Birth Control

Contraception, also known as birth control, is a way to prevent pregnancy. It comes in many different forms, which can make it easy to find a method that works best for you.

Here’s how different types of birth control work and where you can go to find a method that works for you. 

Types of Birth Control and How They Work

If you’d like to learn more about any particular birth control method, ask your provider or find a health center near you for more information.

Hormonal Methods

Listed below are hormonal methods of birth control. These birth control methods are 91% – 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and do not protect against STIs.

• Birth control pill. The pill contains hormones that can stop ovulation and prevent sperm from entering the egg. It should be taken at the same time every day to work effectively. 
• Birth control implant. The implant releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy. It is about the size of a matchstick and gets implanted into the arm. It works for up to five years, which makes it a highly convenient option.
• Birth control shot. The hormone in this shot can prevent ovulation and the release of an egg. You must receive the injection every 3 months to maintain effectiveness. 
• Birth control patch. This patch is like a sticker that can be worn on your skin. It releases hormones that can prevent pregnancy.
• Vaginal ring. This small, flexible ring is worn inside the vagina. Like all other hormonal birth control methods, it releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
• Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD). An IUD is a tiny device that is placed into the uterus. It uses hormones to stop sperm from reaching the egg. A hormonal IUD can work for 3-5 years and does not protect a

Spermicidal Methods

Listed below are spermicidal methods of birth control. These birth control methods use non-hormonal chemicals to kill sperm on contact and do not protect against STIs.

• Copper IUD. You can also get a copper IUD, which uses copper instead of hormones to prevent pregnancy. Both types of IUDs are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and do not protect against STIs. 
• Spermicide. Spermicide is a chemical solution that can be placed in the vagina to stop sperm from reaching an egg. It comes as a gel, cream, film, foam or suppository that melts inside the vagina. You can buy spermicide at many pharmacies and drugstores. Spermicide is 72% effective at preventing pregnancy and does not protect against STIs. 

Barrier Methods

Here are some barrier methods of birth control:

• Birth control sponge. This small, round sponge is soft and squishy and contains spermicide. It is placed deep inside the vagina and right up against the cervix to block sperm. Birth control sponges are 76% – 88% effective in preventing pregnancy and do not protect against STIs.
• Diaphragm or cervical cap. These soft, bendable caps work similarly to sponges in that they go deep into the vagina to cover the cervix. This method of birth control is 77% – 88% effective in preventing pregnancy and does not protect against STIs. You can also put spermicide on them for extra protection.
• Male condom. Condoms are made of thin, stretchy material that fits over the penis. They work by collecting semen so sperm cannot enter the body. Male condoms are 85% – 98% effective in preventing pregnancy and also protect against STIs.
• Internal condom. This condom covers the walls of the vagina to collect sperm and prevent it from reaching the egg. Internal condoms are 79% effective at preventing pregnancy. As a bonus, it can also reduce your risk for STIs, although they are less effective than male condoms.

Fertility Awareness

This birth control method involves keeping track of your fertility pattern or that of your partner. On fertile days, or during ovulation, you can either avoid having sex or use a barrier method of birth control. Fertility awareness is 75% effective at preventing pregnancy. It’s a good idea to use condoms with this method because fertility awareness does not protect against STIs. 

Emergency Contraception

This option may help you avoid pregnancy if you had sex without using a birth control method. It can also help if your birth control method didn’t work as expected (such as, the condom broke during sex). Emergency contraception is available as an IUD or pill.

Sexual Abstinence

Sexual abstinence means avoiding sexual activities. This could mean avoiding all sexual activities or certain types such as vaginal sex. Not engaging in vaginal sex is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. Sexual abstinence also protects against STIs if all sexual activities, including oral and anal, are avoided. 

How to Get Birth Control

Ask your provider for help with choosing the right birth control. Some methods are covered by many health insurance companies. You can also contact NJFPL for help.

NJFPL is dedicated to providing access to sex education and sexual and reproductive health services for all people regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, income, or insurance status. Visit NJFPL today to find a health center near you.