Birth Control
Birth control. This is a topic that can make many people uncomfortable but is extremely important to know about regardless. Birth control is what prevents the sperm from meeting the egg causing pregnancy. Some can be purchased in a grocery or convenience store, others can be free through insurance, and some you must see a medical professional to receive. Birth Control is not only to protect yourself from becoming pregnant, but many forms also protect from diseases such as STDs and STIs when used correctly. Many forms are also based on which anatomy you have: Vagina and uterus or Penis and sperm. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Everyone’s body is different and what works for someone else might not work for you. Most birth control methods are meant for the female anatomy because it works to keep the egg from being released. Please do your own research before deciding on a method.
Regardless of your gender it is important to be knowledgable .
All the below information and data is taken from planned parenthood as of January 2026.
Birth Control Implant
99% Effective, $0-$2,300, lasts up to 5 years
For Female Anatomy
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This implant is a small metal rod that is inserted into your arm under the skin. It is made to prevent pregnancy but for this, the doctor must put in the birth control into your arm. It then releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for at most 5 years. When it is time to remove it, or you want it out early, return to the doctor.
IUD
99% Effective, $0-$1,800, Lasts up to 3-12 years
For Female Anatomy
The IUD stands for Intrauterine Device, which means that the birth control is put directly into your uterus. It is considered widely as one of the most effective options of birth control. There are many brands that a doctor can insert but there is one main distinction, the type of IUD.
Hormonal IUDs release the hormone progestin like the birth control implant. Depending what brand, you choose to go with is how long you can keep it before it must be replaced. It works by thickening the cervix mucus which traps the sperm, and it also stops your eggs from leaving the ovaries.
Copper IUDs do not use hormones but instead is wrapped in a small piece of copper. Sperm does not like to be around copper, so it helps in preventing pregnancy.
IUDs are not permanent and can be taken out whenever.
Birth Control Shot
96% Effective, $0-$150, Renew every 3 months
For Female Anatomy
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This shot must be taken on time every three months if you want it to be effective. How it works is that the shot prevents ovulation entirely by injecting the progestin hormone. Ovulation releases the egg, and without an egg there is no pregnancy. The shot does not prevent STDs. To get the shot, you must make an appointment with a doctor. They can also make future appointments every 12-13 weeks for the renewal shots.
Birth Control Vaginal Ring
93% Effective, $0-$200, Renew once a month
For Female Anatomy
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The birth control ring is made of silicone and is inserted into the vagina. It prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones into your body. There are two main types, NuvaRing and Annovera.
NuvaRing lasts for 5 weeks and is replaced once a month on average.
Annovera lasts for 1 year. The ring is put into the vagina for 21 days and is then taken out for 7 days before inserting a new ring.
The way this is not effective, like most other birth controls, is not using the device correctly or keeping to a schedule. The vaginal ring does not prevent against STDs.
Birth Control Patch
93% Effective, $0-$150, Renew weekly
For Female Anatomy
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The birth control patch is put onto the skin and releases hormones through the skin to prevent pregnancy. The best places to put the patch is on your stomach, back, or butt. However please look at each product’s directions as it may suggest a different location. Some people have issues with the patch not staying on their skin and this can make the birth control ineffective. The birth control patch does not prevent STDs. The. Patch is taken on a schedule and depends on the brand on when to replace it.
Birth Control Pill
93% Effective, $0-$50, Taken daily
For Female Anatomy
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The birth control pills contain hormones like most birth controls. With this form you take one pill every day. There are many different brands but there are two main categories.
Combination pills have both progestin and estrogen. These tend to be the most common.
Progestin-only pills only have progestin in them.
Like most birth control the pill stops ovulation from occurring. For this form of birth control to work, you must keep a schedule and maintain it. The birth control pill does not prevent STDs.
Condom
87% Effective, $0-$2, use whenever participating in sexual activities
For Male Anatomy
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Condoms are usually made from a stretchy material and is put onto the penis during sex. It works by collecting the sperm inside the condom and not reaching the egg. There are many brands but there are 3 main types of condoms.
Latex condoms are made of rubber and are the most common type. They prevent STDs when used correctly. When using latex condoms, do not use any oil or oil-based lube as it can weaken the material and cause it to break.​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Plastic condoms, or latex free, are made from plastics and are good for people with a latex allergy. They prevent STDswhen used correctly. To ensure your lube is ok for this condom, check the website or packaging of the brand.
Lambskin condoms are made from animal intestines. They do not prevent STDs but do protect against pregnancy. Most all lubes are safe with this type, and it is latex free.
Condoms can be used to prevent STDs when having vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Condoms are one of the only birth control methods that protect against STDs and is recommended to be used with any other type of birth control.
Internal Condom
79% Effective, $0-$3, use whenever participating in sexual activities.
