Birth Control

From the FDA Office of Women's Health

Download and print the Birth Control Chart (PDF, 633 KB)

This page should not be used in place of talking with your health care provider and reading the label for your product. This page is not intended to guide clinical practice. The product and risk information may change. Read the product label and talk with your health care provider for more information on the risks of a specific product or on the chance of getting pregnant while using a contraceptive.

The FDA regulates birth control products that are medical devices or drugs. The FDA approves, clears, and grants marketing authorization to such birth control (contraceptive) products when they are shown to be both safe and effective (work well to prevent pregnancy).

The birth control webpage and printable PDF chart provide high-level information about different birth control options. The webpage and chart are meant for educational purposes for the general public. They are not a complete list of all available birth control options. Talk with your health care provider about the best birth control choice for you.

If you do not want to get pregnant, there are many birth control options to choose from. No one product is best for everyone. Some contraceptives are better than others at preventing pregnancy. The only sure way to avoid pregnancy is to not have sex.

Types of birth control

Permanent sterilization
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC)
Contraceptive injection/shot
Short-acting hormonal contraceptives
Software application for contraception
Barrier contraceptives
Emergency contraception (EC)

Some things to think about when you choose birth control:

Your health.
If you want to have children in the future.
How often you have sex.
How many sexual partners you have.
If you will need a prescription or if you can buy the contraceptive over-the-counter.

This page lists pregnancy rates based on the number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use a method of contraception for one year. For comparison, about 85 out of 100 sexually active women who do not use any birth control can expect to become pregnant in a year. These pregnancy rates can help you understand how effective the different methods are during actual use (including sometimes using a method in a way that is not correct or not consistent).

For more information on the chance of getting pregnant while using a method of contraception or on the risks of a specific product, please check the product labeling or references such as Bradley SEK, et al., Effectiveness, safety, and comparative side effects. In: Cason P, Cwiak C, Edelment A, et al. [Eds.] Contraceptive Technology. 22nd edition. Burlington, MA: Jones-Bartlett Learning, 2023.

Tell your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist if you:

Smoke.
Have liver disease.
Have blood clots or family members who have had blood clots.
Have had a stroke or heart attack or have vascular disease.
Have migraines.
Are taking any other medicines, like antibiotics or daily prescription medicines.
Are taking any herbal products, like St. John’s Wort.
Are breastfeeding.
Have been pregnant or recently given birth.
Have abnormal uterine bleeding.
Have breast cancer.

To avoid pregnancy:

No matter which contraceptive you choose, it is important to follow all of the directions carefully. If you do not, you increase your chance of getting pregnant.
The best way to avoid pregnancy is to not have sex.

Permanent sterilization

Sterilization surgery for women (also called trans-abdominal surgical sterilization)

Sterilization surgery is for women who are sure they never want to have a child or do not want any more children. Sterilization surgery may not be right for you if you are uncertain about not having children or having any more children. Sometimes it is possible to reverse the sterilization. Reversal involves another surgery that might not be successful.

What is it?

This is a surgery a woman needs only once.
It is permanent.
One way is by tying and cutting the fallopian tubes — this is called tubal ligation.
The fallopian tubes also can be sealed using an instrument with an electrical current.
They also can be closed with clips, clamps, or rings.

How does it work?

The fallopian tubes are blocked so the egg and sperm cannot meet in the fallopian tube. This stops you from getting pregnant.

How do I get it?

This is surgery.
You will need general anesthesia.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected in one year per 100 women who use this method of contraception)

Out of 100 women who use have this surgery, less than 1 may get pregnant.

Some risks

Bleeding
Infection or other complications after surgery
Pain

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Sterilization surgery for men (vasectomy)

Sterilization surgery is for men who are sure they never want to have a child or do not want any more children. Vasectomy may not be right for you if you are uncertain about not having children or having any more children. Sometimes it is possible to reverse the operation, but the likelihood of a successful reversal decreases as more time passes between vasectomy and reversal. Reversal involves complicated surgery that might not work.

What is it?

This is a surgery a man needs only once.
It is permanent.

How does it work?

The surgery blocks a man’s vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from the testes).
After this surgery, the semen (the fluid that comes out of a man’s penis) has no sperm in it.
It takes about three months to clear sperm out of a man’s system. You will need to use another form of birth control until a test shows there is no longer any sperm in the seminal fluid.

How do I get it?

This is surgery.
Local anesthesia is used.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected in one year per 100 women whose partner uses this method of contraception)

Out of 100 women whose partner has had a vasectomy, less than 1 may get pregnant.

Some risks

Bleeding
Infection
Pain

The success of reversal surgery depends on:

The length of time since the vasectomy was performed.
Whether or not antibodies to sperm have developed.
The surgical method used for vasectomy.
The length and location of the segments of vas deferens that were removed or blocked.

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC)

These contraceptives last for several years. If you want to get pregnant, you can stop using them at any time. A health care professional removes a LARC so you can get pregnant.

IUD or IUS (intrauterine device or intrauterine system) without hormone (copper)

What is it?

A T-shaped device containing copper put into the uterus by a health care provider

How does it work?

The IUD prevents sperm from reaching the egg, from fertilizing the egg, and may prevent the egg from attaching (implanting) in the womb (uterus).
It does not stop the ovaries from making an egg (ovulating) each month.
The IUD can be used for up to 10 years.
After the IUD is taken out, it is possible to get pregnant.

How do I get it?

An IUD is put into the uterus by a health care provider.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this contraceptive, less than 1 may get pregnant.

Some side effects

Cramps
Heavier, longer periods, or spotting between periods

Some less common risks

Ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of the uterus)
Expulsion - the IUD is no longer in the uterus and therefore there is no pregnancy protection
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Severe infection
Uterine perforation

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

IUD or IUS with hormone (progestin)

What is it?

A T-shaped device containing a progestin put into the uterus by a health care provider

How does it work?

It thickens the mucus of your cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to get to the egg, and also thins the lining of your uterus.
The IUD can last for 8 years or more, depending on the type.
After the IUD is taken out, it is possible to get pregnant.

How do I get it?

An IUD is put into your uterus by a health care provider.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this contraceptive, less than 1 may get pregnant.

Some side effects

Abdominal/pelvic pain
Irregular bleeding
No periods (amenorrhea)

Some less common risks

Ectopic pregnancy
Expulsion - the IUD is no longer in the uterus and therefore there is no pregnancy protection
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Severe infection
Uterine perforation

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Implantable rod

What is it?

A thin, matchstick-sized rod that contains a progestin hormone
It is put under the skin on the inside of your upper arm.

How does it work?

It stops the ovaries from releasing eggs.
It thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from getting to the egg.
It can be used for up to 3 years.

How do I get it?

After giving you local anesthesia, a health care provider will put it under the skin of your arm with a special needle.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this contraceptive, less than 1 may get pregnant.

Some side effects

Acne
Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns
Headache
Mood swings or depressed mood
Weight gain

Some less common risks

Complication of inserting and removing, including pain, bleeding, scarring, infection, or movement of the implant to another part of the body
Ectopic pregnancy
It is rare but some women will have blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes
Ovarian cysts

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Contraceptive injection/shot

This contraceptive is given as a shot (injection) every 3 months. If you want to get pregnant, you can stop using this at any time.

What is it?

A health care professional injects a progestin hormone into either the muscle or under the skin.

How does it work?

It stops the ovaries from releasing eggs.
It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from getting to the egg.

How do I get it?

The injection/shot is given every 3 months by your health care provider.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this contraceptive, including women who do not get the shot on time, up to 4 may get pregnant.

Some side effects

Abdominal discomfort
Delay in fertility return
Headaches
Irregular bleeding or bleeding between periods
Loss of bone density
No periods (amenorrhea)
Weight gain

Some less common risks

Ectopic pregnancy
It is rare, but some women will have blood clots

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Short acting hormonal contraceptives

Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. If you want to get pregnant, you can stop using them at any time.

Combination oral contraceptives “the pill” (combined pill)

What is it?

