Birth Control Comparison Chart Women and their partners use birth control to prevent pregnancy, to determine the

Women and their partners use birth control to prevent pregnancy, to determine the number and spacing of births, to never get pregnant, or when they are
finished having babies. Women choose different methods for different stages in life. The various methods affect individual women differently. No one
method is best for everyone.
Tabla de comparación de métodos
de control de la natalidad Choosing contraception (birth control) is an important decision.
(Para español, favor de ver al dorso)
se d Sex Without Risk Emergency dai
ly
This poster may help answer your questions, such as:

Ba Contraception How do I use it? How will it affect my partner?

ge How does it work? Are there side-effects?

www.Birth-Control-Comparison.info
ed
How effective is it? Where do I get it?
www.CedarRiverClinics.org w l Sex and sexuality are
natural, pleasurable parts of
Will I use it every time? What will I do if it doesn’t work?

n o life. Your sexuality lasts your What is it? Emergency Contraception Pills prevent
K whole life time and is unique
to you. You are a sexual person
pregnancy after sex. Also called Morning After
Pill. Brand name is Plan B. Contains a short
Getting Birth Control
whether or not you are having sex. burst of a high dose of the hormones in birth The Pill Teens and low-income women and men can usually get low-cost birth control through
Withdrawal People can find intimacy, emotional and control pills. community clinics or public health centers. Many health insurance plans cover birth
intellectual closeness, pleasure and even How it works: Decreases chance of ovulation, Effectiveness: 92% - 99.7% control. If you live in Washington State, apply for a year of free birth control paid by
orgasms from a range of activities that do w
Effectiveness: 73% - 96% not lead to pregnancy.
affects the lining of uterus, thickens cervical What is it? Pills contain synthetic hormones similar to ee the Take Charge program. Call 800-770-4334. If a pharmacy refuses to give you birth
mucus to stop sperm from entering the estrogen and progesterone produced by the body. “Mini” pills kl control, please let us know.
What is it? The man pulls his penis out of the vagina Not having vaginal intercourse prevents uterus, prevents fertilization. y
Fertility before climax and ejaculation (before coming). Also called
pulling out or ‘coitus interruptus.’ Depends on male’s self
pregnancy and opens the door for a How to use: Swallow pills as soon as
contain progestin only. Many types available - work with the
clinic to find best formula for you.
The
28
29 30 1 2
3
Awareness knowledge and self control.
better understanding of your own and
your partner’s bodies and responses
possible. May be effective through 5 How to use: Swallow one Pill daily, at about the same Patch Effectiveness
27 4 days after unprotected sex. time each day.
26 5 Effectiveness: How to use: Male should urinate and wipe the tip of which could result in better Effectiveness is the rate of success at preventing pregnancy per 1000 women
25
Not Probably
6
80% - 98% penis before intercourse. Then he must pull completely communication and more satisfaction. Health Impacts: Your next menstrual How it works: Prevents ovaries from releasing an egg Effectiveness:
24 Fertile Not Fertile 7
out before coming. Effectiveness increases when period should begin on time. If not, over one year’s time. If a method is listed as 99.5% effective then 995 out
23 8 Examples include: caressing with (ovulation), affects the lining of uterus, thickens 92%-99.7%
What is it? Fertility of 1000 women will not get pregnant in one year on average (and 5 out of

Ho
22 9 couples work together. Even sperm outside but you should get a pregnancy test. cervical mucus which stops sperm from entering
Fertile
Awareness is learning to your hands, use of sex toys, oral or Usually safe for women who do What is it? A bandage-like
21 3 10 near the vagina can travel inside and cause the uterus, prevents fertilization. 1000 will get pregnant). When two rates are listed, the lower rate is
20
2
1 11
recognize a woman's fertile anal sex, masturbation, same sex not regularly use The Pill due to patch about 1 inch square
pregnancy.

