The Basics of Birth Control

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Sex is nothing to be ashamed of –– 97% of adult Americans have done it. With sex often comes concerns of pregnancy. Certainly, there are queer or infertile couples who don’t face this issue, but most do. If you plan on having sex and want to avoid the pregnancy bit — don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
That being said, birth control isn’t just for preventing pregnancy. It can help lessen periods, or remove them altogether. It can help with acne or help with disorders like PCOS, and so much more.
We’re here to break down all the advantages and disadvantages that come with each method of birth control, and to help you figure out what’s best for you.
All of these methods of birth control can be acquired for a range of prices. Most of them come out to be $0 with insurance. To learn more visit Planned Parenthood’s website or contact your insurance provider.
Birth Control Implant
99% effective

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The implant is a small rod inserted under the skin on the patient's arm. It’s not visible and prevents pregnancy for up to four years.
Low maintenance
Best at preventing pregnancy
Helps make periods and cramps lighter or go away altogether
Placed by doctor or nurse
Progestin-only and no estrogen
IUD
99% effective

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IUDs are small, t-shaped pieces of plastic inserted into the uterus to prevent insemination. There are three kinds of IUDs, and each offers a different set of benefits and drawbacks. You can learn more here.
Low maintenance
Best at preventing pregnancy
Helps make periods and cramps lighter or go away altogether
Placed by doctor or nurse
No hormones in copper IUD
No estrogen in hormonal IUDs
Birth Control Shot
94% effective
The shot, also known as Depo, is given once every three or so months and prevents fertilization. It’s inserted in the arm or buttock and requires a prescription.
Used on schedule
Best at preventing pregnancy
Helps make periods and cramps lighter or go away altogether
Given by doctor or nurse
Progestin-only and no estrogen
Birth Control Vaginal Ring
91% effective

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The ring works like the pill but only needs to be inserted once a month. It’s a small, flexible piece of latex-free plastic and can’t be felt during intercourse if inserted properly.
Used on schedule
Best at preventing pregnancy
Helps make periods and cramps lighter or go away altogether
You need a prescription from a doctor or nurse
Birth Control Patch
91% effective

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The patch also works like the pill, but only needs to be applied once a week. It’s a small, flexible piece of plastic that looks like a regular bandage. It can be worn on your arm, back or buttock.
Used on schedule
Best at preventing pregnancy
Helps make periods and cramps lighter or go away altogether
You need a prescription from a doctor or nurse
Birth Control Pill
91% effective

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The pill contains estrogen and progestogen. It needs to be taken daily to prevent pregnancy and it’s one of the most common forms of birth control.
Used on schedule
Best at preventing pregnancy
Helps make periods and cramps lighter or go away altogether
You need a prescription from a doctor or nurse
Condom
85% effective

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Condoms are seath-shaped barriers worn on the penis. They can help prevent pregnancy and protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Use every time
Helps prevent STIs
No hormones
Internal Condom
79% effective

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Internal condoms are pouches inserted into the vagina or anus before sex. It can help prevent pregnancy and protect against STIs just like an external condom.
Use every time
Helps prevent STIs
No hormones
Diaphragm
88% effective

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To work effectively, diaphragms need to be inserted hours before sex and used with spermicide. It’s a silicone dome inserted in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the egg.
Use every time
You need a prescription from a doctor or nurse
No hormones
Reusable
Birth Control Sponge
76-88% effective
The sponge is a small piece of foam inserted into the vagina hours before sex.
Use every time
No hormones
Spermicide and Gel
72-86% effective
Available at any convenience store, spermicide and gel kill sperm, which prevents it from reaching the egg.
Use every time
No hormones
Cervical Cap
71-86% effective

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To work effectively a cervical cap needs to be used with spermicide. It can be inserted up to six hours before sex and prevents pregnancy.
Use every time
You need a prescription from a doctor or nurse
No hormones
Reusable
Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)
76-88% effective
FAM involves tracking the menstrual cycle so the user is aware of their ovulation days and fertile days. It’s a more complicated method of birth control and should be thoroughly researched if used. You can read more here.
Lifestyle
No hormones
Withdrawal (Pull Out Method)
78% effective
The pull-out method is the practice of removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation to prevent pregnancy from occurring.
Lifestyle
No hormones
Breastfeeding as Birth Control
98% effective

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For the first six months of a child’s life, if you do not have your period, this is a usable birth control method. The parent needs to exclusively breastfeed the child, meaning no formula, and feed them approximately every six hours.
Lifestyle
No hormones
Outercourse and Abstinence
100% effective
Not engaging in sex or strictly staying above the waist makes pregnancy impossible. This is the only method of birth control that’s foolproof.
Lifestyle
Best at preventing pregnancy
No hormones
Tubal Ligation
99% effective

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This surgery is the sterilization of the uterus. The fallopian tubes are tied to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg.
Permanent
Best at preventing pregnancy
Surgery performed by doctor or nurse
No hormones
Vasectomy
99% effective
This surgery is the sterilization of the penis. It cuts off the supply of sperm so it’s unable to reach the semen during ejaculation.
Permanent
Best at preventing pregnancy
Surgery performed by doctor or nurse
No hormones

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If you had unprotected sex, a condom broke or anything went wrong and you want to be sure there’s no chance of pregnancy, Plan B is an option and can be purchased for approximately $50 at most convenience stores. If you’re already pregnant and wish to terminate the fetus, you can look into abortion laws in your state.