Birth Control Guide

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on March 4, 2024.

What is Birth Control?

Birth control is any contraceptive method that is used by either a woman or a man to prevent pregnancy. Methods include hormonal contraception like the birth control pill or shot, nonhormonal methods such as the condom or copper IUD, natural family planning or even permanent sterilization.

Each method has its own pros and cons, level of effectiveness, differences in ease of use and costs. This birth control guide helps to define the basics, describe important precautions, and answer frequently asked questions about birth control options.

Opill Approved

In July 2023 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Opill, the first nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill (oral contraceptive). Opill will be available OTC, stocked on pharmacy shelves, and available online without a prescription in March of 2024. Check with your pharmacy.

Learn more: What is Opill and how much does it cost?

Emergency Contraception

• If you require information about emergency contraception (the “morning-after pill”) because you have had unprotected sex and you do not use birth control or your birth control failed, review the section on emergency contraception.
• You may still be able to have effective birth control if you do not delay and take action within a certain time frame.
• Emergency contraception is available over-the-counter without a prescription in pharmacies, other retailers and at Planned Parenthood. Call your pharmacist to discuss if you have questions.

Emergency contraception is not to be used as a regular method of birth control. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss which longer-term contraceptive method might be most effective and safest for you.

Birth Control Planning

Birth control planning should be done in conjunction with your partner and healthcare provider. You will need to think about your lifestyle, desire for children, personal values, level of health, and medication preferences.

Questions you might think about include:

• How important is it that your birth control is highly effective? Do you want to have remember to take a pill every day?
• What is your current desire to have children and start a family?
• Do you have concerns about side effects with hormonal birth control? Do you mind having injections or implants?
• Do you need continual birth control, or do you have sex infrequently? Do you have multiple sex partners, or are you in a single relationship?
• Are you willing to use a barrier method, such as a condom, or a diaphragm or cervical cap that must be inserted into your body?
• Is birth control cost an issue for you?
• What health issues do you have that might limit your choices in birth control?
• Are there health benefits to certain types of birth control that might be of value?

Before making a final determination on birth control choice, speak with your healthcare provider. It is important to remember that for many types of birth control, the effectiveness is dependent upon how well you use it.

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The only birth control method that will prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia, genital herpes, HPV or HIV is the condom. If you need to protect against STDs, you must use a condom every time you have sex, in addition to any other form of birth control you use.

If you do not know your HIV or other sexually transmitted disease status, you should consider being tested. You should know the status of each partner, as well.

What are the differences between the various birth control methods?

Many options are available for birth control:

• Birth Control Pills (also called oral contraceptives)
• Other types of hormonal birth control (birth control shot, vaginal ring, contraceptive patch, IUD, implant)
• Nonhormonal birth control options (condom, sponge, spermicide, cervical cap, diaphragm, copper IUD, natural family planning)
• Permanent birth control options (tubal ligation, vasectomy)
• Emergency birth control options (Plan B One Step [OTC], Next Choice, Ella, copper IUD)

Related:

• Types of Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives)
• Birth Control Pill Pros and Cons
• Hormonal Birth Control Methods (Non-Pill Options)

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer