What is it & how does it work? Abstinence just means that you’re not having sex. Since there’s no chance that a sperm might meet an egg, there’s no way for you or your partner to become pregnant. Keep in mind that even though PIV sex is highest-risk for pregnancy, it is possible for you or your partner to get pregnant if semen (come or ejaculate) comes into contact with the vulva.

How effective is it? Abstinence is the only birth control method that’s 100% effective. Of course, it also requires some will power. If you’re not having sex now but thinking about it, consider another method.

How do I get it? No visits to the doctor’s or drug store for this one! All you need is your mental fortitude.

What else should I know? If you change your mind and decide you do want to have sex, make sure you find another reliable birth control method beforehand.

AKA Oral Contraception

What is it & how does it work? The birth control pill is a daily pill you need to take at the same time every day. There are a lot of different brands of birth control pill out there. Most of them have the hormones estrogen and progestin (these are called combined pills). These hormones trick your body into thinking it’s already pregnant, keeping your body from releasing an egg. They also thicken your cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to get into your uterus. Some brands of the pill have only progestin in them. These pills work the same way and may be a good alternative if you know you’re sensitive to estrogen.

How effective is it? With perfect use (meaning you take your pills as directed, at the same time every day), the pill is over 99% effective. However, people aren’t perfect. With “typical use” (meaning how the “average” person uses it—you forget a pill or take it late every once in a while), the effectiveness drops to 91%.

Side effects? Most people don’t experience any side effects, and those who do often find that they go away after a few months. These can include nausea, sore breasts, and some light bleeding (spotting) in between your periods. If you experience these side effects for longer than a few months, talk to your health care provider. They can help you find a birth control that works with your body and lifestyle.

What else should I know about the Pill?

Beyond pregnancy prevention: The pill is prescribed for reasons other than preventing pregnancy, like helping with acne, making periods lighter, making menstrual cramps less painful and managing health conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and more. If you’re looking to get something else out of your birth control besides pregnancy prevention, tell your health care provider.
Period Positives: You’ll get your period during the week that you’re on the placebo pills. These are the different-colored pills in your pack—they’re usually sugar or iron. This means you’ll know exactly when to expect your period, which some people like. You can also totally skip your period by not taking the placebo pills, and instead immediately starting the next pack. If you’re interested in not having your period at all, talk to your health care provider.
No Pelvic, Please: You don’t need a pelvic (or gynecological) exam to get the pill.
Easy Access: Any doctor—including your primary care provider or pediatrician—can prescribe birth control pills.
Sort of Secret: Pill packs are small and relatively easy to hide. However, it’s possible someone could know you’re using birth control if they find them.

AKA Depo-Provera or Depo

What is it & how does it work? The shot (brand name Depo-Provera) is a shot of the hormone progestin. It keeps you from getting pregnant in the same way the pill does, by stopping your body from releasing eggs and thickening your cervical mucus so sperm can’t reach an egg. You need to get the shot once every three months (specifically, within two weeks of the three month mark) in a health care provider’s office for it to be effective. In between shots, you don’t need to think about your birth control at all! You just have to remember to keep your appointments.

How effective is it? With perfect use, it’s over 99% effective. If you put off or miss an appointment though, it becomes less effective.

What are the side effects? Some people using the shot have heavier, longer periods. You may also gain some weight (around five pounds) during the first year using the shot. It’s possible you may have some nausea, dizziness or sore breasts. Usually, this will go away as your body gets used to the hormones. Let your health care provider know about any side effects you have.

What else should I know about the shot?

Super Secret: Since you get the shot in a health care provider’s office, there’s no chance that someone will find your birth control lying around the house, or notice it during sex.
Low-Maintenance: You only need to think about this birth control method once every three months.
No Pelvic, Please: You don’t need a pelvic (or gynecological) exam to get this birth control method.

AKA NuvaRing

What is it & how does it work? The ring is a small, flexible ring (brand name NuvaRing) that you insert into your vagina. After 3 weeks, you remove the ring for a week before inserting a new ring again. The ring releases the hormones progestin and estrogen, which stop your body from releasing eggs and thicken your cervical mucus so sperm have a harder time reaching an egg.

How effective is it? It’s over 99% effective when used perfectly, but it becomes less effective if you don’t replace it when you’re supposed to.

