’t reach and fertilize an egg.

Male condoms help to prevent pregnancy and can also reduce the spread of STIs. Manufacturers make most male condoms from latex. But some make polyurethane, polyisoprene, and nitrile condoms for those with an allergy to latex. Lambskin and other animal-membrane condoms also prevent pregnancy, but they don’t protect you from STIs.

How effective are condoms? With perfect use, male condoms are 98 percent effective, or 87 percent effective if used typically.

How much do they cost? Male condoms are available in most drugstores, grocery stores, convenience stores, health clinics, online, and vending machines. A box of three usually costs around $6. Lower-cost or free condoms are available at various health centers.

Internal Condoms

Internal condoms are soft, plastic pouches that you put inside your vagina or anus before you have sex. They prevent pregnancy by covering the inside of your vagina, creating a barrier that stops sperm from reaching an egg. They also help prevent the spread of STIs when you wear them in your vagina or anus.

Internal condoms were once known as “female” condoms, but people of any gender can use them. The only brand of internal condom that’s available in the U.S. is the FC2 Female Condom. It’s available online, at many health centers, and by prescription in drugstores.

How effective are internal condoms? If used perfectly, internal condoms are 95 percent effective. If used typically, they are 79 percent effective.

How much do they cost? They usually cost about $2 or $3 each. But most types of health insurance cover them if you have a prescription. Some health centers may offer them for free.

Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a shallow, flexible cup made of silicone that you put inside your vagina. It covers your cervix and serves as a barrier so sperm can’t reach an egg.

Diaphragms are most effective when you also use a sperm-killing cream or gel called spermicide.

Your doctor must fit you for a diaphragm and give you a prescription, and then you can get one at a pharmacy, drugstore, or health center. After that, you can insert it and remove it yourself.

How effective is the diaphragm? If used perfectly with spermicide, the diaphragm is 94 percent effective. With typical use, it’s 87 percent effective.

How much does it cost? A diaphragm can cost up to $75. But you can probably get a free or low-cost diaphragm through most health insurance plans, Medicaid, and some government programs.

 Spermicide, which is available over the counter at the drugstore, costs about $8 to $15 per kit.

Sponge

The sponge is small and round, and it's made of soft, squishy plastic.

You insert it deep inside your vagina up to 24 hours before you have sex. It covers your cervix and contains spermicide to help prevent pregnancy. The Today sponge — the only brand of sponge available in the U.S. — is sold at pharmacies, drugstores, and some supermarkets.

How effective is the sponge? With perfect use, the sponge is 88 percent effective for a woman who’s never given birth and around 80 percent effective for a woman who has.

 With typical use, it’s 73 to 86 percent effective.

How much does it cost? It costs up to $15 for a pack of three. You may be able to get low-cost or free sponges at Planned Parenthood or another health center.

Cervical Cap

Like the diaphragm, the cervical cap is a silicone cup, but it’s smaller. You insert the cap deep in your vagina to cover your cervix and prevent sperm from reaching an egg. It’s also more effective when used with spermicide.

 FemCap is the only type of cervical cap available in the U.S.

Cervical caps are sold in pharmacies, drugstores, and health centers, but you need a prescription. A nurse or doctor will need to examine you to determine which size cervical cap is best for you.

How effective is the cervical cap? Like the sponge, the cervical cap is more effective if you’ve never had a baby. If you’ve never given birth, the cervical cap is 86 percent effective. If you have given birth, the cap is 71 percent effective.

How much does it cost? The cap costs up to $90, not including spermicide. You can probably get a cervical cap for free or at low cost with most types of health insurance, Medicaid, and other government programs.

Natural Family Planning and Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)

Natural family planning or fertility awareness methods (FAM) generally involve taking note of the most fertile days of your menstrual cycle and avoiding sex during these days.

They include the Billings ovulation method, in which you observe the consistency of your cervical mucus (long and stringy just before ovulation) and track your basal body temperature (which rises slightly during ovulation) to predict the time with the lowest odds of pregnancy.

FAM takes a lot of dedication, both to track changes over several months and to avoid vaginal sex (or use condoms) when most fertile. “I don’t think FAM is reliable,” says Bond.

How effective is FAM? The effectiveness of fertility awareness methods, including the Billings method, varies widely. If you practice these methods perfectly, they may not work 0 to 8 percent of the time.

 If you practice them with typical accuracy and consistency, they may not work 2 to 34 percent of the time. 

 

How much does it cost? About $20 for a thermometer.

