learn more about the most effective and commonly-used types of hormonal birth control and emergency contraception below
long-acting reversible contraception
Hormonal IUDs are small devices that secrete progestin, (a chemical similar to the hormone progesterone that your body makes naturally). IUDs are placed into your uterus (womb) in a procedure that usually takes about a minute.
PROS:
-
99% effective against pregnancy; (Fully effective 1 week after insertion)
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Work continuously for 3-7 years
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Many people experience lighter periods/period symptoms, or stop having their period with an IUD in place
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Reversible, will not affect fertility
-
May reduce risk of ovarian cancer
​
CONS:
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Cannot use menstrual cup
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Cramping in the hours/day after insertion
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Spotting for the first few months
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Rare risks: ectopic pregnancy, infection, penetration into wall of uterus
-
May increase risk of breast/cervical cancers
Want a long-term commitment to your birth control but don't want/need the hormones? A copper IUD is a little copper device that can last up to 12 years. It prevents pregnancy by making the uterus less welcoming to sperm.
PROS:
-
Super long-acting and immediately effective (can be used as emergency contraception after unprotected sex)
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No hormonal side effects (for example, no spotting, irregular periods, weight gain, etc.)
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Like hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs are reversible and do not affect fertility
​
CONS:
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May make periods heavier​
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Cannot use menstrual cup
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Cramping in the hours/day after insertion
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Rare risks: ectopic pregnancy, infection, penetration into wall of uterus
Set it and forget it! The implant is a small plastic rod that is placed under the skin of your arm in a procedure that takes about a minute. It lasts 3+ years and is >99% effective. The cons: some people experience spotting (light bleeding between cycles)
PROS:
-
99% effective against pregnancy; (Fully effective 1 week after implant)
-
Work continuously for 3-5 years
-
Many people experience lighter periods/period symptoms, or stop having their period with the implant
-
Reversible, will not affect fertility
-
May reduce risk of ovarian cancer
​
CONS:
-
Pain, swelling, or infection at the implant site
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Spotting between periods
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Possible headaches, breast pain, nausea, weight gain
hormonal intrauterine device
(IUD)
copper intrauterine device
(IUD)
hormonal implant
short-acting reversible contraception
A tried and true classic, this form of birth control is very effective as long as you remember to take it every day.
PROS:
-
91% effective against pregnancy; (Fully effective 1 week after starting the pill)
-
May take 3 months to see improvements in acne/abnormal bleeding​
-
-
Many people experience lighter periods/period symptoms
-
Makes periods predictable and you can choose to "skip periods" while on the pill, (ask your doctor how to do this)
-
May reduce risk of ovarian cancer
CONS:
-
Must take at the same time every day
-
Contains estrogen, so this may not be a good choice if you have a clotting disorder or smoke cigarettes
-
May experience headaches, weight gain
-
May be less effective if taking certain medications or supplements (rifampin, certain anti-seizure meds, and St. John's wort)
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May increase risk of breast/cervical cancers
Not a fan of daily pills or implants? The patch is a birth control method that you stick to your skin and change out once per week
PROS:
-
91% effective 1 week after starting the ring
-
Effective for 1 week, no need to remember to take a pill
-
Many people experience lighter periods/period symptoms
-
Makes periods predictable and you can choose to "skip periods" while on the pill, (ask your doctor how to do this)
-
May reduce risk of endometrial/ovarian cancer and ectopic pregnancy
CONS:
-
Must wear the patch continuously and change at the end of each week
-
May be less effective if taking certain medications or supplements (rifampin, certain anti-seizure meds, and St. John's wort)
-
Contains estrogen, so this may not be a good choice if you have a clotting disorder or smoke cigarettes
​After one shot, you are protected from pregnancy for 3 full months!
PROS:
-
94% effective against pregnancy; (Fully effective 1 week after injection)
-
Work continuously for 3 months
-
Many people experience lighter periods/period symptoms, or stop having their period with the shot after 12 months
-
Reversible, will not affect fertility; (fertility may take up to 10 months to return after stopping the shot)
-
May reduce risk of uterine cancer and ectopic pregnancy
CONS:
-
Must follow up with doctor every 12 weeks to get the shot on time
-
May be less effective if taking certain medications or supplements (rifampin, certain anti-seizure meds, and St. John's wort)
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Spotting is very common in the first 12 months of using the shot
Put a ring on it! The vaginal ring is a soft, flexible ring that YOU place at the top of your vagina. It secretes hormones for a full month before you have to exchange it for a new one.
PROS:
-
91% effective 1 week after starting the ring
-
Effective for 4 weeks, no need to remember to take a pill
-
Many people experience lighter periods/period symptoms
-
Makes periods predictable and you can choose to "skip periods" while on the pill, (ask your doctor how to do this)
-
May reduce risk of endometrial/ovarian cancer and ectopic pregnancy
CONS:
-
Must wear intravaginal ring for 21 consecutive days
-
May be less effective if taking certain medications or supplements (rifampin, certain anti-seizure meds, and St. John's wort)
-
Contains estrogen, so this may not be a good choice if you have a clotting disorder or smoke cigarettes
oral contraceptive pills
(OCP)
birth control shot
(depo-provera)
vaginal ring
birth control patch
emergency contraception
Look familiar? IUDs can be placed within 5 days of unprotected sex and will lower your risk of pregnancy in the short term. It will also act as a reliable birth control for years after it is placed
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Super long-acting and effective (can be used as emergency contraception after unprotected sex)
-
Reversible
CONS:
-
Same side effects as listed in Long-acting reversible contraception section​
-
Cannot use menstrual cup
-
Cramping in the hours/day after insertion
-
Rare risks: ectopic pregnancy, infection, penetration into wall of uterus
This over-the counter pill contains higher doses of the hormones in oral contraceptives. It prevents your body from ovulating, reduces the chances of fertilization, and stops the egg from binding to the uterine wall. This prevents the process of pregnancy from starting.
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95% effective if taken within 24 hours
-
May be taken up to 72 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, but sooner is better if you want it to be effective
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Check with your doctor for a prescription to avoid paying!
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Costs $40-50 in drug stores (see #4 Extra Help section of this website to find potential links to coupons)
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If you weigh more than 165 lbs, Ella might be a better choice (read below
Ella is the most effective morning-after pill. It requires a doctor's prescription.
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85% effective if taken within 5 days of unprotected sex, (more effective if taken sooner)
-
If you need to take another emergency contraception pill within 5 days of using Ella, you must take Ella again: do not take Plan B. Call your doctor if you have questions or concerns
-
Less effective if weight is over 195 lbs, consider IUD placement instead
intrauterine devices
(IUDs)
plan B one-step
ella