Side effects? You may have some bleeding in between periods (spotting) when you first start using the ring. Usually, these side effects go away as your body gets used to the hormones. Talk to your health care provider if the side effects are still bothering you after a few months. Some people have more vaginal discharge or irritation when they’re using the ring. Again, talk to your health care provider if this bothers you.

What else should I know about the ring?

Know Your Body: If you use the ring, you need to feel comfortable inserting it into your vagina and taking it out. Your health care provider will show you how to do this. It’s a bit like inserting a tampon—no big deal. This is a great way to get to know your body, but if getting that up close and personal with your vagina makes you uncomfortable, you might want another method.
Sort of Secret: Since you don’t have the ring in all the time, there’s a chance that someone could find it or the box you keep it in. Plus, if you need to store the ring for more than four months, you’ll have to keep it in the refrigerator—a pretty public place in most people’s houses. It’s also possible that your partner could feel the ring during sex. Some people take their ring out before sex to avoid this. Just don’t forget to put it back in within three hours!
Low Maintenance: You only need to think about this birth control method twice a month—when you take out the ring, and when you put a new one in a week later.
Period Positives: You’ll get your period during the week that you remove the ring. This means you know exactly when you’ll get your period, which some people like. You can also skip your period by replacing your ring every four weeks and skipping the ring-less week. Talk to your health care provider if you’re interested in not getting your period.
No Pelvic, Please: Most people do not need a pelvic exam to get NuvaRing.

AKA Xulane

What is it & how does it work? The patch looks like a large, square band aid. To use it, you stick it on to your skin in an inconspicuous place and leave it there for a week. The patch releases the hormones progestin and estrogen, which stop your body from releasing eggs and thicken your cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.

How effective is it? The patch is over 99% effective when used perfectly. If you forget when you’re supposed to replace the patch, or don’t put it on right, it can become less effective.

Side effects? You may have some nausea, sore breasts, or spotting when you first start using the patch. Usually, these side effects go away as your body gets used to the hormones. Talk to your health care provider if the side effects are still bothering you after a few months. The patch can sometimes irritate your skin. Talk to your health care provider if this is happening. They can help you find a method that works for your body and lifestyle.

What else should I know about the patch?

Sort of Secret: Most people put the patch somewhere it’ll stay invisible under their clothes. Your partner may also notice it when you’re undressed. In addition, the patch only comes in one color—beige.
Weight Considerations: If you weigh more than 198 pounds, the patch is less effective. Talk to your health care provider if you’re concerned.
Low Maintenance: You only have to think about the patch once a week, when you replace it with a new one. This means there’s way less room for error than with the pill, but still significantly more than with LARCs and some other methods.
No Pelvic, Please: You don’t need a pelvic exam to get the patch.

AKA Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, Liletta

What is it & how does it work? Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small, T-shaped devices that a health care provider inserts into your uterus. Hormonal IUDs last for 3-6 YEARS. That’s several years where you don’t have to worry or even think about your birth control. There are several brands of IUDs: Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena and Liletta are the ones currently available in the USA. They all work by thickening your cervical mucus, making it really hard for sperm to reach an egg. Talk to your health care provider about which brand of IUD might be best for you.

How effective is it? IUDs are over 99% effective AND it’s very hard to use them wrong.

Side effects? You may have some bleeding in between periods during the first few months. Cramping and abdominal pain is also not unusual. However, both of these side effects should go away within the first 2 or 3 months.

Soon after insertion, it is possible (but highly unlikely) that the IUD could slip out of your uterus and into your vagina, or puncture the wall of your uterus. If you experience intense pain in your abdomen, go to an urgent care clinic or emergency department.

What else should I know about hormonal IUDs?

