Birth Control 101

Contraception, also known as birth control, is a way to prevent pregnancy for sexually active individuals. It comes in many different forms, which can make it easy to find a method that works best for you.

Learn how different types of birth control work and where you can go to find a method that works for you below: 

Types of Birth Control and How They Work

If you’d like to learn more about a particular birth control method, ask your provider or find a health center near you for more information.

Hormonal Methods

Listed below are hormonal methods of birth control. These birth control methods are 91% – 99% effective in preventing pregnancy but do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). With correct use, failure rates range from 0.1% to 7%.

• Birth control pill. The pill (sometimes called “mini pill”) contains hormones that can stop ovulation and prevent sperm from entering the egg. It should be taken at the same time every day to work effectively. 
• Birth control implant. The implant is a thin, flexible, matchstick-sized plastic rod that is easily inserted under the skin of the upper arm during an office visit. After insertion, the implant remains in the skin for up to five years, while it slowly releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy. It is a highly convenient option and can be easily removed or replaced.
• Birth control injection/shot. The hormone in this injection/shot can prevent ovulation and the release of an egg. You must self-inject or receive the injection at an office visit every 3 months to maintain effectiveness.
• Birth control patch. The patch is like a sticker that releases a combination of hormones that releases into your body through your skin.
• Vaginal ring. This small, flexible ring is worn inside the vagina for three weeks. Like all other hormonal birth control methods, it releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. The ring is removed during a menstrual period and a new ring is reinserted for the next three weeks.
• Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD). An IUD is a small T-shaped device that is placed into the uterus during an office visit or after childbirth. It uses hormones to stop sperm from reaching the egg. A hormonal IUD can work for 3-5 years and does not protect against STIs.

Spermicidal Methods

Listed below are spermicidal methods of birth control. These birth control methods use non-hormonal chemicals to kill sperm on contact and do not protect against STIs.

• Copper IUD. You can also get a copper IUD, which releases copper ions instead of hormones to create an unsuitable environment for sperm, thus preventing pregnancy. A copper IUD can remain in the uterus for up to ten years. Just like the hormonal IUD, Copper IUD is also 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and does not protect against STIs.
• Spermicide. Spermicide is a chemical solution that can be placed in the vagina to stop sperm from reaching an egg. It comes as a gel, cream, film, foam or suppository that melts inside the vagina. You can buy spermicide at many pharmacies and drugstores. Spermicide is 72% effective at preventing pregnancy and does not protect against STIs. 

Barrier Methods

Here are some barrier methods of birth control that use a physical barrier with or without the additional of spermicidal agents to prevent pregnancy:

• Birth control sponge. This small, round sponge is soft and squishy and contains spermicide. The sponge is inserted yourself, and is placed deep inside the vagina and right up against the cervix to block sperm from entering the uterus. Do NOT remove the sponge for at least 6 hours after intercourse. After removal, the sponge should be discarded and not reused. Birth control sponges are 76% – 88% effective in preventing pregnancy and do not protect against STIs.
• Diaphragm or cervical cap. These soft, bendable caps work similarly to sponges in that they go deep into the vagina to cover the cervix. This method of birth control is 77% – 88% effective in preventing pregnancy and does not protect against STIs. You can also put spermicide on teh cap prior to insertion for extra protection.
• Male condom. Condoms are made of thin, stretchy material that fits over the penis. They work by collecting semen in a pouch so the sperm cannot enter the body. Male condoms are 85% – 98% effective in preventing pregnancy and also protect against STIs if used correctly.
• Internal condom (or the female condom). This condom covers the walls of the vagina to collect sperm and prevent it from reaching the egg. Internal condoms are 79% effective at preventing pregnancy. As a bonus, it can also reduce your risk for STIs, although they are less effective in doing so compared to male condoms.

Fertility Awareness

This birth control method involves keeping track of your fertility pattern or that of your partner. On fertile days, or during ovulation, you can either avoid having sex or use a barrier method of birth control. Fertility awareness is 75% effective at preventing pregnancy. It’s a good idea to use condoms with this method because fertility awareness does not protect against STIs. 

Emergency Contraception

This option may help you avoid pregnancy if you had ejaculatory sex without using a birth control method. It can also help if your birth control method didn’t work as expected (such as, the condom broke during sex). Emergency contraception is available as an IUD (if places within 6 days of unprotected sex) or a pill (“morning after” or Plan B pill).

Sexual Abstinence

Sexual abstinence means avoiding sexual activities. This could mean avoiding all sexual activities or certain types such as penetrative vaginal sex. Not engaging in vaginal sex is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. Sexual abstinence also protects against STIs if all sexual activities, including oral and anal, are avoided. 

How to Get Birth Control

Ask your provider for help with choosing the right birth control. Most of the methods mentioned above are covered by many health insurance companies. You can also visit any of NJFPL’s health center sites for help.

NJFPL is dedicated to providing access to sex education and sexual and reproductive health services for all people regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, income, or insurance status. Visit NJFPL today to find a health center near you.