Types of Birth Control

• Continuous abstinence

This means not having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) at any time. It is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

• Natural family planning/rhythm method
• Barrier methods

Put up a block, or barrier, to keep sperm from reaching the egg

• Contraceptive sponge
• Diaphragm, cervical cap, and cervical shield
• Female condom
• Male condom

• Hormonal methods

Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or implantation of the fertilized egg

• Oral contraceptives — combined pill (\”The pill\”)
• Oral contraceptives — progestin-only pill (\”Mini-pill\”)
• The patch
• Shot/injection
• Vaginal ring

• Implantable devices

• Implantable rods
• Intrauterine devices

• Permanent birth control methods

For people who are sure they never want to have a child or they do not want more children

• Sterilization implant
• Surgical sterilization

• Emergency contraception

Used if a woman\’s primary method of birth control fails. It should not be used as a regular method of birth control.

Office on Women\’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, womenshealth.gov (or girlshealth.gov)