This website provides basic information on what birth control methods are available, how they work and how effective they are.  Our staff can talk with you and give you more information to help you decide which birth control methods are right for you.  Call us during business hours at 1-800-948-5337 to schedule an appointment to talk about different birth control options. To learn more about Emergency Contraception (EC), please click here.

Oral Contraceptives or “The Pill”

The pill is 92-99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy when used perfectly, and contains synthetic hormones that prevent pregnancy.  There are many different brands of pills available.  Some types of pills have a regimen that includes a hormone-free “period week” every 28 days, while others delay periods to happening only 4 times a year.  It is very important to take your pill at the same time every day. The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), and a prescription is required. For more information on oral contraceptives, visit www.contraceptivemedia.com

The Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)

The NuvaRing is a thin, clear, flexible ring worn inside the vagina that releases synthetic hormones.  It is 92%-99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy.  Most women cannot feel the NuvaRing once it is in place. The NuvaRing can be left inside the vagina for 3-4 weeks.  It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections and a prescription is required. For more information, visit www.nuvaring.com

Intra Uterine Devices (IUD)

Mirena IUD
The Mirena IUD is 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy.  It is a small, plastic device with a string attached and shaped like a T.  The IUD releases synthetic hormones and causes changes in the uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.  It is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus by a health care provider.  The Mirena IUD can last for 5 years but can be taken out at any time by a provider.  The Mirena does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
For more information on the Mirena IUD, visit www.mirena-us.com

Paragard IUD
The Paragard IUD is 99.2%-99.4% effective in preventing pregnancy.  It is a small plastic device with a string attached, shaped like a T, with a tiny copper wire wrapped around the stem.  The Paragard is non-hormonal and causes changes in the uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.  It is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus by a provider.  It can last 10 years but can be taken out at any time by a provider.  The Paragard does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
For more information on the Paragard IUD, visit www.paraguard.com

The Patch (Ortho Evra)

The Patch is 92%-99.7% effective when used correctly.  It is a bandage-like patch that sticks to the skin.  The Patch contains synthetic hormones that are absorbed through the skin.  Women using the Patch will apply one patch per week for three weeks and then will have a week without the patch, which is when they will get their period.  The patch does not protect against sexually transmitted infections and a prescription is required. For more information on the Patch, visit www.orthoevra.com

The Shot (Depo Provera)

The Shot is 97%-99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy.  It is an injection of synthetic hormones that lasts for 12 weeks (3 months).  The Shot requires 4 trips to the health care provider’s office each year to receive the injection.  The Shot does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and does require a prescription. For more information on the Shot, visit www.depoprovera.com

Implanon

Implanon is 99.6% effective in preventing pregnancy.  It is a soft, flexible rod about 1 ½ inches long that slowly releases synthetic hormones.  It is inserted by a health care provider under the skin of a woman’s upper inner arm.  Implanon lasts three years but can be taken out at any time by a health care provider.  Implanon does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. For more information on Implanon, visit www.implanon-usa.com

Sterilization

Sterilization is 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy.  For females, it is an out-patient procedure to block, close or cut the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from travelling through.  Surgical and non-surgical options are available.  For males, a vasectomy is an out-patient procedure to close or cut the tubes that allow sperm to be released from the body.  Sterilization does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Male Condom

The male condom is 85%-98% effective in preventing pregnancy.  A male condom is a thin latex or polyurethane cover that fits over the erect penis.  A condom traps semen inside the condom so that it cannot enter the woman’s body.  There are many varieties of condoms available.  Condoms are often available for free at health clinics or for low-cost at drug stores.  Condoms are non-hormonal, do not require a prescription and do offer protections against sexually transmitted infections.

Female Condom

A female condom is 79%-85% effective in preventing pregnancy.  It is a soft, loose polyurethane or nitrile pouch that fits inside the vagina during intercourse.  The female condom prevents semen from entering the woman’s body.  Female condoms are non-hormonal, available at some drug stores and health clinics and offer protection against sexually transmitted infections. For more information on the female condom, visit: http://femalecondom.org

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is 86%-94% effective in preventing pregnancy when used as directed with spermicidal gel, foam or cream.  It is a soft, flexible rubber dome that a woman fills with spermicide and inserts into the vagina and over the cervix.  A diaphragm offers both a chemical (spermicide) and physical (blocks the cervix) barrier.  The diaphragm is non-hormonal and requires a visit with a health care provider to get the right size and a prescription.  Diaphragms do not offer protection from sexually transmitted infections. For more information on the Diaphragm, click here.

Cervical Cap

The Cervical Cap is 68%-91% effective in preventing pregnancy.  It is a rubber cup-shaped device that is inserted and covers a woman’s cervix.  The Cervical Cap creates a barrier that blocks sperm from entering into the uterus.  The Cervical Cap is non-hormonal and requires a visit with your health care provider to get the correct size and a prescription.  It does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections. For more information on the Cervical Cap, visit http://www.femcap.com/index.php

Fertility Awareness

Fertility Awareness is 80%-98% effective in preventing pregnancy.  Fertility Awareness is learning to recognize the time when a woman is most likely to get pregnant by tracking the changes in her body throughout her menstrual cycle.  During fertile times, women can prevent pregnancy by not having sex or by using a barrier method.  Fertility Awareness is non-hormonal and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. For more information on Fertility Awareness, visit http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/fam.htm

Withdrawal

Withdrawal is 73%-96% effective in preventing pregnancy.  Withdrawal works by the man pulling his penis out of the vagina before her ejaculates.  Withdrawal depends on the male’s self-control and awareness, and works by keeping semen from entering the vagina.  Withdrawal is non-hormonal and reduces (not eliminates) the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Spermicide

Spermicide is 71%-82% in preventing pregnancy.  Spermicides are chemicals used in the vagina which kill sperm and may be available in foam, cream, gel, film or suppository forms.  Some types of condoms are coated with a spermicidal lubricant.  Spermicides are non-hormonal and available at drug stores.  Spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

The Sponge

The Sponge is 80%-91% effective in preventing pregnancy.  It is a small, soft and round piece of sponge that contains spermicide.  The Sponge offers both a chemical (spermicide) and physical (blocks the cervix) barrier.  The Sponge is non-hormonal and available at drug stores.  The Sponge does not offer protections against sexually transmitted infections. For more information on the Sponge, visit http://www.todaysponge.com

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