Summary Of Common Methods Of Birth Control And Their Effectiveness
Your College Health Center Or Personal Healthcare Provider Will Guide You In Your Choice.
|
Method |
How Used |
Types |
Effectiveness |
Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barrier Male Condom Female Condom |
Insert closed end into vagina, fit ring around the cervix before sex
Slip over erect penis before sex to keep sperm from vagina |
Male and Female
Latex or latex-free
With or without lubricant
|
79-95% Depends on proper use Must be used every sexual encounter Prevents pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted infections. |
Available at college health centers, drug stores, Target, Walmart and online.
|
|
The Pill |
Take the pill everyday about the same time |
Combination Pills have both estrogen and progesterone Progestin-only or the mini-pill |
91-99% Must be taken faithfully EVERY single day whether you have sex or not! |
Need evaluation and prescription for the pill by a health care provider. Visit your college health center or talk with your primary care provider. |
|
The emergency contraceptive pill IUD |
Prevents pregnancy if used within 5 days after unprotected sex |
Copper IUD Ella Plan B/Next Choice |
The copper-T IUD is 99.9% effective if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. |
IUD needs to be inserted by healthcare provider.
|
|
The Ring
|
A small round bendable ring inserted into the vagina over and around the cervix. Three weeks on, one week off |
Nuvaring. Estrogen hormone |
92-99% Easy to insert or remove Good alternative to the pill if you are forgetful. |
By prescription. Visit your college health or healthcare provider |
|
The Patch |
A beige plastic square you stick on your skin The patch can be applied to the buttocks, lower abdomen or upper body (except the breasts) Apply a new patch once a week on the same day of the week for 3 weeks. No patch on the 4th week. |
Generic Xulane. Estrogen hormone |
92-99%. Must remember to replace patch after one week. |
By prescription. Visit your college health or healthcare provider |
|
The Shot or Depo Provera |
An injection administered on the arm or buttock once every 3 months. |
Depo-Provera. Progestin hormone |
97-99%. One shot every 3 months. |
Prescribed and administered by a healthcare professional |
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