How does it Work?
A condom works by preventing sperm from entering the vagina and joining an egg. There are internal condoms that are inside a vagina and external condoms that are placed on a penis.

Risks 

A condom can slip off or break during sex.  If that happens, we recommend you or your partner taking emergency contraception (LINK TO THAT INFO) to prevent pregnancy.

How do I use it?

Place a condom on penis or inside vagina each time you have sex.  You roll the condom on an erect penis and wear it the entire time you are having sex.  You can use lubricant. 

What can I Expect?

You will feel about the same.  There are no side-effects to condom use.

Benefits 

Condoms are safe and effective birth control.

You can buy condoms at many stores without a prescription.  It can be used for oral, vaginal and anal sex and it protects against sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), including HIV. Condoms have no effect on your ability to get pregnant in the future and can be used with other forms of birth control to add extra protection.

How does it Work?

The gel is a hormone-free method of birth control that must be inserted ahead of time before having vaginal sex. It works by lowering the pH of the vagina and decreasing the motility or mobility of the sperm. It is not a spermicide.

How do I use it?

The gel is an on-demand method of birth control. It may be used during any time of your menstrual cycle. It is only to be inserted before vaginal sex.  Also, you may use the gel as soon as it is safe to resume intercourse following childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage.

What can I Expect?

You will feel about the same. The gel works locally in your vagina and is not absorbed into the rest of your body. The most common side effects are: vaginal burning and itching, yeast infection, urinary tract infection, vaginal area dis-comfort, and vaginal discharge.

Benefits 

The vaginal gel is safe and effective birth control. The gel can be used with other forms of birth control such as the pill or IUDs. It should not be used with the ring. The gel has no effect on your ability to get pregnant in the future. You don’t have to remember to use it every day if you are not having sex.

Risks 

The gel is safer than pregnancy. Serious problems are rare. Seek medical attention if you develop the following: vaginal itching, burning while urinating, or think you may be pregnant.

This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Always use condoms to protect yourself.

How does it Work?

A diaphragm works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus and joining an egg. For added protection, spermicide (a cream or gel that kills sperm) should be used as well.

How do I use it?

A diaphragm with spermicide is placed inside a vagina and over the cervix every time you have sex. It can be placed up to 2 hours before you have sex and remains in place the entire time you are having sex. After you take out your diaphragm, you can wash it with soap and water and let it air dry.

What can I Expect?

You will feel about the same. 

Benefits 

A diaphragm is safe and effective birth control. A diaphragm is non-hormonal and latex-free and you can use it without interrupting sex. It is easy to always have with you and lasts for 2 years. One size fits most people and it does not impact your ability to get pregnant in the future.

Risks 

Using a diaphragm is safer than pregnancy. Serious problems are rare. In order for your diaphragm to work, you have to use it every time you have vaginal sex and you have to use it correctly.
This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Always use condoms to protect yourself.

How does it Work?

There are two types of IUDs. One type contains a hormone (progestin) like one your body makes. This hormone stops your ovaries from releasing eggs, makes the mucus in your cervix too thick for sperm to pass through, and thins the lining inside the uterus. The other type of IUD contains copper. Copper prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg.

How do I use it?

The IUD is inserted inside your uterus by a healthcare provider. The IUD can be inserted at any time if you are not pregnant. The copper IUD starts working right away. With hormonal IUDs, you should use condoms as a backup method for the first 7 days after it is placed. Once it is placed, you don’t need to do anything. Depending on the IUD, it will provide between 3 to 12 years of birth control. If you like it, you can get another one. You can remove it at any time.

What can I Expect?

You will feel about the same. The following are common side effects: Many people experience cramps when the IUD is inserted. You may have extra menstrual bleeding for the first few months. After this, you will feel about the same and you will not feel the IUD inside you. With the copper IUD, your periods may become heavier or may stay about the same. With the hormonal
IUD your periods may become lighter or less frequent over time, and you may have no period at all. This is normal.

Benefits 

The IUD is safe and effective birth control. It keeps you from getting pregnant for 3 to 12 years. It is safe to use while breastfeeding. With hormonal IUDs, periods can become lighter, less painful, or not happen at all. The IUD has no effect on your ability to get pregnant in the future. You don’t have to remember to use this every day.

Risks 

The IUD is safer than pregnancy. Serious problems are rare and usually happen in the first months. The IUD can push through the wall of the uterus, you can develop an infection, or the IUD can slip out. Seek medical attention if you develop the following: heavy bleeding, cramping, pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, or think you might be pregnant. This method does not protect against STDs or HIV. Always use condoms to protect yourself.

