Birth control: Types, devices, injections, and permanent birth control
Birth control is the use of various devices, drugs, agents, sexual practices, or surgical procedures to prevent conception or pregnancy.
Birth control enables people to choose when they want to have a baby.
A range of devices and treatments are available that can help prevent pregnancy.
Some methods are more reliable than others. How well a method works often depends on how carefully a person uses it.
This article examines a range of methods of preventing pregnancy, including their actual rates of effectiveness, and considers the possibility of human error.
Design by MNT; Photography by Martí Sans/Stocksy & Yaroslav Danylchenko/StocksyBirth control is any method, medication, or device used to prevent pregnancy.
Examples include:
intrauterine devices (IUDs)
hormonal methods
emergency contraception
barrier methods, such as condoms
natural methods, such as the withdrawal method
sterilization, which is a permanent method of birth control
Depending on the type of birth control used, it may prevent pregnancy in one or a combination of the
:
preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs
preventing
from reaching the eggs
making implantation of the egg in the uterus unlikely
damaging the tubes that carry sperm (in males) or eggs (in females)
The
, or coil, is a small, flexible T-shaped device placed in the uterus by a healthcare professional.
A copper IUD releases copper, and this acts as a spermicide. It can last up to 10 years.
A hormonal IUD contains
. It prevents the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the uterus wall.
Both types stay in place as long as a person does not desire pregnancy.
Depending on the type, it will last for 3, 8, or 10 years. It is more than
effective.
Injections
The contraceptive injection, or
, is a progestin-only birth control drug. It is long-acting and reversible. The name of the drug is Depo-Provera, also known as the Depo shot or DMPA.
The shot is injected every
at a doctor’s office. It prevents pregnancy by stopping the body from releasing an egg.
The shot is
effective. The chance of pregnancy increases as the shot wears off. It is important to remember to book another shot after 3 months to ensure its effectiveness.
The implant
An
is a rod with a core of progestin, which it releases slowly. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. The implant is often known by its brand name,
.
The implant is effective for
, but it can be removed at any time, and then pregnancy is possible.
It is
effective in preventing conception, but it will not protect against STIs.
Contraceptive pill
The combined
is taken daily. It contains two hormones,
and progestin. The hormones stop the release of the egg, or
. They also make the lining of the uterus thinner.
It is between
effective on average.
Contraceptive patch
This is a transdermal patch that is applied to the skin. It releases synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones.
is worn each week for 3 weeks in a row, generally on the lower abdomen or buttocks. No patch is worn in the 4th week to allow for a menstrual period. The patches are readily available.
Vaginal ring
The contraceptive vaginal ring is a flexible, plastic ring that releases a low dose of progestin and estrogen over 3 weeks. It prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus so sperm cannot move easily.
A person inserts the ring into their vagina for 3 weeks and then removes it for 1 week, during which a menstrual period occurs.
It is also known as
, the trade name for a combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring manufactured by Organon.
It is 99% effective, but the chance of human error reduces this to
.
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Emergency contraceptive pills, commonly called the
, may prevent pregnancy after intercourse. It prevents ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of an embryo.
There are
of morning-after pills. One is a pill that contains ulipristal acetate. Its brand name is Ella. The other type is a pill with levonorgestrel. Multiple brands are available, but Plan B is a popular choice.
Ella can be used up to 5 days after sex without birth control and is
effective. Plan B works best when taken within 3 days and is
effective.
The longer a person waits to take both types, the less effective they are. Additionally, levonorgestrel morning-after pills may not work as well if a person weighs more than
.
Emergency contraception should only be used when primary methods fail.
Some people see emergency contraception as a kind of
because the egg may have already been fertilized. However, it is different from medical methods of abortion because these methods act after the egg is already implanted in the uterus.
Barrier devices prevent the sperm from meeting the egg. They may be combined with
, which kills the sperm.
Male condom
The male condom forms a barrier and prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from entering the vagina. It is placed over the penis before sexual intercourse begins. A
is made of polyurethane or latex.