Pulling Out, or Withdrawal

Pulling out, also known as withdrawal, is when a man removes his penis from the vagina just before ejaculating. It’s tricky, because pre-ejaculate can form before withdrawal. Avoiding pregnancy means keeping all sperm away from the vagina, and with this method, even a small amount of sperm can get into the vagina and lead to pregnancy.

“There is pre-ejaculation that can contain sperm, which can lead to pregnancy,” says Bond. “If you are not sure about taking some kind of pill, or other hormonal contraception, you should consider using condoms, because they are easy and don’t require that much change in the body.”

This method is most effective when you combine it with another birth control method, such as condoms.

How effective is withdrawal? The withdrawal method is 96 percent effective with perfect use and 78 percent effective with typical use.

How much does it cost? Nothing, but condoms are recommended.

Abstinence and Outercourse

Avoiding any kind of vaginal, anal, or oral sex is called abstinence. Activities such as kissing, dry-humping, masturbating, massage, and talking about fantasies are considered outercourse. The idea is to keep sperm away from the vagina to avoid pregnancy, but these methods require a lot of dedication and willpower.

How effective are abstinence and outercourse? 100 percent.

How much does it cost? Nothing.

Permanent Methods of Contraception: Tubal Ligation and Vasectomy

For women, sterilization or tubal ligation is a way to permanently prevent pregnancy. It requires surgery to seal off your fallopian tubes so that an egg can never reach a sperm and be fertilized.

For men, a vasectomy is the option for permanent birth control. A vasectomy is a simple surgery in which a surgeon cuts or blocks off the small tubes in your scrotum, so sperm can’t leave your body and cause pregnancy.

Permanent sterilization methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and condoms are still necessary to reduce the chances of getting an STI. While vasectomy and tubal ligation reversal procedures exist, they are pricey and aren’t always effective.

Choose these options if you’re sure you don’t want to have children (or more children).

How effective is permanent contraception? Tubal sterilization and vasectomy are 99 percent effective.

How much does it cost? Tubal ligation can cost anywhere from $0 to $6,000.

A vasectomy costs between $0 and $1,000.

Both tubal ligation and vasectomies may be totally free (or low-cost) with some health insurance plans, Medicaid, and other government programs.

Emergency Contraception

If you use it as soon as possible after unprotected sex, emergency contraception (EC) is a safe way to prevent pregnancy. Methods are more or less effective depending on a few variables, such as your weight and how long it’s been since you had unprotected sex.

EC comes in several forms.

Copper IUD

The copper IUD, also a form of regular birth control, is the most effective form of emergency contraception, too. If you have one inserted within five days after having unprotected sex, it’s more than 99.9 percent effective against pregnancy. And then it provides very reliable contraception for up to 12 years.

The Progestin (Levonorgestrel) Pill, or Plan B One-Step

You’ll have to take the progestin (levonorgestrel) pill — also known as the “morning-after pill” and by the leading brand name, Plan B One-Step — within 72 hours (three days) of having unprotected sex.

How effective is the progestin (levonorgestrel) pill? Using it can lower your chance of getting pregnant by 75 to 89 percent if you take it within three days after having unprotected sex.

 Research suggests that Plan B is 94 percent effective if you take it within 24 hours of sex.

How much does it cost? Plan B usually retails for about $40 to $50 nationwide. Generic versions usually cost about $11 to $45. If you have health insurance or Medicaid, it’s likely that you can get the progestin pill for free; you just have to ask your nurse or doctor for a prescription, even though you don’t need a prescription to buy these types of pills over-the-counter.

You may also be able to get the morning-after pill for free or at a low cost from a health center or family planning clinic.

Ella

You’ll need to take a pill that contains ulipristal acetate, also known by the brand-name Ella, within five days of having unprotected sex. You need a prescription to get Ella, either by seeing your doctor or getting a prescription online.

How effective is Ella? Use of Ella reduces your chances of getting pregnant by 85 percent if you take it within five days after having unprotected sex. Taken within 24 hours, it’s 98 percent effective.

How much does it cost? Ella usually costs about $50 at a pharmacy or drugstore, but it might be free if you have health insurance or Medicaid. You may also be able to get Ella for free or low-cost from a health center or family planning clinic. Depending on which state you live in, you may be able to get a prescription for Ella directly from your pharmacist.

The Yuzpe Method

The Yuzpe method involves taking higher-than-usual doses of combination birth control pills that have both estrogen and progestin. This method is most effective within three days of having unprotected sex, and it must occur under the supervision of a physician. The number of pills you would take depends on the brand of birth control you use.