LARC alert: We love LARCs because they are so effective and easy to use. LARC stands for Long-Acting Reversible Contraception. Once LARCs are in place, you can forget about them for years at a time.
Super Secret: Once the IUD is in, it’s undetectable to anyone besides you and your health care provider. Sometimes, people’s partners can feel the strings during sex (see below), but this isn’t common.
Period Positive: Hormonal IUDs may make your period shorter and lighter. Some people even stop having their period altogether! However, you can’t know for sure if your periods will stop before getting the IUD—only time will tell.
The String Thing: The IUD has two strings that hang down just outside of the cervix. Sometimes, people’s partners can feel these strings during sex. The good news is that the strings soften over time, so even if they can feel them at first, they probably won’t be detectable after a month or two. If it’s still a problem then, your health care provider may be able to trim the strings a little shorter. Ultimately, remember that you’re in charge of your birth control, not your partner.
Pelvic Exam Needed: Unlike most other birth control methods, you DO need a pelvic exam to get an IUD. Your health care provider inserts the IUD in an exam room. This is NOT a surgery, but it is a very minor procedure. It’s common to experience discomfort when it’s being inserted, and you’ll probably have some cramps for a few hours or days afterward. You’ll need two to three appointments to get an IUD: first the consultation, and then the procedure. Your health care provider will probably also ask you to make a follow-up appointment two weeks after the procedure.

AKA ParaGard

What is it & how does it work? Like the hormonal IUD, the copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, t-shaped device that’s inserted into your uterus. Unlike the hormonal IUD, the copper IUD is made of mostly plastic and (surprise!) a bit of copper. The copper creates an environment that’s toxic to sperm. It can stay in your body for a full 12 years. Unlike most other methods of birth control, the copper IUD is hormone-free.

How effective is it? Over 99% effective, with no chance to mess it up!

Side effects? The copper IUD can make your periods heavier, with more cramping. This will be worst right after it’s inserted, but doesn’t always go away.

Like the hormonal IUD, it is possible (but highly unlikely) that soon after insertion the IUD could slip out of your uterus and into your vagina, or puncture the wall of your uterus. These are both HIGHLY unlikely, but if you experience intense pain in your abdomen in the first few weeks after you’ve gotten your IUD, go to an urgent care clinic or emergency department.

What else should I know about copper IUDs?

No Hormones: The copper IUD is the most effective non-hormonal birth control method (besides abstinence, of course). If you’ve reacted badly to several hormonal birth control methods or don’t want to use hormones for any other reason, the copper IUD may be a good method for you.
LARC Alert: We love LARCs because they are so effective and easy to use. LARC stands for Long-Acting Reversible Contraception. Once LARCs are in place, you can forget about them for years.
Super Secret: Once the IUD is in, it’s undetectable to anyone besides you and your health care provider. Sometimes, people’s partners can feel the strings (see below) during sex, but this isn’t that common.
The String Thing: The IUD has two strings that hang just outside of the cervix. Sometimes, people’s partners can feel these strings during sex. The good news is that the strings soften over time, so even if your partner can feel them at first, they probably won’t be detectable after a month or two. If it’s still a problem then, your health care provider may be able to trim the strings a little shorter. Ultimately, remember that you’re in charge of your birth control, not your partner.
Pelvic Exam Needed: Unlike most other birth control methods, you DO need a pelvic exam to get an IUD. Your health care provider inserts the IUD in an exam room. This is NOT a surgery, but it is a very minor procedure. It’s common to experience discomfort when it’s being inserted, and you’ll probably have some cramps for a few hours or days afterward. You’ll need two to three appointments to get an IUD: first the consultation, and then the procedure. Your health care provider will probably also ask you to make a follow-up appointment two weeks after the procedure.

AKA Nexplanon

What is it & how does it work? The implant is a tiny, matchstick-sized plastic rod that a health care provider inserts into your arm. Once the implant is in, you can forget about it for up to 4 years. It releases the hormone progestin, which keeps your body from releasing an egg and thickens your cervical mucus so it’s hard for sperm to get to an egg in the first place.

How effective is it? Over 99% effective, with no room for error!

Side effects? Some people get irregular periods with the implant. This can mean spotting in between periods (especially for the first few months), or getting heavier periods than normal. Even though this often goes away after the first few months, sometimes it doesn’t. Talk to your health care provider if you’re concerned about the side effects.

What else should I know about the implant?

LARC Alert: We love LARCs because they are so effective and easy to use. LARC stands for Long-Acting Reversible Contraception. Once LARCs are in place, you can forget about them for years.
Super Secret: Once the implant is in, it’s undetectable to anyone besides you and your health care provider. Some people can feel the implant when they touch the spot where it was inserted, but it’s only noticeable if you’re looking for it.
Period Positive: Most people have shorter, lighter periods after the first few months with the implant (when your period may be heavier and you may spot). However, some people have spotting in between their periods the whole time they have the implant.
No Pelvic, Please: You don’t need a pelvic exam to get the implant.

