1. Permanent Birth Control (Vasectomy & Bilateral Tubal Ligation)

This type of birth control requires a surgical procedure in order to prevent pregnancy. A bilateral tubal ligation, also known as “getting your tubes tied,” blocks the fallopian tubes to prevent the ovum (egg) from being fertilized. This can be done in several ways like cutting, burning, or placing clips on the fallopian tubes. This method is not reversible and prevents pregnancy 99% of the time. A vasectomy is a reversible surgical procedure that prevents pregnancy 99% of the time. This type of birth control cuts the supply of sperm to the semen by cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm. To reverse this procedure they reconnect each tube that carries sperm from a testicle into the semen.

pros, cons, and side effects of tubal ligation, tubal block, or vasectomy

2. IUD (Non-hormonal/Hormonal)

An IUD or intrauterine device is a small t-shaped piece of plastic or copper that is inserted into the uterus. The copper IUD is non-hormonal and lasts up to 12 years with a 99% effectiveness. The plastic IUD is hormonal which contains a small amount of progestogen that is released in the reproductive system and lasts up to seven years.

pros, cons, and side effects of the IUD

3. Implant (Hormonal)

This implant is a small rod that is placed in the arm by a healthcare provider. It lasts up to 3 years with 99% effectiveness. This implant releases the hormone progestin to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens the cervical mucus, so it is difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.

pros, cons, and side effects of the implant

4. The Shot (Hormonal)

This is an injection of the hormone progestin in the arm or hip that is administered by a professional. Each injection lasts up to 3 months with a 99% effectiveness and stops the ovaries from releasing eggs, and thickens the cervical mucus, so it is difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.

pros, cons, and side effects of the shot

5. The Vaginal Ring (Hormonal)

It is a flexible ring (usually about the size of a hairband) that is inserted into the vagina each month for three weeks at a time. It has a 99% effectiveness rate and since it is hormonal it works the same as an impact or injection.

pros, cons, and side effects of the ring

6. Patch (Hormonal)

The patch is applied weekly anywhere on the skin (except for the breasts) and prevents pregnancy 99% of the time. Since it is a hormonal method it stops the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.

pros, cons, and side effects of the patch

7. The Pill (Hormonal)

A pill that should be taken at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness. it is often used to reduce cramping and bleeding during periods and has a 99% effectiveness. The pill releases hormones (progestin-only or a combination of hormones) to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens cervical mucus, so it is difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.

pros, cons, and side effects of the pill

8. Condoms (Non-hormonal)

Available in latex or polyurethane, condoms, are placed over an erect penis to stop sperm from entering the vagina during ejaculation. They work 98% of the time (if used properly) and that is why some people use this type of birth control with another. A female condom is inserted into the vagina and works 95% effectively. Condoms do not only protect people from pregnancy but also STIs.

pros, cons, and side effects of condoms and insertive condoms

9. Emergency Contraception (Hormonal & Non-hormonal)

This can be used up to five days after unprotected sex. It can come in the form of either a pill or copper IUD, which have varying degrees of effectiveness. They work to stop pregnancy from occurring by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, but it does NOT cause an abortion.

pros, cons, and side effects of emergency contraception

10. Fertility Awareness/ Natural Family Planning (Non-hormonal)

This method includes planning that involves a woman tracking her monthly cycle from her period through ovulation to determine when she is most and least likely to get pregnant. When used correctly, this method prevents pregnancy 76% of the time. 24 out of 100 women who use natural family planning will have a pregnancy if they use the method correctly.

pros, cons, and side effects of natural family planning

11. Withdrawal/Pull-out Method (Non-hormonal)

This method which included pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation works 73% of the time. 27 out of 100 women whose partners use withdrawal will become pregnant each year, even if used correctly. There is always a chance of pregnancy if sperm is introduced to the vagina.

pros, cons, and side effects of the withdrawal method

12. Spermicide

Made with sperm-killing chemicals (such as nonoxynol-9), spermicides such as foams, suppositories, or film prevent pregnancy 82% of the time. Placed inside the vagina shortly before sex, spermicides block the cervix and keep sperm from entering the uterus.

pros, cons, and side effects of spermicides