The male condom is around
effective. Some 13 females in every 100 may conceive if their partner uses a condom.
Condoms are available from drugstores, supermarkets, and many other outlets. Healthcare professionals and clinics also supply them, sometimes for free.
Female condom
The
, also known as a femidom or internal condom, is
polyurethane. It has a flexible ring at each end. One fixes behind the pubic bone to hold the condom in place, while the other ring stays outside the vagina.
Spermicides may be placed in the vagina before intercourse. A spermicide kills sperm chemically. The product may be used alone or with a physical barrier.
The female condom is
effective. Around 21 females will become pregnant each year with this method.
Only
in the United States. Healthcare professionals and clinics may supply it, or a person can get it from a drugstore with a prescription.
Sponge
A
is inserted into the vagina. It has a depression to hold it in place over the cervix. The sponge covers a person’s cervix, acting as a barrier to stop the sperm from reaching the egg. It
spermicide, which destroys the male sperm.
It is between
effective on average. It is less likely to work if a person has given birth before.
The diaphragm
A
is a rubber, dome-shaped device that is
the vagina and placed over the cervix.
It fits into place behind the pubic bone and has a firm but flexible ring that helps it press against the vaginal walls.
Used with spermicide, it is
effective. Used alone, it is roughly 83% effective.
The cervical cap
A cervical cap is a thimble-shaped, latex rubber barrier device that fits over the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus. The cap should be filled with spermicide before inserting. It stays in place by suction.
It is around
effective. It is less effective if a person has given birth before.
The cervical cap does not protect against STIs.
Natural methods do not involve any device or medication. They
:
Abstinence: Celibacy or sexual abstinence means avoiding sexual intercourse.
Withdrawal: Also known as coitus interruptus, withdrawal is when the male removes the penis from the vagina so that ejaculation occurs outside of the vagina. In theory, this prevents the sperm from being deposited in the vagina. Roughly
who use this method will get pregnant every year.
Natural family planning and fertility awareness: This involves being familiar with the signs and symptoms of ovulation, the pattern of the menstrual cycle, and planning sexual activity to avoid pregnancy. This method is about
effective.
Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM): When a new mother is exclusively
, their body naturally stops ovulating. This method can only be used as birth control for the first 6 months of a baby’s life, or until a person’s period returns. It is
effective.
Sterilization is a
of birth control. Types include:
Tubal ligation:
is a form of female sterilization. A surgeon cuts, blocks, or burns the fallopian tubes, or a combination of these methods, to seal them and prevent future fertilization. It is more than
effective.
Vasectomy: This is a form of male sterilization. The tubes through which sperm pass into the ejaculate are cut or blocked. It is more than
effective.
is sometimes reversible, but there is
fertility will return.
What is the best type of birth control?
In terms of effectiveness, the
of birth control are:
abstinence (100% effective)
IUD (99% effective)
the implant (99% effective)
tubal ligation (99% effective)
vasectomy (99% effective)
Does birth control stop periods?
Some types of birth control can stop or reduce the frequency of a person’s periods, such as the:
Is birth control good or bad for a person’s body?
Birth control can have good and bad effects on a person’s body, depending on the type.
For example, the combined pill can improve period pain for
, while others experience headaches, high blood pressure, and sore breasts.
A person can discuss their birth control options with a healthcare professional to find the one that suits them best.
Is there a contraceptive for males?
Currently, there are only two contraceptive options for males: condoms and vasectomies.
Some hormonal and nonhormonal male contraceptives are in the
of research and development. For example, in 2023,
developed a compound that acted as a safe, temporary contraceptive drug in mice.
While promising, these new methods require more clinical human studies to confirm their effectiveness and safety.
Contraception is a powerful tool for preventing unwanted pregnancy. Some methods, such as the male condom, can also reduce the risk of an STI. However, it must be used correctly to do so.
No method of birth control is 100% effective except for abstinence. Combining two methods, such as the pill with a condom, offers extra protection as well as some protection against STIs.
It is important to be informed and to use birth control wisely.