Birth Control Options Chart Hormonal Methods

Method Effectiveness How it works Advantages Disadvantages

Easy to use and gives you control. A daily pill containing hormones Can reduce cramps or result in lighter, Birth control pills also that stops you from ovulating. Must remember to take at the 91- 99% more regular periods. known as mini-pills There are combination estrogen or same time every day. progestin-only (mini-pill) options. Many types available for different needs.

A thin hormone releasing patch Easy to use and gives you control. May result in skin irritation. Ortho Evra (Patch) 91- 99% that you stick onto your skin once a week for 3 weeks in a row. You don’t have to remember it daily. May increase risk of blood clots.

You don’t have to remember it daily. Must insert yourself. A small, flexible, low-dose hormone May result in lighter periods. Can become displaced if not Vaginal Ring 91- 99% releasing ring that you insert into inserted properly. your vagina for 3 weeks at a time. May be taken out during sex for up to 3 hours. Possible vaginal or irritation.

You don’t have to remember to take it daily. May cause irregular bleeding, bone density loss, and weight An injection given every 3 months Can be used by those who can’t take Depo-Provera 94 - 99% gain. that stops you from ovulating. estrogen. Must visit provider every 3 Privacy: only you know you’ve taken months. the shot. www.feministcenter.org Birth Control Options Chart Long Term Methods

Method Effectiveness How it works Advantages Disadvantages

Periods may be irregular, IUD stands for intrauterine device. Some of the most effective, longest especially at first. There are hormonal IUDs and lasting birth control methods available. Copper IUDs may cause heavier copper, non-hormonal IUDs. They You don’t have to remember to take it. are a small T-shaped device inserted periods, especially at first. IUD Over 99% Hormonal varieties work 3-5 years. in the uterus. Both copper and Cramping when inserted. A copper IUD lasts 10 years and is hormonal IUDs work primarily by In rare cases, it can be expelled a good option for people who don’t preventing sperm from joining an from the uterus or become want to use any hormonal method. egg. displaced.

One of the most effective, longest lasting birth control methods Works continuously. May cause irregular bleeding. available. An implant is a small rod You don’t have to remember to take it. Requires a small incision in the arm. Implant Over 99% inserted under the skin of the upper Privacy: only you know it’s there. You may have a small scar or arm. It gradually releases a low dose You may have lighter periods. discoloration. of hormone. Works for 3 years.

Requires surgery. Permanent. Surgical procedure that permanently Not easily reversible. Tubal Ligation Over 99% blocks or closes the fallopian tubes. You don’t have to worry about remembering to use it. Use if you know your family size is complete.

www.feministcenter.org Birth Control Options Chart Long Term Methods

Method Effectiveness How it works Advantages Disadvantages It takes 3 months to become effective. Essure is a soft, flexible insert that You will need to take a is placed into both fallopian tubes. Unlike the surgical procedure, this confirmation test before relying on Over three months a barrier forms does not involve surgery. Essure sterilization Over 99% this method. An alternative birth around the insert. This prevents No hormones. control method required during sperms from reaching the eggs and Performed in less than 10 minutes. this time. thus prevents pregnancy. Risk of insert being displaced and requiring surgical removal.

Requires a surgery. Surgical procedure that permanently Permanent. Not easily reversible. Vasectomy Over 99% blocks the vas deferens - tubes that You don’t have to worry about carry sperm. remembering to use it. Use if you know your family size is complete.

www.feministcenter.org Birth Control Options Chart Barrier Methods

Method Effectiveness How it works Advantages Disadvantages

Also protects against STDs. A sheath that covers the penis (external Must use every time you have sex. or male condom) or sits inside the vagina Inexpensive, available without a Condoms 82 - 98% May result in irritation. (internal or female condom). Serves as a prescription. Not comfortable for everyone. barrier for sperm. Non-hormonal.

Must use every time you have sex. A silicone dome worn inside the vagina You can insert it hours in advance. Diaphragm 88 - 94% and used with spermicide. Serves as a Spermicide may cause irritation. Non-hormonal. barrier to sperm. Must keep in for 6 hours after sex.

Must use every time you have sex. Small round cap inserted before sexual You can insert it hours in advance. Cervical Cap 71 - 86% intercourse. Serves as a barrier to sperm. Spermicide may cause irritation. Non-hormonal. Use with spermicide. Must keep in for 6 hours after sex.

Spermicide kills or disables sperm so Available without prescription. Does not protect against HIV/ it cannot cause pregnancy. It comes Does not affect future fertility. AIDs. in many different forms: foam, jelly, Lubrication may increase pleasure. Must be readily available and cream, and suppositories. Most types of used prior to penetration. Spermicide 71- 82% spermicide use the chemical nonoxynol-9 Possible genital irritation. When against sperm. It is most effective when used frequently, spermicides may used with other methods of birth control irritate the vagina, making it easier like diaphragms, condoms, etc. to contract STIs. www.feministcenter.org Birth Control Options Chart Knowledge Based Methods

Method Effectiveness How it works Advantages Disadvantages

Track your menstrual cycle and No side effects or hormones. Fertility Awareness Requires daily planning and self- fertility using various methods. Free, doesn’t require a prescription. (Knowledge based 76 - 88% control. Abstain from sex or use another Method) Helps you learn more about your May be time-consuming. method when fertile. body works and can be empowering.

Birth Control Chart Content Sources: Preterm, Planned Parenthood and Feminist Women’s Health Center.

To discuss your options or to schedule an appointment, call Feminist Women’s Health Center at 404-728-7900 or 1-800-877-6013. Our trained health educators would love to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

www.feministcenter.org