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You’re here to learn about birth control, right? Awesome! First, let’s chat about a few things...
People have used birth control methods for thousands of years. Today, there are many safe and effective birth control methods available. All forms of birth control in this booklet are safer than being pregnant. They’re even safer than riding a bicycle! You have options. Birth control is not one-size-fits-all. Everyone who needs birth control wants to find the method that works best for them.
And everyone has different needs when choosing a method. Learning about each method may help you make your decision. Only you can decide what is best for you. And we are here to help. A staff member at your local Planned Parenthood health center can discuss all of your birth control options with you, help you pick the best method and discuss costs and financial assistance that may be available to you. Something to keep in mind... This booklet is a great starting point for you to explore which birth control methods may work for you. In it are some of the most popular methods with links to provide you with even more information, including costs, advantages, risks and possible side effects to each method. Making an appointment at your local Planned Parenthood and speaking with our medical staff is a great next step. Bring this booklet with you and feel free to ask questions! There’s a lot of information to learn about each method and it can be overwhelming. Remember, we’re here. No matter what.
iud • Small, “T-shaped” device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy • One type of IUD has a small amount of hormone and can last up to 5 years • Another type of IUD has no hormone and can last up to 12 years • Must be inserted/removed by a health care provider • Does not protect against STIs • As effective as getting your tubes tied but immediately reversible IUD
IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control available. Fewer than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year using an IUD.
Scan this code for more info (or visit plannedparenthood.org):
Implant • A matchstick-sized rod inserted in the arm to prevent pregnancy • Must be inserted/removed by a health care provider • Lasts up to 3 years • Does not protect against STIs • As effective as getting your tubes tied but immediately reversible Implant The birth control implant is very effective. Fewer than 1 out of 100 women a year will become pregnant using the implant.
Scan this code for more info (or visit plannedparenthood.org):
Birth Control Shot • A shot in the arm that prevents pregnancy • Easy to get with a prescription • Lasts for 3 months • Does not protect against STIs • Fewer than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they are never late for a shot. About 6 out of 100 women who are sometimes late for a shot will get pregnant each year.
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Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York
Our mission: Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York provides high quality, nonjudgmental reproductive health care; promotes responsible and healthy sexuality; advocates for access to comprehensive health care; and supports those affected by sexual violence. Website: www.ppcwny.org Toll-free helpline: 1-800-230-PLAN Illustrations by: Justyn Iannucci
Birth Control PILLS • Take a pill each day to prevent pregnancy • Easy to get with a prescription • Does not protect against STIs • Fewer than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they take the pill each day and never forget. About 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they sometimes forget a pill.
Scan this code for more info (or visit plannedparenthood.org):
Birth Control ring • A small ring you put in your vagina once a month for 3 weeks to prevent pregnancy • Same medicine that is in birth control pills • Easy to get with a prescription • Does not protect against STIs • Fewer than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they use the ring perfectly. About 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they sometimes forget to change the ring.
Scan this code for more info (or visit plannedparenthood.org):
Birth Control patch • A small patch that sticks to your skin to prevent pregnancy • Same medicine that is in birth control pills • Easy to get with a prescription • Does not protect against STIs • Fewer than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they use the patch perfectly. About 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they sometimes forget to change the patch.
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male condom • Made of latex or plastic and worn on the penis • Prevents pregnancy and STIs • Can be used for vaginal, anal or oral sex • Each year, 2 out of 100 women whose partners use condoms will become pregnant if they use condoms correctly and every time. A lot of people don’t use condoms correctly or every time. For them, 18 out of 100 women will become pregnant. • Important to use every time you have sex
Scan this code for more info (or visit plannedparenthood.org): FEmale condom • A pouch inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy • Reduces the risk of STIs • Can be used for vaginal and anal sex • If women use the female condom correctly and every time, 5 out of 100 will become pregnant each year. If women don’t use the female condom correctly or every time, 21 out of 100 will become pregnant each year. • Important to use every time you have sex if male does not wear condom
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Emergency Contraception • Also called the “morning-after pill” • Birth control that can prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after an “oops!” • Most effective the sooner you take it • Good to have before you need • Does not harm existing pregnancy • Three types of emergency contraception — 2 kinds of pills and an IUD • One kind of pill available without a prescription to people of all ages • Does not protect against STIs
Scan this code for more info (or visit plannedparenthood.org): What about stIs? All of the methods listed here are good at preventing pregnancy when used correctly and consistently, however, not all of the methods protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Using a condom every time you have sex is the best way to protect yourself from STIs.
you’re in charge. Deciding which birth control method is best for you is your choice. It’s also your choice to have sex or not to have sex. No one should ever pressure you about either decision.