Compare birth control methods
The IUS
99% effective
The small, flexible
T-shape
Use 3-8 years
Releases progestogen hormone mainly in the womb; does not contain estrogen
LEARN MOREThe IUD
99% effective
AKA the copper coil
Use 3-10 years
No hormones; releases copper acting mainly in the womb
LEARN MOREThe Implant
99% effective
The skin-deep method
Use 3 years
Releases progestogen hormone throughout the entire body
LEARN MORESpermicide
72% effective
The spread-on solution
Use before sex
No hormones, but does contain chemicals
LEARN MOREThe IUS
99% effective
The small, flexible
T-shape
Use 3-8 years
Periods can become less frequent, lighter, less painful
LEARN MOREThe Injection
94% effective
The birth control shot
Use 1-3 months
Periods become lighter, less frequent and less painful
LEARN MOREThe Combined oral contraceptive pill
91% effective
The daily tablet
Use daily
Periods become lighter, less frequent and less painful
LEARN MOREThe Patch
91% effective
The sticky one
Use weekly
Periods become lighter, less frequent and less painful
LEARN MOREThe Ring
91% effective
The vaginal all-rounder
Use for 3 weeks
Periods become lighter, less frequent and less painful
LEARN MOREThe IUS
99% effective
The small, flexible
T-shape
Use 3-8 years
Once placed, the possibility for error is very low
LEARN MOREThe IUD
99% effective
AKA the copper coil
Use 3-10 years
Once placed, the possibility for error is very low
LEARN MOREThe Implant
99% effective
The skin-deep method
Use 3 years
Once placed, the possibility for error is very low
LEARN MOREThe Injection
94% effective
The birth control shot
Use 1-3 months
Once injected, the possibility of error is very low
LEARN MOREFemale sterilization
99%+ effective
Tubal ligation
Permanent
Once the procedure is done, it’s done
LEARN MOREMale sterilization
99%+ effective
Vasectomy
Permanent
Once the procedure is done, it’s done
LEARN MOREThe Female Condom
79% effective
The internal condom
Use before sex
Helps protect against STIs
LEARN MOREThe IUS
99% effective
The small, flexible
T-shape
Use 3-8 years
Your doctor or nurse places or removes it
LEARN MOREThe IUD
99% effective
AKA the copper coil
Use 3-10 years
Your doctor or nurse places or removes it
LEARN MOREThe Implant
99% effective
The skin-deep method
Use 3 years
Your doctor or nurse places or removes it
LEARN MOREThe Injection
94% effective
The birth control shot
Use 1-3 months
Your doctor or nurse administers it
LEARN MOREThe Patch
91% effective
The sticky one
Use weekly
Self-administered, but requires prescription
LEARN MOREThe Ring
91% effective
The vaginal all-rounder
Use for 3 weeks
Self-administered, but requires prescription
LEARN MOREThe Progestogen-Only Pill
91% effective
The daily tablet
Use daily
Self-administered, but requires prescription
LEARN MOREThe Combined oral contraceptive pill
91% effective
The daily tablet
Use daily
Self-administered, but requires prescription
LEARN MOREThe Diaphragm
88% effective
The soft latex cup
Use before sex
Initial fitting is carried out by your doctor or nurse
LEARN MOREFemale sterilization
99%+ effective
Tubal ligation
Permanent
Involves a physical examination and surgery by a qualified healthcare professional
LEARN MOREMale sterilization
99%+ effective
Vasectomy
Permanent
Involves a physical examination and surgery by a qualified healthcare professional
LEARN MORE