A pill that has two hormones (estrogen and a progestin)
Contains hormonal pills for a number of days each month

How do I use it?

You should swallow the pill every day, whether or not you have sex.
If you miss more than two pills, you COULD BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you restart your pills. You (or your partner) MUST use a non-hormonal contraceptive, such as a condom or anti-sperm vaginal contraceptive, as a back-up for those 7 days.
Generally, you get a monthly period.

How do I get it?

You need a prescription from a health care provider.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this method, about 7 may get pregnant.

Some side effects

Breast tenderness
Headache
Nausea
Spotting or bleeding between periods

Less common serious side effects

It is not common, but some women who take the pill develop high blood pressure.
It is rare, but some women will have blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Combination oral contraceptives “the pill” (extended/continuous use combined pill)

What is it?

A pill that has two hormones (estrogen and a progestin)
Contains hormonal pill for an extended time (3 months) or all the time (continuous)

How do I use it?

You should swallow the pill every day, whether or not you have sex.
If you miss more than two pills, you COULD BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you restart your pills. You (or your partner) MUST use a non-hormonal contraceptive (such as a condom or anti-sperm vaginal contraceptive) as a back-up for those 7 days.
Generally, you get a period less often than monthly.

How do I get it?

You need a prescription from a health care provider.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this contraceptive, about 7 may get pregnant.

Some side effects

Breast tenderness
Headache
Nausea
Spotting or bleeding between periods

Less common serious side effects

It is not common, but some women who take the pill develop high blood pressure.
It is rare, but some women will have blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Oral contraceptives “the mini pill” (progestin-only)

What is it?

A pill that has one hormone, a progestin

How do I use it?

You should swallow the pill at the same time every day, whether or not you have sex.
Generally, you get a monthly period.
Be sure you (or your partner) use a non-hormonal contraceptive (such as condoms or anti-sperm vaginal contraceptive) as a back-up, if:
- you are several hours late taking your pill
- you miss one or more pills
- you start a pack too late

How do I get it?

You may need a prescription from a health care provider.
One version of the pill, norgestrel, is available over-the-counter.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this method, about 7 may get pregnant.

Some side effects

Acne
Breast tenderness
Headache
Irregular bleeding
Nausea
Weight gain

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Patch (transdermal system)

What is it?

A skin patch you can wear on the lower abdomen, buttocks, upper arm, or upper back

How do I use it?

You put on a new patch and take off the old patch once a week for 3 weeks (wear a patch for 21 consecutive days).
Do not put on a patch during the fourth week (the following 7 days). Your menstrual period should start during this patch-free week.
If the patch comes loose or falls off, you (or your partner) may need to use another non-hormonal contraceptive, like a condom and spermicide.

How do I get it?

You need a prescription from a health care provider.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this contraceptive, about 7 may get pregnant.

Some side effects

Breast tenderness
Headache
Nausea, stomach pain
Skin irritation
Spotting or bleeding between periods

Some risks

It may expose you to higher levels of estrogen compared to most combined oral contraceptives.
There may be an increased risk of blood clots among women who use the patch as compared to women who use certain combination oral contraceptives.

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Vaginal contraceptive ring or vaginal contraceptive system

What is it?

A flexible ring that is about 2 inches across

How do I use it?

You put the ring into your vagina.
Keep the ring in your vagina for 3 weeks and then take it out for 1 week. Your menstrual period should start during this ring-free week.
There are different types of rings. Certain types can be reused for multiple cycles.
If the ring falls out and stays out for more than 2 or 3 hours (depending on type of ring), place the ring back in your vagina and you (or your partner) should use another non-hormonal contraceptive, like a condom and spermicide, until the ring has been in place for 7 days in a row.

How do I get it?

You need a prescription from a health care provider.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this contraceptive, about 7 may get pregnant.

Some side effects and risks

Breast tenderness
Headache
Mood changes
Nausea
Vaginal discharge, discomfort in the vagina, and mild irritation

Some less common risks

It is not common, but some women who use the ring develop high blood pressure.
It is rare, but some women will have blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Software application for contraception

What is it?