AKA “male” condoms or just “condoms”

What is it? Condoms are (usually latex) sheaths that are rolled onto the penis (or sex toy) immediately before sex. Condoms are the only method of birth control that also protects you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs, sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs). If used correctly every time you have sex, they are very effective at preventing pregnancy. However, we still recommend pairing condoms with another birth control method—just in case there’s a slip up. Condoms are also one of the few birth control methods that people with penises can be in control of!

How do I use it?

First, don’t store your condoms in the car or your wallet. The heat and friction will wear them down and make them more likely to break. Instead, keep them in a cool, dry place like your bedside drawer.

NEVER use two condoms at once. This makes it more likely that the condoms will break AND make sex less pleasurable.

Always put condoms on an erect (or hard) penis, never when the penis is flaccid (or soft).

Here are step-by-step instructions for using condoms:

Check the expiration date.
Check to make sure there’s an air bubble by squeezing the condom packet between your fingers—aka “The Puff Test.”
Push the condom to one side of the package and use your fingers (not your teeth or scissors!) to open the condom.
Make sure the condom is right side out. When you hold it on your palm, it should look like a little sombrero, not a mountain. An inside-out condom will be very difficult to unroll. If you start putting on a condom inside out, throw that condom away and grab another.
If you want, add a drop of water- or silicone-based lube to the tip of the inside of the condom. Some condom-wearers find this makes sex feel better. Do NOT use oil-based lube. Here’s why.
Pinch the tip of the condom as you begin to roll the condom down the erect penis or sex toy. This creates room in the condom for the semen (come or ejaculate), so the condom doesn’t break when the wearer ejaculates (or comes).
Roll the condom down to the base of the penis or sex toy.
Hold the base when you insert the penis or sex toy into the vagina or anus.
Hold the base when you take the penis or sex toy out of the vagina or anus to make sure it doesn’t slip off. Make sure to take the condom off when the penis is still semi-erect (or hard).
Take the condom off away from your partner, so no semen accidentally spills on them.
Tie the condom in a knot and/or wrap it in a tissue or paper towel, and throw it in a trash can. Do NOT flush condoms down the toilet. Dealing with a clogged toilet is not a fun way to end your night.

Still have questions? Here’s everything you need to know about condoms.

How effective is it? If used perfectly every time you have sex, condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. But very few people use condoms perfectly all the time and accidents happen. With typical use, condoms are only 82% effective. This is why we recommend that you use condoms with another method of birth control.

How do I get them? Condoms are everywhere. You can get them at drug stores, corner stores, grocery stores, online or (often for free) at community health clinics. There is no age limit for buying condoms.

What else should I know about condoms?

STI Protection: We’ve already said this, but it’s worth mentioning again. Condoms are the only method of birth control (besides abstinence) that also prevent the spread of STIs.
Hormone-Free: No hormones in condoms!
Not So Secret: Condoms are small and relatively easy to hide when you’re not using them. However, it’s possible someone could find them. It is impossible to use condoms without your partner knowing. And if your partner is the one wearing them, you need them to agree to use them.
Stay Diligent: To be effective, you need to use condoms every single time you have sex.
Lots of Variety: Condoms come in different sizes, colors, flavors, textures and more. You can experiment to see which ones works best for you and your partner. Some condoms already have lube on them (though you might still want some more!).
The Laydown on Lube: Do NOT use oil-based lube (like Vaseline, cooking oils, or lotion) with latex condoms. These break the condom down and make it more likely the condom will break. Instead, use water-based lube. (You can also use silicone-based lube, so long as you aren’t using it with a silicone toy.)
Latex allergy? Condoms are usually made of latex. If you or your partner has a latex allergy, you can use condoms made from other materials. Look for condoms made of polyurethane (a thin plastic), nitrile, or polyisoprene (a synthetic rubber). They both work the same way that latex condoms do, and offer similar levels of protection against STIs and pregnancy! Lambskin condoms are also available, but these do NOT protect against STIs. Internal condoms are made of nitrile or polyurethane, so they can also be a good alternative to external latex condoms.
No Pelvic, Please: You don’t need a pelvic exam or a doctor’s visit to get condoms.

