Contraceptives
In the United States, almost half of all pregnancies are unintended.1 Yet, several safe and highly effective methods of contraception (birth control) are available to prevent unintended pregnancy. The effectiveness of birth control methods is critically important for reducing the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Contraceptive options include the following:
- Drug-free, cost-free natural family planning and withdrawal
- Barrier methods that offer protection from STI’s and unwanted pregnancy: condoms, diaphragms, the cervical cap (which is commonly used in combination with vaginal spermicides)
- Hormones: oral contraceptives (the pill), injectable hormones, subdermal implants, and the emergency contraceptive pill
- Sterilization (male and female)
In general, the contraceptives may do the following:
- Block or kill sperm
- Cause hormonal changes in the woman’s body to help prevent pregnancy
For more information on a contraceptive method, click on the method below.
- Abstinence – Choice to not have sex.
- Copper T Intrauterine Device (IUD)
- Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (IUS)
- Implant
- Injection
- Combined oral contraceptives
- Progestin only pill
- Patch
- Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring
- Emergency contraception
- Male condom
- Female condom
- Diaphragm or cervical cap
- Spermicides
- Natural family planning
- Female Sterilization
- Transcervical Sterilization
- Vasectomy
