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.
Birth Control Options
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%