The IUD is a quarter-sized t-shaped device that is inserted in your uterus by a medical provider during an office visit. It may be right for you if you want to prevent pregnancy at least one year and a very effective method that is easy to use. Read more.

The IUD does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

The implant is a matchstick-sized rod that gets inserted in your arm. A provider inserts and removes the implant during office visits. It may be right for you if you want to prevent pregnancy at least one year and a very effective method that is easy to use. Read more.

The implant does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

The shot is given in the arm, thigh or butt by a provider during an office visit every 12 weeks. It must be given on time every 12 week to be effective. Read more.

The shot does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

A flexible ring worn in the vagina for three weeks. You get a prescription from a provider but insert yourself at home. Read more.

The ring does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

Pills taken after unprotected sex to prevent fertilization and pregnancy. To be effective, must be taken as soon as possible but no more than 5 days after unprotected sex. The sooner you take emergency contraception, the more effective it is at preventing pregnancy. Emergency contraception does not work if you are already pregnant. If you are at least 17 years old, you can go to the drug store and ask the pharmacist for emergency contraception. If you are younger than 17, a provider can write you a prescription.

Emergency contraception is a great backup plan when you need it but is not the most effective birth control. If you are trying to prevent pregnancy, consider trying one of the other more effective birth control methods. Read more.

The ring does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

A small patch that sticks to your skin for a week. You get a prescription from a provider but stick on yourself at home. Read more.

The patch does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

A low dose of hormones in a pill, taken every day at the same time. You get a prescription from a provider but take yourself at home. Read more.

The pill does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

A reusable silicone dome-shaped cup that covers the cervix to keep sperm out. A provider does the initial fitting and gives a prescription for the right size. You put it in yourself at home each time you have sex. It's best to always use spermicide with a diagphragm. Read more.

The diaphragm does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

Condoms are worn on the penis during sex to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. You put on at home and use a new one each time you have sex. You can get condoms for free from your local health center or buy them at a drugs store. Read more.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

Female condoms are worn in the vagina during sex to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. You put in at home and use a new one each time you have sex. You can get female condoms for free from your local health center or buy them at a drugs store. Read more.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

Withdrawal is pulling away so the man doesn't ejaculate inside the woman and keeps sperm out of the vagina. Read more.

Withdrawal does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

A foam sponge worn in the vagina and always used with spermicide. You put in at home each time you have sex. You can buy the sponge at a drugstore. Read more.

The sponge does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

Methods for tracking your period to determine the days of the month you are most likely to get pregnant. You can find supplies online or get them from a local clinic. Read more.

Fertility Awareness does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

A liquid, foam or strip that stops sperm from moving to prevent fertilization. You can buy spermicide at a drug store. Read more.

Spermicide does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

A reuseable silicone cup that covers the cervix to keep sperm out. A provider does the initial fitting and gives a prescription for the right size. You put it in yourself at home each time you have sex. It's best to always use spermicide with a diaphragm. Read more.

The cervical cap does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

Continuous abstinence prevents pregnancy by keeping sperm away from the vagina. Abstinence is the only birth control method that's completely effective when used correctly. Read more.

Abstinence does protect against HIV and STDs.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.

A surgery that closes tubes that carry the egg to the uterus (for women) or closes the tubes that carry semen (for men). This surgical operation is done at a hospital or clinic for women and men who are certain they do not want to have any more children. Most providers would encourage teens and young adults to consider one of the other long lasting reversible methods (IUD, implant) before considering sterilization.

Sterilization is not reversible. Like all medical procedures, there are risks. Your provider will discuss specific risks and potential side effects for your procedure. Read more.

Sterilization does protect against HIV and STDs.

Effectiveness based upon typical use.