How effective is the Yuzpe method? Experts estimate that the Yuzpe method is about 75 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.

How much does it cost? It costs the same as combination birth control pills, which you would usually already have on hand if you’re using this method.

What’s the Best Birth Control Method?

The best method depends on you and your lifestyle, says Bond. “I try to explain there’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s more, ‘What can I do, and how does my body react?’ There are so many contraceptive methods out there, but not every one will fit every person.”

Think about talking to a healthcare professional about your options and asking which type of birth control best suits your health needs.

Support for People Seeking Birth Control

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood is a nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure that everyone has access to the care and resources they need to make informed decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures. Planned Parenthood delivers sexual and reproductive healthcare, sex education, and information to millions of people every year.

Guttmacher Institute

The Guttmacher Institute is a leading research and policy organization committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide. The institute’s staff aims to work toward a future in which everyone can realize their rights and access the resources they need to support their sexual and reproductive health.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Hormonal Contraception. ReproductiveFacts.org.
  2. Contraceptive Effectiveness in the United States. Guttmacher Institute.
  3. Birth Control Pill. Planned Parenthood.
  4. Cooper DB et al. Oral Contraceptive Pills. StatPearls. February 29, 2024.
  5. Birth Control Shot. Planned Parenthood.
  6. Mason E et al. Update on Long- and Short-Acting Contraceptive Methods. Australian Prescriber. June 10, 2025.
  7. Birth Control Implant. Planned Parenthood.
  8. How Nexplanon Works. Nexplanon.
  9. Birth Control Ring. Planned Parenthood.
  10. Vaginal Ring. Cleveland Clinic. September 14, 2022.
  11. Al-Haddad S et al. Advances in Contraception: Vaginal Contraceptive Rings. Therapeutic Advances in Reproductive Health. July 14, 2023.
  12. Birth Control Patch. Planned Parenthood.
  13. Birth Control Patch. Cleveland Clinic. December 1, 2022.
  14. Oral Contraceptives. World Health Organization. December 23, 2025.
  15. What Are Non-Hormonal IUDs? Planned Parenthood.
  16. What Are Hormonal IUDs? Planned Parenthood.
  17. Condom. Planned Parenthood.
  18. Condoms. Cleveland Clinic. November 18, 2025.
  19. Internal Condom. Planned Parenthood.
  20. Internal Condom. Cleveland Clinic. June 12, 2025.
  21. Diaphragm. Planned Parenthood.
  22. Vaginal Diaphragm. Cleveland Clinic. July 1, 2022.
  23. How Do I Get Spermicide? Planned Parenthood.
  24. Birth Control Sponge. Planned Parenthood.
  25. Birth Control Sponge. Cleveland Clinic. October 21, 2022.
  26. Birth Control Options – Barrier Methods. Columbia University. February 14, 2024.
  27. Cervical Cap. Planned Parenthood.
  28. Birth Control Options: Things to Consider. Mayo Clinic. January 28, 2025.
  29. Sung S et al. Natural Family Planning. StatPearls. February 14, 2022.
  30. Fertility Awareness-Based Methods to Prevent Pregnancy. Kaiser Family Foundation. October 16, 2025.
  31. Fertility Awareness. Planned Parenthood.
  32. Withdrawal (Pull Out Method). Planned Parenthood.
  33. Withdrawal or Pull-Out Method. Center for Young Women’s Health. November 8, 2022.
  34. Abstinence and Outercourse. Planned Parenthood.
  35. Sterilization. Planned Parenthood.
  36. Vasectomy. Planned Parenthood.
  37. What’s the Plan B Morning-After Pill? Planned Parenthood.
  38. Morning-After Pill. Cleveland Clinic. November 21, 2024.
  39. What’s the Ella Morning-After Pill? Planned Parenthood.
  40. Can Your Birth Control Double as Emergency Contraception? Cleveland Clinic. November 14, 2025.
Meet Our Experts
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
kara-leigh-smythe-bio

Kara Smythe, MD

Medical Reviewer

Kara Smythe, MD, has been working in sexual and reproductive health for over 10 years. Dr. Smythe is a board-certified fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolog...

See full bio

Cheryl Alkon

Author
Cheryl Alkon is a longtime writer, researcher, and editor. Having experienced health issues for most of her life due to type 1 diabetes, she is fluent in medical terminology and th...
See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network