How does it Work?

The birth control implant contains a hormone (progestin) like one your body makes. This hormone stops your ovaries from releasing eggs, makes the mucus in your cervix too thick for sperm to pass through, and thins the lining inside the uterus.

How do I use it?

The implant is inserted under the skin of your upper arm by a healthcare provider. The implant can be inserted at any time if you are not pregnant.
If it is inserted up to 5 days after the start of your period, you are protected against pregnancy right away. If it is inserted more than 5 days after the start of your period, you should use condoms as a back-up. method for the first 7 days. If you have unprotected sex in this first week, take emergency contraception
(EC). Once it is inserted, you don’t need to do anything. It lasts up to 5 years. If you like it, you can get another one.

What can I Expect?

You will feel about the same. The following are common side effects: Many people have irregular bleeding for the first 6 to 12 months. This is unpredictable–some have no bleeding; some have regular periods; some have frequent spotting or bleeding. You can have some pain or swelling when the implant is inserted that is temporary. You will feel the implant if you touch your arm, but other people generally can’t see it.

Benefits 

The implant is safe and effective birth control. It keeps you from getting pregnant for 5 years. It is safe to use while breastfeeding. Periods may be lighter, less painful, or not happen at all. The implant has no effect on your ability to get pregnant in the future. You don’t have to remember to use it every day.

Risks 

The implant is safer than pregnancy. Serious problems are rare. Some people experience mood changes, headaches, and/or acne.
Some people have pain, bruising, or infection at the insertion site. Seek medical attention if you develop the following: redness, drainage, or warmth from the insertion site, can’t feel the implant, or think you might be pregnant. This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Always use condoms to protect yourself.

How does it Work?

The birth control shot contains a hormone (progestin) like one your body makes. This hormone stops your ovaries from releasing eggs, makes the mucus in your cervix too thick for sperm to pass through, and thins the lining inside the uterus.

How do I use it?

There are 2 ways to start the shot. We recommend the Quick Start Method.
Quick Start: Get your shot today. Use condoms as a backup method for the first 7 days after your first shot. If you have taken ulipristal acetate emergency contraception (EC), wait 5 days before starting the shot. Next Period: Get the shot within 7 days of the start of your next period. You get the shot in the arm, buttocks, or stomach every three months. It can be given in the muscle or under the skin. The shot works best if you get a new shot every 12 weeks. If your last shot was more than 15 weeks ago, use condoms for the next 7 days as a back-up method.

What can I Expect?

You will feel about the same. The following are common side effects: Many people have bleeding between periods. After the first 2-3 shots, you may have no period at all. Some people may feel more hungry and may gain weight while on the shot. Some people report a change in acne, mood, or headaches. These can be better or worse. Long-term use of the shot may lead to lower bone density, which improves after stopping the shot. If you do not get enough calcium in your diet, some providers will recommend calcium/vitamin D supplements. It is not recommended for young people to use the shot for more than 2 years without an assessment by a healthcare provider

Benefits 

The shot is safe and effective birth control. It keeps you from getting pregnant for 3 months. It is safe to use while breastfeeding. It lowers your risk of cancer of the uterus. Periods may be lighter, less painful, or not happen at all. You don’t have to remember to use it every day. After stopping the shot, some people have delayed return to fertility. However, it is also possible to get pregnant right away.

Risks 

The shot is safer than pregnancy. Serious problems are rare. Seek medical attention if you develop the following: very heavy bleeding, or think you might be pregnant. This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Always use condoms to protect yourself.

How does it Work?

The birth control pill contains hormones (estrogen and progestin) like the ones your body makes. These hormones stop your ovaries from releasing eggs, make the mucus in your cervix too thick for sperm to pass through, and thin the lining inside the uterus.

How do I use it?

There are 2 ways to start the pill. We recommend the Quick Start Method.
Quick Start: Take the pill as soon as you get the pack. If you take the pill within 5 days after the start of your period, you are protected against pregnancy right away. If you take the first pill more than 5 days after the start of your period, you should use condoms as a back-up method for the first 7 days. If you have taken ulipristal acetate emergency contraception (EC), wait 5 days before starting the pill. Next Period: Take the pill within 5 days of the start of your next period. For 28 day pill packs: take 1 pill each day at the same time. After you finish a pack of pills, immediately start a new pack the next day. If using the pill called Slynd, be sure to start the pack by taking the white active pills.
For other size pill packs: Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

What can I Expect?

