From hormonal contraceptives to barrier methods and natural methods, the types of birth control available today can be divided into several categories. We’ll explore each of these categories, outlining some of the benefits and risks associated with each option.

Hormonal Contraception – the use of hormonal medication, containing a combination of estrogen and progestin or progestin only, to block ovulation and prevent pregnancy.^{7. Dorland's Medical Dictionary, p. 412 D, E, F}

Hormonal contraceptive methods require a prescription.^{49. FDA. Birth Control Guide, p. 1B}

• Oral contraceptives (the Pill) are taken to prevent pregnancy and work primarily by inhibiting ovulation. They suppress the hormone activity in the brain and the ovaries. In this way, they prevent ovulation from occurring.^{44. Ortho Tri-Cylen Lo PI, p. 1} A 2002 survey suggests that oral contraception is the most popular contraceptive method among women between the ages of 15 and 44.^{50. Chandra, p. 19} The most widely used form of oral contraceptive is a combination formulation, containing both estrogen and progestin hormones. ^{2. Mishell, p. 904} Monophasic pills provide a constant dose of hormones, while multiphasic pills provide changing doses of hormones throughout the monthly oral contraceptive pack.^{42. Nakajima, p. 23} More recently, monophasic extended cycle pills have been marketed. These monophasic pills reduce the number of periods per year by adding additional weeks of hormones to delay hormone withdrawal periods.^{42. Nakajima, p. 32} A progestin-only oral contraceptive contains just progestin with no estrogen. A progestin-only regimen is typically prescribed for women with conditions in which estrogen is contraindicated or less desirable, such as heart attacks, stroke, or blood clots, or mothers who are breastfeeding.^{42. Nakajima, p. 65B; 51. Ortho Micronor PI, pg. 3} Progestin-only oral contraceptives must be taken at the same time every day. ^{51. Ortho Micronor PI, pg. 2}
  
  
• There are currently 3 types of injectable contraceptives throughout the world that range in injection frequency from every 1 to 3 months. Only the 3-month regimen is currently available in the United States.^{2. Mishell, p. 921 B}
  
  
• Some intrauterine devices, or IUDs, contain hormones.^{52. Mirena PI, p 2 B} The T-shaped device, inserted into the uterus by a health care professional, prevents pregnancy. IUDs must be replaced periodically, and a new one can be inserted at the time of removal in the same office visit.^{2. Mishell, p. 930; 52. Mirena PI, p 2 A}
  
  
• The vaginal ring is a flexible, soft, transparent ring that contains contraceptive hormones. A woman inserts the vaginal ring into her vagina and leaves it there for 3 weeks. The ring releases a continuous low dose of hormones into the vagina. The woman removes the ring after 3 weeks for a 1-week break, during which withdrawal bleeding usually begins. A new ring is inserted into the vagina 1 week after the last ring was removed. It is only available in one size and does not require a special fitting or placement.^{2. Mishell, p.921 A; 53. NuvaRing PI, p. 18}
  
  
• The contraceptive patch is an adhesive skin patch that releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream. The patch can be applied to clean, dry, healthy skin on the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm, or upper torso, but not on the breasts. A new patch is applied each week for 3 weeks. The patch is not worn during the fourth week. Withdrawal bleeding is expected to begin during week 4. ^{54. Ortho Evra PI, p. 5}
  
  

Barrier Methods – Contraceptive devices that work by physically preventing sperm from entering the female reproductive system.^{7. Dorlands Illustrated Medical Dictionary, p. 412}

• A diaphragm is a molded rubber or soft plastic contraceptive device that must be fitted by a health care professional. It is placed over the cervix prior to intercourse, and works by blocking the entrance of sperm. A spermicidal agent is usually added inside the device. The diaphragm should be left in place for at least 6 hours after sexual intercourse, but no longer than 24 hours.^{7. Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary, p. 509; 60. Ortho All-Flex PI, p. 1}
  