AKA “female” condoms

What is it & how does it work? Internal condoms work a lot like external condoms, except instead of putting them on the penis or sex toy, internal condoms go inside the vagina or anus. This keeps semen (or come) from entering the vagina, and prevents pregnancy and STIs. Unlike external condoms, you can insert internal condoms up to a few hours before sex. Internal condoms are often made of nitrile or polyurethane (instead of latex), which means they’re often a good choice if you or your partner has a latex allergy.

How do I use it? Internal condoms can take a little longer to get the hang of than external condoms. You may want to practice inserting them a few times before relying on them for STI or pregnancy prevention.

An internal condom has a closed end and an open end. Put some lube on the outside of the closed-end ring of the condom.
Squeeze the rings of the closed end together.
Insert the internal condom into your vagina as far as it will go, closed end first. It’s a lot like inserting a tampon!
Ta-da! The outside of the condom will hang outside of your vulva about an inch or so.
To remove the condom, pinch the open end together and slowly pull out the condom. Tie the end, wrap it in a tissue, and throw it in the trash.

If you want to use an internal condom for anal sex, just take out the internal plastic ring before inserting it. Otherwise, you’ll follow the same steps (but with your anus instead of vagina, of course).

How effective is it? Used perfectly, internal condoms are about 95% effective. However, with typical use it’s about 79%, which is lower than many other methods. Like with external condoms, we recommend combining internal condoms with another, primary method of birth control.

How do I get them? You can find internal condoms at some drug stores (though they’re not as common as external condoms), online, and at most family planning and community health clinics.

What else should I know about internal condoms?

Some people find internal condoms make sex more pleasurable for both partners. The outer ring of the condom can rub against the clitoris during PIV sex, adding extra stimulation. They also don’t restrict the penis.

Other methods

We wouldn’t necessarily recommend the below methods to young people. They aren’t as reliable, and often require more work, than the methods above. The exception is sterilization, which does a good job at keeping you or your partner from getting pregnant, but is a permanent procedure.

AKA Milex or Caya

What is it and how does it work? A diaphragm is a flexible, bowl-shaped piece of silicone that’s inserted into the vagina before sex. It works as a barrier method, covering the cervix and physically stopping sperm from entering the uterus. You can use the same diaphragm for up to 2 years. For diaphragms to be effective, you need to use them with spermicide.

How effective is it? When diaphragms are used correctly, with spermicide, they’re 94% effective. However, with typical use they’re only 88% effective. This is less reliable than many other methods.

How do I get it? Talk to your health care provider to get a prescription. Diaphragms aren’t the most common method of birth control. If you’re interested in them, call your health care provider or pharmacy ahead of time to make sure they stock them.

Side effects? Since diaphragms don’t use hormones, there aren’t as many side effects. However, some people find that spermicide irritates their vagina. If that’s you, the diaphragm might not be for you. In addition, some people get frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) while using the diaphragm. Since diaphragms are made of silicone and require spermicide, don’t use a diaphragm if you’re allergic to silicone or spermicide. Let your doctor know about any side effects you’re experiencing.

In addition, some people find that the diaphragm can get knocked out of place when they’re in certain positions or having particularly vigorous sex.

What else should I know about the diaphragm?

Hormone-Free: No hormones in diaphragms!
Not So Secret: Diaphragms are small and relatively easy to hide when you’re not using them. However, it’s hard to use them without your partner knowing.
Stay Diligent: To be effective, you need to use the diaphragm and spermicide every single time you have sex.
Know Your Body: If you use the diaphragm, you need to feel comfortable inserting it and taking it out. Your health care provider will show you how to do this. It’s a bit like inserting a tampon—no big deal. This is a great way to get to know your body, but if getting that up close and personal with your vagina makes you uncomfortable, you might want another method.
Taste Test: Some people don’t like the taste of spermicide. This means the diaphragm might not be ideal if you’re planning on having oral sex.
Pelvic Exam… Maybe? Some diaphragms (like the Milex) need to be fitted, while others (like the Caya) are one-size-fits-all.

What is it & how does it work? The sponge is a piece of round foam with a nylon loop on one side. Before sex, you insert the sponge into your vagina. It works as a barrier method and releases spermicide. You need to keep the sponge in for at least 6 hours after you finish having sex, but you can keep it in for 24 hours and have sex as many times as you want. Sponges can only be used once, so you’ll have to throw it away after taking it out.

