Contraception (also known as birth control) is used to prevent pregnancy. The main difference between contraceptives is that some contain hormones (hormonal contraceptives) whereas others do not (nonhormonal contraceptives).
Hormonal contraceptives include:
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs): These contain an estrogen and a progestin to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary), thin the uterine lining, and thicken cervical mucus making it impenetrable to sperm. Examples include:
Progestin-only contraceptives (POPs): These contain just one hormone, progestin. Most work by thickening cervical mucus, preventing sperm from entering the uterus. POPs must be taken within the same three hours every day. Examples include norethindrone (Camila, Errin, Nor-QD).
Hormonal contraceptive patch: One patch is applied each week for every three weeks, then usually followed by a patch-free week. An example is ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin patch (Xulane)
Hormonal shot/injection: An injection is administered under the skin once every 3 months (12 to 14 weeks). Examples include medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera)
Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD): Small, T-shaped device that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. Lasts 3 to 10 years depending on the type. Examples include levonorgestrel (Mirena, Liletta)
Implantable rods: Small rod the size of a matchstick that is implanted under the skin of the upper arm. Lasts up to 3 years. Examples include etonogestrel (Nexplanon).
Examples of nonhormonal contraceptives include:
Female condoms: Must be used every time that sex occurs. Provides some protection against STIs
Male condoms: Contain either latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene. Must be used every time that sex occurs. Provide some protection against STIs
Copper intrauterine devices (Paragard). Copper produces an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm and eggs (ova), preventing pregnancy
Cervical caps/diaphragms with spermicide: A soft silicone cup that covers the cervix and is inserted before sex. May irritate, cause allergic reactions, and increase the risk of an abnormal Pap test
Sponges with spermicide: Soft polyurethane sponge that is inserted before sex and kept in place for six hours after sex
Spermicide alone: Must be used every time that sex occurs. Not very reliable. May irritate, cause allergic reactions, and increase the risk of STIs and UTIs. Examples include nonoxynol 9 gel (VCF Vaginal Contraceptive).
The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), sometimes called the ‘morning-after pill’ may be taken to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, or after a sexual assault. Examples include:
Levonorgestrel ECPs, such as Aftera, Fallback Solo, or Plan B One-Step.These work best if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex; however, they are still moderately effective if used within five days of unprotected sex.
Ulipristal ECPs, such as ella, require a prescription but can be used within five days of unprotected sex.
Drugs used for Birth Control
The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity
Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx
Prescription only.
OTC
Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC
Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label
This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA
An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access
Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N
FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U
CSA Schedule is unknown.
N
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3
Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X
Interacts with Alcohol.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