You will feel about the same. The following are common side effects: In the first few months you may have nausea, bleeding between periods, and/ or breast discomfort. These problems generally go away after 2-3 months. Some people are concerned about weight gain. This is uncommon with the pill. Some people report a change in their mood or headaches. These can be better or worse.

Benefits 

The pill is safe and effective birth control. Your periods may be regular, lighter, less painful, and shorter. You may have less acne. The pill lowers your risk of getting cancer of the uterus and ovaries. The pill has no effect on your ability to get pregnant in the future.

Risks 

The pill is safer than pregnancy. Serious problems such as blood clots, are rare. Seek medical attention if you develop the following: pain, swelling, and redness in an arm or leg, weakness or numbness on one side of your body, severe headache, vision problems, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or think you may be pregnant. This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Always use condoms to protect yourself.

How does it Work?

The ring contains hormones (estrogen and progestin) like the ones your body makes. These hormones stop your ovaries from releasing eggs, make the mucus in your cervix too thick for sperm to pass through, and thin the lining inside the uterus.

How do I use it?

There are 2 ways to start the ring. We recommend the Quick Start Method for the the Nuvaring or EluRyng and Next Period for the reuseable ring, Annovera.
Quick Start: Put in the ring as soon as you get the pack. If you put the ring in on the first day of your period, you are protected against pregnancy right away. If you insert the ring from the second day or later of your period, you should use condoms as a back-up method for the first 7 days. If you have taken ulipristal acetate emer- gency contraception (EC), wait 5 days before starting the ring.
Next Period: Put the ring (Nuvaring or EluRyng) in on the first day of your next period. Put the reuseable ring (Annovera) in between the second and fifth days of your period. If your periods are not regular or if you start using the reuseable ring more than 5 days from when you started your period, you should use a back-up method for the first 7 days. The ring is a small, bendable, plastic circle that you insert into your vagina. There is no perfect way to insert the ring; you just place it into your vagina to where you can no longer feel it. You leave the ring in your vagina for 3 weeks, and remove it for the 4th week. Remove the ring by hooking a finger under the rim and pulling it out. Most people get their period during the ring-free week. Insert a new ring at the end of the 4th week.
You can store the ring (Nuvaring or EluRyng) at room temperature for up to  four months or in the refrigerator, where it lasts longer. When using Annovera, remove it for the 4th week, and wash it with mild soap and warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. You should store the ring at room temperature. At the end of the ring-free week, wash the ring again before inserting it in your vagina

What can I Expect?

You will feel about the same. The following are common side effects: In the first few months you may have nausea, bleeding between periods, and/or breast discomfort. These problems generally go away after 2-3 months.
Some people are concerned about weight gain. This is uncommon with the ring. Some people report a change in their mood or headaches. These can be better or worse.

Benefits 

The ring is safe and effective birth control. Periods may be regular, lighter, less painful, and shorter. You may have less acne. The ring has no effect on your ability to get pregnant in the future. You don’t have to remember to use it every day.

Risks 

The ring is safer than pregnancy. Serious problems, such as blood clots, are rare. Seek medical attention if you develop the following: pain, swelling, and redness in an arm or leg, weakness or numbness on one side of your body, severe headaches, vision problems, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or think you might be pregnant. This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Always use condoms to protect yourself.

How does it Work?

The patch contains hormones (estrogen and progestin) like the ones your body makes. These hormones stop your ovaries from releasing eggs, make the mucus in your cervix too thick for sperm to pass through, and thin the lining inside the uterus.

How do I use it?

There are 2 ways to start the patch. We recommend the Quick Start Method.
Quick Start: Put on the patch as soon as you get the pack. If you put on the on patch within 5 days after the start of your period, you are protected against pregnancy right away. If you put on the patch more than 5 days after the start of your period, you should use condoms as a backup method for the first 7 days. If you have taken ulipristal acetate emergency contraception (EC), wait 5 days before starting the patch. Next Period: Put on the patch within 5 days of the start of your next period. The patch is a thin square of sticky plastic (Xulane) or a thin beige circle of plastic that you wear on your skin.
You wear each patch for one week. You can put it on your buttocks, lower abdomen, or upper back. Place the patch on a clean, dry area and make sure the edges stick well. Do not use lotions or creams before putting on the patch. You will use a new patch every week for 3 weeks and no patch for the 4th week, when you can expect to have a period. Start a new box of patches at the end of the 4th week.

What can I Expect?