How effective is it? With perfect use, sponges are 80-91% effective. But with typical use, they’re 76-88% effective. This is a lot better than nothing, but still not nearly as reliable as many other methods. Sponges are also significantly less effective if you’ve given birth before.

How do I get it? You don’t need to see your health care provider to get the sponge. You can get it over-the-counter at many pharmacies, and at many community and family planning clinics. You can also buy them online. There are no age restrictions on who can buy the sponge.

Side effects? If you’re allergic to spermicide or spermicide irritates your vagina, the sponge probably isn’t for you.

What else should I know about the sponge?

Know Your Body: If you use the sponge, you need to feel comfortable inserting it and taking it out. Your health care provider will show you how to do this. It’s a bit like inserting a tampon—no big deal. This is a great way to get to know your body, but if getting that up close and personal with your vagina makes you uncomfortable, you might want another method.
Stay Diligent: To be effective, you need to use the sponge every single time you have sex.
Hormone-Free: No hormones in sponges!

What is it & how does it work? This is a small silicone cap with a tiny handle on one side. Before sex, it’s inserted far back into the vagina and fitted over the cervix. This creates a seal so sperm can’t enter. To be at all effective, it needs to be used with spermicide. You can insert the cervical cap several hours before sex, and leave it in for up to 48 hours. You can have sex as many times as you like while it’s in. Just be sure to re-insert spermicide every time and check to make sure the cap is still where it should be. Just make sure you leave the cervical cap in at least 6 hours after having sex.

How effective is it? With typical use, cervical caps are 86% effective if you’ve never given birth and 71% effective if you have given birth. That means it’s definitely better than nothing, but not as reliable as many other methods.

How do I get it? You’ll need to get a prescription from your health care provider. Check with your provider before your appointment to make sure they’re comfortable prescribing it. You should also call your pharmacy to check that it’s in stock.

Side effects? If you’re allergic to spermicide, the cervical cap probably isn’t for you. Some people find that the cap or the spermicide irritates their vagina, or begin getting frequent UTIs. Tell your health care provider about any side effects you experience.

What else should I know about the cervical cap?

Hormone-Free: No hormones in the cervical cap!
Know Your Body: If you use the cervical cap, you need to feel comfortable inserting it and taking it out. Your health care provider will show you how to do this. It’s a bit like inserting a tampon—no big deal. This is a great way to get to know your body, but if getting that up close and personal with your vagina makes you uncomfortable, you might want another method.
Stay Diligent: You need to use the cervical cap correctly, with spermicide, every time you have sex.
Taste Test: Some people don’t like the taste of spermicide. This means the cervical cap might not be ideal if you’re planning on having oral sex.

What is it & how does it work? Spermicides are gels, creams, foams, films or suppositories (soft cylinders that melt after being inserted into the vagina) that create a barrier that kills sperm or keeps them from moving. To use it, you insert the spermicide deep into your vagina before sex.

How effective is it? With perfect use, spermicide is only 82% effective. With typical use, it’s 72% effective. This means that over ¼ of the people who use spermicide as their only method of birth control for a year will become pregnant. Combining spermicide with other methods like condoms, diaphragms or cervical caps makes them more effective.

Where Can I Get It? You can get spermicide at most drug stores and online. There are lots of different types, so it might take some time to find one that works for you.

Side effects? Some people are allergic to the active ingredient, Nonoxynol-9. If your vagina or vulva feels irritated or you get a red or itchy rash after using spermicide, spermicides aren’t for you. Since spermicides might irritate your vagina, it also increases the risk of transmitting HIV. If you or your partner has HIV or hasn’t been tested recently, avoid spermicide.

What else should I know about spermicide?

Hormone-Free: No hormones in spermicides!
Stay Diligent: You need to use spermicide correctly every time you have sex.
Taste Test: Some people don’t like the taste of spermicide. This means it might not be ideal if you’re planning on having oral sex.
Know Your Body: If you use spermicide, you need to feel comfortable inserting it. Every spermicide is different, and they’ll have more specific directions in the packaging. This is a great way to get to know your body, but if getting that up close and personal with your vagina makes you uncomfortable, you might want another method.

