What contraceptive method is best for me?
Take this quiz from Planned Parenthood! It takes 10 minutes and offers options based on your preferences.
When it comes to choosing a contraception method for yourself, there are a number of factors to consider.
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How well does it work: You may want to consider how well the method protects you from pregnancy. IUDs and implants are highly effective methods - fewer than 1 in 100 women get pregnant while using an IUD or implant. On the other hand, using just a condom, 18 in 100 women get pregnant every year.
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Hormones: You may prefer a method that does not have hormones. Or perhaps it doesn't matter to you! Read more about how hormones in contraception works below.
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Menstrual cycle (your period): You might want a method that does not change your period, or you might prefer a method that actually reduces or stops your period all together.
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Frequency of use: You may want a method that doesn't require much upkeep (like an implant or IUD). Or perhaps you're okay with taking something daily (pill) or going into a clinic every few months (shot).
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Side effects: Some methods are linked to more side effects (weight gain, mood swings) than others.
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Other medical conditions: Sometimes, birth control may interact with other medical conditions, so talk to a doctor to figure out what may be best for you. You can request an appointment with a Violet provider here.
Hormonal
Barrier Methods
Other Methods
Use a hormonal method PLUS condoms
to protect you from pregnancy and STIs!
Hormonal methods are types of birth control that use man-made hormones to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg) or make changes to the mucus or lining of the uterus, therefore preventing conception.
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These methods are:
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The Implant
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The Shot (Depo-Provera)
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The Ring
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The Patch
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The Pill
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Hormonal IUD
Barrier methods are methods of birth control that physically prevent sperm from reaching the egg, therefore preventing conception.
CONDOMS are the only contraception that also protect you from the majority of STIs! ​
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External (male) and internal (female) condoms both protect you from STIs.
Other methods that do not fall into either of these categories include:
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Withdrawl
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Fertility awareness
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Surgical procedures (vasectomy, sterilization, tubal ligation)
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Spermicide
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Hormone-free vaginal gel (Phexxi)
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Abstinence - the only birth control that is 100% effective
How does contraception work?
Contraception works in 4 different ways:
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Releases a hormone (progestin): implant, pill, some types of IUDs (Mirena, Liletta, Skyla, Kyleena)
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Releases hormones (progestin and estrogen): patch, pill, shot (Depo-Provera)
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Contains copper: some types of IUDs (ParaGard)
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Blocks sperm from reaching egg: condoms
Estrogen prevents pregnancy by:
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thickening the cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg
Progestin/progesterone prevents pregnancy by:
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preventing an egg from being released during one’s monthly menstrual cycle (period)
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damaging or killing sperm
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making it harder for a fertilized egg to grow in the uterus by thinning the cushioned lining (menstrual lining)
Copper prevents pregnancy by:
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creating a reaction in the uterus that makes eggs and sperm unable to survive
Why should I use condoms?
Condoms are the only method that protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections!
Don't wait until you are in the heat of the moment.
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Have a discussion with your partner and be honest and open about how you feel about using condoms. If your partner is hesitant about using condoms, you can show them this website to share facts about why condoms are important to keep you both safe and healthy.
Could I have a latex allergy?
How to put on a condom: infographic!
Remember, free condoms are always available from violetproject.org/store!
How well does each method work?
How often do I have to use the method?
The Pill
Fertility Awareness
Withdrawal
Condoms
Diaphragm or Cervical Cap
Sponge and Spermicide
Phexxi
The Patch
The Ring
The Shot
Implant
IUD
Sterilization
Vasectomy
Use everyday
Use every time you have sex
Every week
Lasts 3+ years
Every month
Every 3 months
Permanent
All about the methods
For even more information about all of the below, check out this Hopkins page.
The Implant
Brand name: Nexplanon
The IUD
The Shot
Brand name: Depo-Provera
The Ring
The Patch
The Pill
External Condom
"Male condom"
"Female condom"
Internal Condom
Diaphragm or Cervical Cap
Sponge
Spermicide
Phexxi
Fertility Awareness
"Rhythm method"
Withdrawal
"Pulling out"
Vasectomy
"Male sterilization"
Tubal Ligation
"Female sterilization"
Dental Dam
Emergency Contraception
"The Morning After Pill"
Abstinence means refraining from sex. It is the only method of contraception that is 100% effective. For some people, refraining from sex can be challenging, so it takes careful consideration and self-awareness to know if this method will be right for you.
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To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of abstinence take a look this page from Planned Parenthood.
Over-the-Counter
Over-the-counter means that you can purchase a product from a drug store (like CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, etc.) without a doctor's order or prescription. There are a few over-the-counter contraception options including:
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These options are barrier methods, which prevent pregnancy by blocking the sperm from entering the egg.
Another over-the-counter contraception option is the morning-after pill, a type of
emergency birth control (contraception). The morning-after pill (commonly known
as Plan B) can be used to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 days after having
unprotected sex. It’s important to know the following information about this form of contraception:
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Sometimes these pills are kept behind the register or in a locked box, so you may need to ask an employee for help finding it and checking out.
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Not all drug stores or grocery stores stock over-the-counter morning-after pills, and you may need to visit a different store or call a few stores to find it.
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You should visit a local health clinic such as Planned Parenthood or reach out to your primary care provider if you can’t find it at a store near you.
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You can buy and store Plan B before you need to use it, which can reduce the risk that you won’t be able to find it within that 5 day window of time.
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Some websites and organizations offer delivery options for Plan B through the mail; however, there is not a guarantee that it will arrive within the appropriate window of time, so the best option is always to find it in person as soon as you can.
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Plan B pills and its generic options (pills with the same ingredients but a different name, including AfterPill and Next Choice) may not work if you weigh over 165 pounds—read the packaging carefully. There are other forms of emergency contraception that are effective regardless, explained below.
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Internal & external condoms
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Spermicide
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Sponge
Prescription Options
Birth control pills are available with a prescription from your doctor or a healthcare provider. You can set up an appointment with your primary care provider or go to a health clinic such as Planned Parenthood to get a prescription.
​Additionally, some forms of emergency birth control (contraception) require a prescription and/or appointment. This includes:
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​The ella pill, which is a form of the morning-after pill and should be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex. The ella pill is more effective for people weighing over 165 pounds, but still may not work if you weigh 195 pounds or more. You can access a prescription rapidly through your primary care provider or through a health clinic such as Planned Parenthood.
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A copper IUD is a form of emergency contraception that works for people of any weight. It is the most effective form of emergency contraception if put in within 5 days of unprotected sex. You can set up an appointment with your primary care provider or through a health clinic such as Planned Parenthood.