Birth Control

Overview

Is this topic for you?

Sometimes a woman may not use birth control, or her method may fail. If this happens to you, you may still be able to prevent pregnancy if you act quickly. For more information, see the topic Emergency Contraception.

What is birth control?

Birth control is any method used to prevent pregnancy. Another word for birth control is contraception (say “kon-truh-SEP-shun”).

If you have sex without birth control, there is a chance that you could get pregnant. This is true even if you have not started having periods yet or you are getting close to menopause. Each year, about 85 out of 100 women who don't use birth control have an unplanned pregnancy.1

The only sure way to prevent pregnancy is to not have sex. But finding a good method of birth control you can use every time can help you avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

What are the types of birth control?

There are many different kinds of birth control. Each has pros and cons. Learning about all the methods will help you find one that is right for you.

  • Hormonal methods Click here to see an illustration. include birth control pills, shots (Depo-Provera), the skin patch, the implant, and the vaginal ring. Birth control that uses hormones is very good at preventing pregnancy.
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) Click here to see an illustration. are inserted into your uterus. IUDs work very well for 5 to 10 years at a time and are very safe. And the Mirena IUD contains a hormone that can help with heavy periods and cramping.
  • Barrier methods Click here to see an illustration. include condoms, diaphragms, and sponges. In general, these do not prevent pregnancy as well as IUDs or hormonal methods do. To help a barrier work better, use it with a spermicide, a chemical that kills sperm.