AKA tubal ligation or vasectomy

What is it & how does it work? Sterilization is a permanent, surgical procedure that prevents someone from ever becoming pregnant or getting someone else pregnant. This means that you should only get sterilized if you’re 100% positive that you’ll never want to have any (more) children. For people with vaginas, the procedure is called a tubal ligation and involves closing off the fallopian tubes. This is where sperm would fertilize an egg. For people with a penis, a vasectomy blocks the vas deferens. The vas deferens is the tube that carries sperm to where it’ll mix with the semen.

How effective is it? Tubal ligations and vasectomies are both over 99% effective,

and they last forever.

How do I get it? It can be difficult to get a sterilization procedure done, especially for young people. Some states have age restrictions on sterilizations and have required waiting periods.

Side effects? There are some possible but rare complications with surgery.

What else should I know about sterilization?

It’s Permanent: Again, sterilization is a permanent procedure. Unlike with LARCs, you will not be able to become pregnant again once you’ve been sterilized. For some people who are positive they don’t want any (more) children, this can be a relief. But if there’s a chance you’ll want to become pregnant in the future, sterilization probably isn’t for you.
Hormone-Free: There are no hormones involved in sterilization.
Health Reasons: Sterilization can be a good option if you or your partner have a medical condition that makes it dangerous to become pregnant.

AKA Coitus Interruptus or Withdrawal

The pull out method is when a penis-haver “pulls out” of their partner before ejaculating (or coming). Pulling out can reduce the chance of pregnancy, but it is NOT a reliable method of birth control for several reasons.

First, pre-come (the fluid released from the penis before ejaculation) can have sperm in it. So even if you or your partner pulls out every time, there’s still a chance of getting pregnant.
On top of that, it is very difficult to successfully pull out every time—especially if you or your partner isn’t super experienced with sex. To successfully pull out, you need to be able to tell when you are close to having an orgasm (or coming) AND have the self-control to stop having sex with your partner.
Relying on the pull out method can be stressful and make sex less enjoyable, since you may be worrying about whether you or your partner will successfully pull out.

AKA The Rhythm Method

This is when you keep track of your menstrual cycle to monitor when you’re fertile (when you can get pregnant). When using fertility awareness to prevent pregnancy, you don’t have sex while you’re fertile. People keep track of when they can get pregnant in different ways, such as by counting the days from their last period (sometimes called The Rhythm Method), paying attention to changes in their vaginal discharge, and keeping track of their basal body temperature.

Fertility awareness is a great way to get to know your body better, but not-so-great at preventing pregnancy. It’s very difficult to tell when you’re fertile and when you’re not, and it requires a lot of work. When you’re young, your menstrual cycle isn’t stable, which means it’s almost impossible to tell when you’re fertile and when you’re not. It takes about two years after your first period for your menstrual cycle to stabilize. Fertility awareness also requires self-control, since you can’t have sex when you’re fertile.

Explore Topics:

Types of Birth Control

What else should I know about the Pill?

What else should I know about the shot?

What else should I know about the ring?

What else should I know about the patch?

What else should I know about hormonal IUDs?

What else should I know about copper IUDs?

What else should I know about the implant?

What else should I know about condoms?

What else should I know about internal condoms?

Other methods

What else should I know about the diaphragm?

What else should I know about the sponge?

What else should I know about the cervical cap?

What else should I know about spermicide?

What else should I know about sterilization?

Did You Know?

Explore Topics:

Types of Birth Control

Abstinence

The Pill

What else should I know about the Pill?

The Shot

What else should I know about the shot?

The Ring

What else should I know about the ring?

The Patch

What else should I know about the patch?

Hormonal IUD

What else should I know about hormonal IUDs?

Copper IUD

What else should I know about copper IUDs?

The Implant

What else should I know about the implant?

External Condoms

What else should I know about condoms?

Internal Condoms

What else should I know about internal condoms?

Other methods

Diaphragm

What else should I know about the diaphragm?

The Sponge

What else should I know about the sponge?

The Cervical Cap

What else should I know about the cervical cap?

Spermicide

What else should I know about spermicide?

Sterilization

What else should I know about sterilization?

The Pull Out Method

Fertility Awareness

Did You Know?

Related Topics

Related Blog Posts

You Asked It: Birth Control and Your Period

You Asked It: Implant Indecision

You Asked It: What’s an Internal Condom?