Birth Control - SEXfyi®

Read our blog post detailing birth control updates from this summer!

Whatever your reason, birth control can help.

Birth control, also known as contraception, are methods used to prevent pregnancy. People use birth control for a variety of other
reasons too, including: controlling acne, managing periods, and more. Find the method that works for you!
Contraception may interact with medical conditions and/or other medication. After exploring these methods, be sure to discuss them and your medical history with a health care provider.

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STI Prevention
These methods protect against some Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) AND pregnancy at the same time!
Most-effective
These methods are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Easy to hide
Some people want to keep their contraception use to themselves, so these methods are less obvious to other people because of how they are taken or worn in the body.
Estrogen-free
These methods do not contain estrogen – they might even be hormone free. These options would be recommended for people who are sensitive to synthetic estrogen.
Set it and forget it
These methods are placed inside the body by a medical provider and can be used up to 3 years or longer, depending on the type (see descriptions for more details).
Other perks
These methods have other added benefits to pregnancy prevention. Some people find they experience improvements with acne, periods, cramps, etc. (additional benefits not guaranteed).

IUDs
(with or without hormones)
99% effective
A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a doctor. IUDs with hormones do not contain estrogen and copper IUDs do not have any hormones. IUDs are effective between 3-12 years, but can be removed sooner.
Implant
99% effective
A matchstick-sized rod that is inserted into the arm by a health care provider and lasts up to 3 years.
Birth Control Shot
96% effective
An injection by a medical provider that prevents pregnancy for three months.
Pill
92% effective
A pill taken at the same time every day, preventing pregnancy as long as it is taken consistently; while most types are a combination of progestin and estrogen, some types are estrogen-free.
Patch
91% effective
A small square patch with adhesive that sticks to any part of the body (stomach, back, etc.). A patch releases hormones through the skin and is replaced once per week.
Ring
91% effective
A small ring that you place in your vagina once a month for three weeks, remove the fourth week, then replace with a new ring.
Condoms
(Internal and External)
87% effective
Condoms are the only birth control that double as STI prevention. Internal condoms are worn inside vaginas or anuses and may be inserted up to 8 hours before sexual activity. External condoms are worn on penises or sex toys during oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
Phexxi Gel
86% effective
A gel inserted into the vagina by you up to one hour before each episode of vaginal intercourse. This method is not yet available at our Title X health centers, but you are welcome to ask your provider for more details on how to get a prescription and utilize this method, if interested.
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABM)
FABM is a method of contraception that is based on awareness of your menstrual cycle and peak fertile days, and may include measuring your temperature, cervical mucous, and more. There are many apps available to help keep track!
Emergency Contraception [EC]
(morning after pill and copper IUD)
Did the condom break? Forget to take your pill? Had completely unprotected sex?
Because a pregnancy can take days to occur, EC can work up to five days after unprotected sex. The morning after pill is available at any drug store, without I.D. or prescription, and is more effective the sooner you take it, or a Copper IUD is inserted by a medical provider and is effective up to 10 years as birth control.