A medical software application (app) that can be used as a method of contraception to prevent pregnancy by predicting fertile days

How do I use it?

Enter the requested information into the app (e.g., daily basal body temperature, menstrual cycle information).
On fertile days, do not engage in unprotected sex. If you have sex, use another contraceptive, such as a condom.

How do I get it?

You do not need a prescription from a health care provider.
You can download to your mobile device but may need to purchase the app first.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this application for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this application to avoid unprotected sex during fertile days, about 7-8 may get pregnant.

Some side effects and risks

May provide inaccurate information (ovulation prediction) if used when currently or recently on hormonal birth control or hormonal treatments that prevent ovulation (release of egg).

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Barrier contraceptives

Prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from reaching the egg

Male condom

What is it?

A thin film sheath that is placed over the erect penis

How do I use it?

Put it on the erect penis right before sex.
Pull out before the penis softens.
Hold the condom against the base of the penis before pulling out.
Use it only once and then throw it away.

How do I get it?

You do not need a prescription.
You can buy it over-the-counter or online.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women whose partners use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women whose partners use this contraceptive, 13 may get pregnant.
The most important thing is that you use a new condom every time you have sex.
It can be used with other on-demand contraceptives to decrease your chances of becoming pregnant.

Some risks

Allergic reactions (If you are allergic to latex, you can try condoms made of another material.)
Irritation

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Yes. Consistent and correct use of certain types of male condoms reduce the risk of some STIs. The condom cannot provide absolute protection against STIs.

Diaphragm with spermicide

What is it?

A dome-shaped flexible disk with a flexible rim made from silicone that covers the cervix

How do I use it?

You need to put a spermicidal jelly, cream, or foam on the inside of the diaphragm before putting it into the vagina, covering the cervix.
You must put the diaphragm into the vagina before having sex.
You must leave the diaphragm in place at least 6 hours after having sex.
It can be left in place for up to 24 hours. You need to use additional spermicide every time you have sex.

How do I get it?

You need a prescription.
A health care provider will need to do an exam to find the right size diaphragm for you.
You should have the diaphragm checked after childbirth or if you lose more than 15 pounds because you might need a different size.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this contraceptive, about 17 may get pregnant.

Some side effects

Allergic reactions
Spermicides containing N9 (nonoxynol-9) can irritate the vagina, penis, and rectum. They may increase the risk of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) from an infected partner.
Urinary tract infection

Some less common risks

If you keep it in place longer than 24 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious infection.

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Sponge with spermicide

What is it?

A disk-shaped polyurethane sponge-like device with the spermicide N9 (nonoxynol-9) in it

How do I use it?

Put it into the vagina before you have sex.
Protects against pregnancy for up to 24 hours.
You do NOT need to use more spermicide each time you have sex.
You must leave the sponge in place for at least 6 hours after last having sex.
You must take the sponge out within 30 hours after you put it in. Throw it away after you use it.

How do I get it?

You do not need a prescription.
You can buy it over-the-counter.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this contraceptive, 17 may get pregnant.
It may not work as well for women who have given birth. Childbirth stretches the vagina and cervix, and the sponge may not fit as well. Out of 100 women who have previously given birth and who use this contraceptive, 27 may get pregnant.

Some side effects

Spermicides containing N9 (nonoxynol-9) can irritate the vagina, penis, and rectum. They may increase the risk of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) from an infected partner.

Some less common risks

If you keep it in place longer than 24-30 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious infection.

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Cervical cap with spermicide

What is it?

A soft latex or silicone cup with a round rim, which fits snugly around the cervix

How do I use it?

You need to put spermicide inside the cap before you use it. You do NOT need to use more spermicide each time you have sex.
You must put the cap around the cervix before you have sex.
You must leave the cap in place for at least 6 hours after having sex.
You may leave the cap in for up to 48 hours.

How do I get it?

First, a health care provider needs to determine the correct cervical cap size for you. Then, you need a prescription for the device.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this contraceptive, about 22 to 23 may get pregnant.
It may not work as well for women who have given birth. Childbirth stretches the vagina and cervix, and the cap may not fit as well.

