Birth Control Options

View our recommended list of birth control options for women below, please note this list changes frequently so please reach out to us with any additional questions.

Oral Contraceptives

Advantages: Continuous protection when taken correctly, reversible, non-contraceptive health benefits.

Disadvantages: Must be taken on daily schedule; side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, changes in menses; cardiovascular risk in smokers greater than
age 35.

Effectiveness: > 99%

Patch

Advantages: Applied weekly, rapidly reversible, continuous protection when correctly used.

Disadvantages: Cardiovascular risk in smokers greater than age 35; side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, changes in menses

Effectiveness: > 99%

Ring

Advantages: Inserted monthly, rapidly reversible, continuous protection when correctly
used.

Disadvantages: Requires comfort with self-insertion; Cardiovascular risk in smokers greater than age 35; side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, changes in menses.

Effectiveness: > 99%

Oral Progestin Pill

Advantages: Option for women who are unable to tolerate estrogen.

Disadvantages: Strict adherence to daily dosing necessary; changes in menses.

Effectiveness: 95%

Injectable Progestin

Advantages: Continuous protection for 3 months; convenient

Disadvantages: Delayed return to fertility; irregular or absent menses; weight gain

Effectiveness: > 99%

Implant (Progestin)

Advantages: Continuous protection for 3 years; reversible; convenient

Disadvantages: Unpredictable bleeding pattern; rare risk of infection at site of insertion

Effectiveness: > 99%

Intrauterine Device (IUD) Nonhormonal)

Advantages: Continuous protection for 10 years; reversible; convenient

Disadvantages: May increase monthly bleeding and cramping; rare risk of uterine perforation or pelvic infection

Effectiveness: > 99%

Intrauterine System (IUS) (Hormonal - Liletta)

Advantages: Continuous protection for 5 years; menses lighter, less painful; convenient, reversible

Disadvantages: Small possibility of hormonal side effects; rare risk of uterine perforation or pelvic infection

Effectiveness: > 99%

Sterilization (tubal ligation, vasectomy, Essure)

Advantages: Continuous contraception, convenient

Disadvantages: Permanent method; surgical procedure

Effectiveness: > 99%

Condom

Advantages: Easily obtained, inexpensive, offers some STD protection

Disadvantages: Less spontaneity, may cause irritation

Effectiveness: 80% – 97%

Diaphragm

Advantages: Easy to use, may be inserted up to 6 hours before sex

Disadvantages: Requires comfort with self-insertion; risk of bladder infection

Effectiveness: 80% – 94%

Fertility Awareness (periodic abstinence)

Advantages: Minimal cost

Disadvantages: Requires careful planning and motivation; intercourse prohibited for up to half of cycle; not for women with irregular cycles

Effectiveness: 75% – 99%