Birth controlis not one size fits all.
The first is how effective it is at preventing pregnancy when used exactly as intended, under ideal conditions.
Only latex and plastic condoms protect against STIs.
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Lambskin condoms help prevent pregnancy, but do not protect against STIs.
Internal condomsare thin pouches that create a barrier between the penis and the vagina.
Internal condoms go inside the vagina (or anus) instead of on the penis.
Both condoms prevent skin-to-skin contact between the penis and the partner’s skin.
They also “catch” pre-ejaculate and ejaculate (semen), preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
How Effective Is It?
External condoms cost about $2$6 for a box of three.
Packs of 12 or more often work out to about $1 per condom.
Internal condoms cost $2$3 each.
Some places such as sexual health clinics will give out condoms for free.
The sponge blocks sperm from entering the uterus.
It contains spermicide, which slows down sperm.
Ideal use: About 91% effective.
About 80% effective if you have given birth.
Typical use: About 88% effective.
About 76% effective if you have given birth.
A pack of three sponges costs about $15.
A diaphragm is used with spermicide, which slows sperm and increases the effectiveness of the diaphragm.
Spermicide also helps keep the diaphragm in place.
They can cost up to $250.
The cost may be covered by insurance, Medicaid, or other state programs.
Spermicide costs about $5$15 a tube or kit.
Cervical Cap
Acervical capis a small silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina before sex.
It is similar to a diaphragm but smaller and shaped differently.It helps prevent sperm from meeting the egg.
It must be used with spermicide to be at its most effective.
It can cost up to $275 but may be covered by insurance or programs like Medicaid.
Spermicide costs about $5$15 a kit.
No Sharing!
Diaphragms and cervical caps are single-user items only.
Do not share with other people.
In addition to the hygiene factor, these barrier methods are not one size fits all.
They must be fitted to the individual.
Wearing the wrong size can make them ineffective.
It is inserted deep in the vagina to prevent sperm from reaching an egg.
There is also a prescription gel called Phexxi that works in a similar way to impair sperm mobility.
Spermicide used alone: 72% effective
Phexxi used alone: Ideal use is 93% effective.
It can be found for free in some sexual health clinics.
Phexxi requires a prescription and costs may vary depending on your insurance coverage.
Do Not Eat
Spermicide is to be used on or in the genitals only.
It is dangerous to ingest it.
It also makes cervical mucus thicker, making it hard for sperm to get through.
Each additional visit may cost up to $150.
Costs are often covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid or other state programs.
One ANNOVERA ring can cost up to $2,200.
They are usually covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid.
It also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to get in.
Typical use: About 91% effective
One pack of three patches can cost up to $150.
They are usually covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid.
It is taken daily ideally at the same time.
The minipill must be taken within the same three-hour window each day.
The progestin-only pill is slightly less effective than the combination pill.
They may also be available for a reduced price at Planned Parenthood.
Opill is the first and only birth control pill available without a prescription.
About 76%88% effective.
Most effective when multiple methods (such as temperature, mucus, and calendar) are used together.
It’s free except for equipment such as a thermometer.
It also thickens cervical mucus, which helps stop sperm from getting in.
The implant lasts up to five years.
More than 99% effective
The implant can cost up to $1,300.
Implant removal can cost up to $300.
The cost is usually at least partially covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid.
IUD
What Is It?
There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and nonhormonal.
Both thicken the cervical mucus to keep sperm out.
The nonhormonal IUD releases a small amount of copper (which is toxic to sperm).
It is effective for 3 to 10 years, depending on which brand is used.
This is often at least partially covered by insurance or programs such as Medicaid.
Emergency Contraception
The nonhormonal copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception.
It can remain in afterward to prevent future pregnancies.
It is performed by a healthcare provider in an office, hospital, or clinic.
The procedure is very short (about 20 minutes) and heals within a few days.
It permanently prevents pregnancy.
Almost 100%
A vasectomy can cost up to $1,000, including follow-up visits.
Vasectomies may be fully or partially covered by some health insurance plans, Medicaid, and other government programs.
It takes about 2030 minutes and leaves little scarring.
Most people go home the same day.
Tubal ligation can cost up to $6,000, including follow-up visits.
This may be fully or partially covered by some health insurance plans, Medicaid, and other government programs.
There are many choices available, each with benefits and disadvantages.
It’s important to remember that the only birth control method that protects against STIs are condoms.
Combining condoms with another form of birth control protects against STIs and gives extra protection from pregnancy.
Hormonal birth control methods such as the birth control pill or patch can help with acne.
2015;36(2):133-139. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.167135
Planned Parenthood.Birth control sponge.
National Health Service.Diaphragm or cap.
Planned Parenthood.Spermicide and contraceptive gel.
Planned Parenthood.Withdrawal (pull out method).
Planned Parenthood.Birth control shot.
Planned Parenthood.Birth control ring.
Planned Parenthood.Birth control patch.
Planned Parenthood.Birth control pills.
Sexual Health Victoria.Progestogen only pills (POP or mini pill).
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception.
Planned Parenthood.Birth control implant.
Planned Parenthood.What are hormonal IUDs?
Planned Parenthood.What are non-hormonal IUDs?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Birth control.
Planned Parenthood.What’s the best kind of birth control?