For Female Anatomy
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Instead of being put on the penis, the internal is inserted into the vagina or anus to protect against STDs. These condoms are made from a soft plastic and prevents the sperm from reaching the egg much like a regular condom
Diaphragm
83% Effective, $0-$75, use whenever participating in sexual activities
For Female Anatomy
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The diaphragm is made of soft silicone. It is also shaped like a shallow bowl. The diaphragm is inserted into the vagina by folding it before letting it open. It acts as a barrier between the sperm and the cervix. It is recommended to use a spermicide gel or cream with this birth control. The diaphragm keeps the spermicide in one place and makes it more effective. This does not prevent STDs.
Birth Control Sponge
78%-86% effective, $0-$15, use whenever participating in sexual activities
For Female Anatomy
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The birth control sponge is made from soft plastic that is squishy. To use it, it is covered in spermicide and placed deep into the vagina covering the cervix. To take it out, grab a fabric loop and pull it out. It can be used by itself or with condoms. The condoms help prevent STDs, but the diaphragm does not prevent STDs.
Spermicide and Gel
79%-86% Effective, $0-$270, use whenever participating in sexual activities
For Female Anatomy
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Spermicide is a chemical in cream or gel form that is put into the vagina before vaginal sex to prevent pregnancy. To use this, you also need a cervical cap or a diaphragm. These hold the spermicide in place, so it is effective and working correctly. Spermicide does not prevent STDs.
Cervical Cap
71%-86% Effective, $0-$90, use whenever participating in sexual activities
For Female Anatomy
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This is made of soft silicone and is shaped to cover the cervix. This stops the sperm from reaching the egg, but it also needs to have spermicide to work properly. The cervical cap does not prevent STDs
Fertility Awareness
77%-98% Effective, $0-$20, use daily
For Female Anatomy
This method is where the menstrual cycle and ovulation days are tracked. This method involves tracking and determining what day the egg is released during ovulation. Ovulation days is where you are most likely to become pregnant. People who use this method who do not want to become pregnant use other birth control such as condoms during ovulation. There are three main ways to predict ovulation.
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The temperature method, the cervical mucus method, and the calendar method. Each of these you track your symptoms and align it with your menstruation cycle. For temperature you take your temperature every morning before you get ready, the cervical method is checking your cervical mucus each day, and the calendar method is checking what day in your menstrual cycle you are on a calendar. The most reliable method is one that combines all three of these called the standardized days method. This method does not prevent STDs. The fertility Awareness method is most effective when you are frequently in contact with a doctor who also knows this method well. Please look up more information and research before choosing this method.
Withdraw
78% Effective, $0, use whenever participating in sexual activities
For Male Anatomy​
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This is also known as the “pullout” method. This is when you do not allow the sperm to enter the vagina. It is best used when using other birth control methods such as a condom. This method does not prevent against STDs unless you use a condom. This method is most effective if you withdraw before ejaculation and do not go near the vagina after.
Breastfeeding as Birth Control
98% Effective, $0, Do every 4-5 hours
For Female Anatomy
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This method only works if preformed in a certain manner. When you are ONLY breastfeeding and feeding every 6 hours at night and every 4 hours in the day, the female body does not ovulate. This also causes the period to not occur. This is most effective the first 6 months after the baby is born or until your period returns. This method does not prevent STDs.
Outercourse and Abstinence
100% Effective, $0, use whenever participating, or not participating, in sexual activities
For Male and Female Anatomy
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This method is when you do not participate in vaginal sex. Abstinence is when you do not have sex with anyone. If there is no sperm anywhere near an egg, a pregnancy cannot happen. Outercourse is when you do not have vaginal intercourse, and sperm does not go into or around the vagina, but the individuals still have sexual actions. This does not prevent STDs, however if condoms are used it is STD safe.
Sterilization
99% Effective, $0-$6,000, Lasts for life
For Female Anatomy
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This is when the tubes of the uterus and ovaries are “tied”. There are two main versions of this procedure.
Tubal ligation is when the fallopian tubes are permanently cut, closed, or has removed segments.
Bilateral salpingectomy is when the fallopian tubes are completely removed.
When the egg is released, it goes through the fallopian tube, if there is no tube then the sperm cannot to the egg. After sterilization, a period still occurs, but no egg is released. This method is a forever solution. If you are certain that you do not want any more kids, or do not want any kids, this option might be your choice. There are other reasons for sterilization and should be discussed with your doctor.
Vasectomy
99% Effective, $0-$1,000, Lasts for life
For Male Anatomy
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This is a surgery where the tube in the scrotum is cut or blocked. These tubes are where the sperm travels through. It is an almost 100% effective method. There are two main methods of this surgery, the incision method, and the no scalpel method. The vasectomy can sometimes be reversed but it is not a guarantee and should be discussed with your doctor.
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More Information
If you want more information on any of these birth control methods, please click the link and it will take you to the planned parenthood information page. Free birth control can be found at a planned parenthood or health center. Planned parenthood has a place to talk to a professional for questions and information.