Some side effects and risks

Allergic reactions
Spermicides containing N9 (nonoxynol-9) can irritate the vagina and penis. It may increase the risk of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) from an infected partner.
Urinary tract infection

Some less common risks

If you keep it in place longer than 48 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious infection.

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Internal (female) condom

What is it?

A thin, lubricated pouch that is put into the vagina. It consists of a nitrile (non-latex) sheath, a flexible larger outer ring, and a polyurethane inner ring to place in the vagina. Nitrile is also commonly used to make surgical gloves.

How do I use it?

Put the internal condom into the vagina before sex.
Follow the directions on the package to be sure the penis stays inside the condom during sex and does not move outside the condom.
Use it only once and then throw it away.

How do I get it?

You do not need a prescription.
You can buy it over-the-counter or online.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this contraceptive, about 21 may get pregnant.
The most important thing is that you use a new condom every time you have sex.

Some risks

Burning sensation, rash, or itching
Discomfort or pain during insertion or sex

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Yes. When used in the vagina, the internal condom reduces the risks of some STIs. The condom cannot provide absolute protection against STIs.

Anti-sperm vaginal contraceptives (includes spermicides and other anti-sperm agents)

Some, but not all, anti-sperm vaginal contraceptives are spermicides.

What is it?

A foam, cream, jelly, film, or tablet that you put into the vagina

How do I use it?

You need to put the anti-sperm vaginal contraceptive into the vagina before you have sex. Products differ on how early you can place the contraceptive and how long the contraceptive will last.
Instructions can be different for each type of anti-sperm vaginal contraceptive. Read the label carefully before you use the anti-sperm vaginal contraceptive.
Do not douche or rinse the vagina for at least 6 hours after sex.
Some products may be used with a condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap to provide better pregnancy protection. Women should consult their health care provider to determine whether the anti-sperm product they are using can be used with a specific barrier contraceptive (condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap).

How do I get it?

You can buy some products over-the-counter, but for others you will need a prescription.

Chance of getting pregnant with use (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method of contraception for one year)

Out of 100 women who use these contraceptives, about 21-28 may get pregnant.
Studies with different products show different rates of effectiveness.

Some risks

Allergic reactions
Spermicides containing N9 (nonoxynol-9) can irritate the vagina and rectum, which may increase the risk of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) from an infected partner.
Urinary tract infection

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Emergency contraceptives

Emergency contraceptives (EC) may be used if you did not use birth control or if your regular birth control fails (such as a condom breaks). It should not be used as a regular form of birth control.

Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (1 pill)

What is it?

A single pill containing a progestin hormone.
It helps prevent pregnancy after a birth control failure or unprotected sex.

How does it work?

It works before release of an egg from the ovary. As a result, it usually stops or delays the release of an egg from the ovary.
For the best chance for it to work, you should take the pill as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or birth control failure.

How do I get it?

You can buy it over-the-counter. You do not need a prescription.

Chance of getting pregnant

One large study showed 7 out of every 8 women who would have gotten pregnant did not become pregnant after taking emergency contraception; other studies have shown lower pregnancy prevention rates.

Some side effects

Breast pain
Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness
Lower stomach (abdominal) pain
Menstrual changes
Tiredness

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Ulipristal acetate

What is it?

A single pill that affects how your body responds to the hormone progesterone.
It helps prevent pregnancy after a birth control failure or unprotected sex. It works mainly by stopping or delaying the ovaries from releasing an egg. It may also work by changing the lining of the womb (uterus) that may affect attachment (implantation).

How do I use it?

For the best chance for it to work, you should take the pill as soon as possible within 5 days after unprotected sex.

How do I get it?

You need a prescription from a health care provider.

Chance of getting pregnant

In two large studies, 60 to 66% of expected pregnancies were prevented with correct use of ulipristal acetate.

Most common side effects

Abdominal pain
Dizziness
Headache
Menstrual pain
Nausea
Tiredness

Does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.