You will feel about the same. The following are common side effects: In the first few months you may have nausea, bleeding between periods, and/or breast discomfort. These problems generally go away after 2-3 months. Some people are concerned about weight gain. This is uncommon with the patch. Some people report a change in their mood or headaches. These can be better or worse. Some people get skin irritation from the patch. To prevent this, put the patch in a new spot each week.

Benefits 

The patch is safe and effective birth control. Periods may be regular, lighter, less painful, and shorter. You may have less acne. The patch has no effect on your ability to get pregnant in the future. You don’t have to remember to use it every day.

Risks 

The patch is safer than pregnancy. The patch has more estrogen than most combined birth control pills and may increase your risk of blood clots. However, serious problems, such as blood clots, are rare. Seek medical
attention if you develop the following: pain, swelling, and redness in an arm or leg, weakness or numbness on one side of your body, severe headaches, vision problems, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or think you might be pregnant. This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Always use condoms to protect yourself.

How does it Work?

It is also called the mini-pill, norethindrone pill or Slynd. The progestin-only pill (POP) contains a hormone (progestin) like one your body makes. This hormone works by making the mucus in your cervix too thick for sperm to pass through, and thins the lining inside the uterus. It sometimes stops your ovaries from releasing eggs.

How do I use it?

There are 2 ways to start the progestin-only pill (POP). We recommend the Quick Start Method. Quick Start: Take the POP as soon as you get the pack. If you take the POP within 5 days after the start of your period, you are protected against pregnancy right away. If you take the POP more than 5 days after
the start of your period, you should use condoms as a back-up method for the first 2 days. If you have taken ulipristal acetate emergency contraception (EC), wait 5 days before starting the progestin-only pill. Next Period: Take the POP within 5 days of the start of your next period. Take 1 POP each day. After you finish a pack of pills, start a new pack the next day. It is important to take the POP at the same time every day. If using Slynd, be sure to start the pack by taking the white active pills. Take 1 POP each day. After you finish a pack of pills, start a new pack the next day. It is important to take the POP at the same time every day. If using Slynd, be sure to start the pack by taking the white active pills.

What can I Expect?

You will feel about the same. The following are common side effects: The progestin only pill may have more bleeding between periods and menstrual changes compared to the combined progestin and estrogen pill.

Benefits 

The POP is safe and effective birth control.
It is safe to use while breastfeeding. The POP has no effect on your ability to get pregnant in the future.

Risks 

The POP is safer than pregnancy. Serious problems are rare. Seek medical attention if you develop the following: severe headaches, very heavy bleeding, or think you might be pregnant. This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Always use condoms to protect yourself.

How does it Work?

Emergency contraception (EC) is birth control that prevents pregnancy after sex. It makes it much less likely that you will become pregnant, but it is not as good as birth control that is used before or during sex. There are three products available for emergency contraception (EC). The copper intrauterine device (IUD) can be used for EC. It needs to be inserted by a healthcare provider. The levonorgestrel EC pill contains a hormone (progestin) like one your body makes. This hormone stops your ovaries from releasing eggs. Without an egg, you cannot get pregnant. Levonorgestrel EC pills are available without a prescription for everyone. They may not work as well if you weigh over 200 pounds. The ulipristal acetate EC pill is available by prescription.

How do I use it?

Use EC as soon as you can after unprotected sex or if a condom breaks. EC works better the sooner it is taken, but can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. For EC pills, follow the directions on the packet. Most are a single dose you take as soon as possible. If you use ulipristal acetate EC, you will need to wait 5 days to re-start hormonal birth control.

What can I Expect?

You will feel about the same. EC has no long-term or severe side effects and has no effect on your ability to get pregnant in the future. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, breast pain, or stomach pain the day or two after taking the pill. EC does not cause you to bleed, but your next period may come a few days early or a few days late or you may notice some bleeding before your next period. If your period is more than 1 week late, you should take a pregnancy test.

Benefits 

EC is safe and effective. Levonorgestrel EC pills can be used by anyone.

Risks 

EC pills are safe and lower your chances of getting pregnant after unprotected sex. There are no long-term or severe side effects. EC does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Always use condoms to protect yourself.

Where can I get EC?

Levonorgestrel EC is available at pharmacies with- out a prescription. You can get levonorgestrel EC no matter how old you are. Ulipristal acetate EC requires a prescription. The copper IUD requires a visit with a healthcare provider. No matter what form of birth control you are using, it is always a good idea to keep EC on hand in case you need it.