  
• A cervical cap is a cup-shaped plastic or rubber device that is available in different sizes and should be fitted to the cervix by a health care professional. The cervical cap is generally considered more comfortable than a diaphragm and can be left in place longer for no more than 48 hours. It should also be used with a spermicide.^{2. Mishell, p. 902 (Cervical Cap)}
  
  
• The sponge is a single-sized device made of polyurethane that contains spermicide and can be purchased over-the-counter. It is placed high into the vagina covering the cervix.^{42. Nakajima, p. 137}
  
  
• The male condom is a sheath worn over a man’s penis during sexual intercourse to catch sperm and prevent pregnancy.^{7. Dorland's Medical Dictionary, p. 405} Condoms are the most effective method of contraception to also prevent sexually transmitted diseases. ^{2. Mishell, p. 902 C}
  
  
• The female condom is a polyurethane sheath that is available over-the-counter without a prescription. It is inserted into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse and each is used only once. While it does offer protection against both pregnancy and some sexually transmitted diseases, the male latex condom is better at preventing pregnancy and protecting against sexually transmitted diseases.^{55. FDA What Kind of BC is Best for You, p. 1; 49. FDA Birth Control p. 1D}
  
  

Spermicides – Chemical agents placed into the vagina before sexual intercourse that work by immobilizing or killing sperm on contact.^{2. Mishell, p. 902 A}

• Gels and jellies come in prefilled, single-dose, disposable plastic applicators or in a tube with a reusable applicator. Each dose offers protection for one act of sexual intercourse and lasts for up to 6 hours.^{42. Nakajima, p. 150}
  
  
• Foams come in aerosol cans along with an applicator, and are inserted into the vagina 1 hour before sexual intercourse.^{42. Nakajima, p. 149}
  
  
• Suppositories are also available and are inserted into the vagina. Protection begins 10-15 minutes after insertion and lasts no longer than 1 hour.^{42. Nakajima, p.151}
  
  

Intrauterine Device (IUD) – A small, T-shaped plastic device that may contain either progestin (hormone) or copper, and is inserted into the uterus by a medical professional to prevent pregnancy.^{52. Mirena PI p 1 A; 56. ParaGard, PI, p 1}

• The way the progestin-releasing IUD works has not been conclusively determined, although studies have suggested that it prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus, preventing the passage of sperm into the uterus, inhibiting sperm survival, and altering the endometrium. Studies have also shown that ovulation is inhibited in some women who use this type of IUD.^{52. Mirena PI p 1 (Clinical Pharmacology)} The progestin-releasing IUD can be left inside the uterus for contraceptive purposes for up to 5 years.^{52. Mirena PI p 1 (Indications & Usage)}
• The copper-releasing IUD is thought to work by interfering with sperm transport or fertilization, and prevention of implantation.^{56. ParaGard, PI, p 1 (Clinical Pharmacology)} One such copper-releasing IUD can be left inside the uterus for contraceptive purposes for up to 10 years.^{56. ParaGard, PI, p 1 (Indications & Usage}

Sterilization – A surgical procedure, usually permanent, in which an individual is made incapable of reproduction.^{7. Dorland's Medical Dictionary, p. 1760}

• Female sterilization, or tubal ligation, is a surgical procedure that involves cutting, tying, or blocking the fallopian tubes so eggs can’t travel through to the uterus.^{55. FDA What kind of birth control is best for you?, p. 2B; 4. Danforth, p.556}
  
  
• Male sterilization, or vasectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves tying, sealing, or cutting the tube through which sperm travel to the penis from the testicles.^{55. FDA What kind of birth control is best for you?, p. 2A}

Natural Methods – Withdrawal and periodic abstinence.^{42. Nakajima, p. 140-147}

• In the withdrawal method, the man removes his penis from the woman’s vagina before ejaculation occurs. However, this method can be less effective than some barrier contraceptive methods.^{42. Nakajima, p. 146-147}
  
  
• Periodic abstinence (also known as natural family planning, the calendar method, and fertility awareness) includes a number of methods designed to avoid having unprotected sexual intercourse during the most fertile times of a woman's menstrual cycle.^{42. Nakajima, p. 141}

Explore the effectiveness of different birth control methods.

Find out which method may be right for you.