Not sure which birth control is right for you? You’ve got options. This guide breaks down the main types of birth control—both hormonal and non-hormonal, short-term and long-term—so you can compare what works best for your body and your lifestyle.
If you’re having sex and don’t want to get pregnant, figuring out the right birth control can feel like… a lot. There are tons of options out there, some with hormones, some without, some you use only during sex, and others you barely have to think about for years. This guide walks you through the major questions to help you narrow down what actually fits your body and your lifestyle. From long-term methods to on-the-spot protection, consider this your simple, step-by-step way to understand your choices. Everyone’s body, health history, and preferences are unique, so discussing with a doctor can help you sort through the safest and most effective option for you.
Learn more about each birth control method
Combined Birth Control Pills
Combined birth control pills are taken daily. They can provide relief of period cramps, blood loss, hormonal acne, and PMS and may be used for period suppression. When used perfectly, it has a 99.7% efficacy.
Progesterone- only pill
Progesterone-only pills are taken daily and are an option when someone needs to avoid estrogen. Depending on the formulation, individuals may lose their period. When used perfectly, it has a 98% efficacy.
Levonorgestrel IUD
Levonorgestrel IUD is a T-shaped device that must be inserted into the cervix by a trained provider. There are many types, including three-year, five-year and eight-year variants and those for people who have never had children. When used perfectly, it has a >99.4% efficacy.
Copper IUD
Copper IUD is a T-shaped device that must be inserted into the cervix by a trained provider. There are two variants, one that lasts for three years and one for ten. Side effects include worsened period bleeding and pain for six months after insertion. When used perfectly, it has a 99.4% efficacy.
Nexplanon
Nexplanon is a medicated implant that is inserted by a healthcare provider under the skin of your upper arm. It lasts up to three years. When used perfectly, it has a 99.9% efficacy.
Depo Provera
Depo Provera is a shot that is administered by a healthcare provider every 13 weeks. Most people ultimately lose their period while on Depo, so it’s a great solution for heavy, painful bleeding. When used perfectly, it has a 99.8% efficacy.
Contraceptive Patch
Contraceptive patches are small patches placed somewhere on the midsection. You must change patch and position weekly. It's less effective for BMI over 30. When used perfectly, it has a 99.7% efficacy.
Intravaginal Ring
The most common form of intravaginal ring is a disposable ring inserted into the vaginal canal and left in place for 3 weeks, then removed for a week to allow for withdrawal bleeding. When used perfectly, it has a 99.7% efficacy.
Condoms (external)
Latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene are condom coverings for the penis that come in a variety of textures and sizes. When used perfectly, it has a 98% efficacy.
Diaphragm (+ spermicide)
A diaphragm is inserted into the vagina (similar to a menstrual disc) before sex and can be removed six hours after sex. It must be used with spermicide for maximum efficacy. When used perfectly, it has a 94% efficacy.
Spermicide or Contraceptive Gel
Spermicide or contraceptive gel, though significantly less effective when used alone, both work by killing sperm and blocking the cervical entrance. When used perfectly, spermicide has a 83% efficacy and contraceptive gel has a 94% efficacy.
Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning requires close tracking of your menstrual cycle. Avoid penetrative vaginal sex or use a condom during your fertile window for best results. When used perfectly, it has a 94% efficacy.
Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy
Tubal litigation or vasectomy are considered permanent forms of contraception and are very effective. While it is possible for the procedure to be reversed, this is not a reliable option. When used perfectly, it has a 99.5-99.9% efficacy.
While we love to share useful and helpful information, the above shouldn’t replace the advice of your healthcare professional. For questions about birth control and other women’s health issues, please talk to your doctor.
Julie wants to keep young women in the driver’s seat of their own stories and provide them with the tools necessary for a happy, healthy sex life.
We know (and have lived!) through the ups and downs of young adulthood firsthand, and we aim to normalize the events, conversations, and questions that come during this period to help destigmatize sexual health. We believe women should live life with total freedom — starting with their ability to choose how, when, and if they become pregnant.
We know that women can make the best choices for themselves when equipped with the right information. We don’t take sexual education lightly and are committed to sharing accurate and factual information through rigorous planning and QA processes. In fact, all Julie content is reviewed by at least two board-certified doctors on our medical board. Learn more about them here.
For more details on our editorial process, see here.
Tessa Commers, MD, FAAP, MS is a board-certified pediatrician based in the Seattle area with a particular interest in adolescent health and sexual education. In addition to clinical practice and serving as Head of Medical at Julie, Tessa also founded AskDoctorT — an education platform with over a million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube — aimed at improving adolescent health literacy and body confidence. She also hosted and wrote the puberty podcast “That’s Totally Normal!” and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and educational initiatives focused on child and adolescent wellbeing.
Education: Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City – Pediatric Residency; University of Nebraska Medical Center – Doctor of Medicine (MD); University of Nebraska Medical Center – Master of Science (MS, Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy); New York University – Bachelor of Arts (BA)