rm
19
18
17 16 15 14
13
12
time (the days she is most likely sex, telephone or talking sex, health risks. Health Impacts: May cause nausea, breast that sticks to skin. Synthetic “typical” use. The higher rate is “perfect” use when the method is used
to get pregnant) by observing and How it works: Keeps sperm out of a woman’s fantasizing, play-acting, reading tenderness, weight gain or loss, water retention, hormones similar to estrogen and correctly and consistently. The rates were published in the 2004 book

documenting the changes her body
goes through during her menstrual cycle.
on
vagina. Contrary to public perception, or writing your own erotic Most effective when used as increased blood pressure, mood changes, progesterone produced by the body
pre-ejaculate usually does not contain sperm. literature. soon as possible after Contraceptive Technology. For comparison, with no birth control
headaches. Usually decreases menstrual are absorbed through the skin.
unprotected intercourse. 850 out of 1000 women will get pregnant in one year.

a
During fertile time, prevent pregnancy by not Health Impacts: Drugs, alcohol, young Waiting to have sex, taking a cramps and amount of bleeding. Decreases How to use: Apply one Patch per week for
Get Plan B to keep on hand;

having sex or by using a barrier method. age or lack of sexual experience can
How to use: Involves calendar charting of menses plus daily reduce ability to use withdrawal
effectively. Can be difficult for teens
break from sex, or saying no
to sex are also ways you can
assert your personal power
chance of ovarian cancer. May increase
ask your health care chance of breast cancer. Not recom-
provider to give you the
mended for smokers over 35 or women
lM
three weeks. No Patch on the fourth week. Then start the cycle over again.
Double Up
How it works: Prevents ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), affects

documentation of cervical fluid, position and appearance of cervix
to use. Less effective for men who
using a speculum and mirror, and basal body temperature. This
combined information is used to determine beginning and end of have multiple orgasms. Can increase
Cervical communication between partners.
eth
pills or prescription the lining of uterus, thickens cervical mucus which stops sperm from
to prevent pregnancy. with past heart attack or stroke, chest Simultaneous use of two methods reduces chance of
ahead of time.
How to use: Don’t have
pain, blood clots, some cancers, liver
disease, or high blood pressure.
entering the uterus, prevents fertilization.
Vaginal pregnancy. Some good combinations are a male condom
Note: Not designed to

o
Health Impacts: May cause nausea, breast tenderness, weight
fertile time. More effective when the male partner is involved in penis-in-vagina inter- be used frequently or gain or loss, water retention, increased blood pressure, mood Ring and a cervical cap, spermicide and a male condom, or

ds
planning and use. Note: A woman’s “period” can occur
Cover Effectiveness:
Note: Withdrawal is one of the
few options for males. It is much
course. If release of
sperm occurs, keep it
regularly. Does not monthly, every 3 months, or not changes, headaches, skin irritation near the Patch. May Effectiveness: 92%-99.7% withdrawal and spermicide.
Health Impacts: No health risks or side effects. Increases affect an existing increase chance of breast cancer. Less is known about risks
68% - 91% more effective than not using far away from vagina. at all, depending on how often
knowledge and awareness of woman’s body. Can pregnancy. with The Patch as it is one of the newest hormonal What is it? The Ring is a
any method of birth control. she takes the hormone pills.
What is it? This is a cup increase communication between partners. Does not
A man who is willing to
Health Impacts: Access: If under methods. There seems to be a higher risk of heart thin, clear, flexible 2 inch Emergency Contraception Plan B,
or cap shaped device, 1 to 2 protect against HIV/STIs. Anal sex in Taking antibiotics or attack and stroke than with other hormonal circle worn inside the vagina that Morning After Pill
use self restraint shows 18, you must have barbiturates may make
inches across that covers a woman’s Note: Fertility Awareness takes time and effort particular has a a prescription. methods. slowly releases the same synthetic
his respect for the woman’s The Pill less effective.

mon
cervix. Brand names are Lea’s Shield and daily, especially at first. Effectiveness depends risk of STIs. If over 18, you hormones as in the Pill. You can prevent pregnancy after sex by taking
desire to not get Some types of Pills can Not recommended for smokers over 35 or
FemCap. Made of medical-grade silicone. on consistent monitoring plus commitment pregnant. Reduces, Access: Free can get Plan B Plan B Emergency Contraception. Use Plan B
be used as Emergency women with past heart attack or stroke, How it works: Prevents ovaries from releasing an

thl
How it works: Creates a barrier that blocks sperm to using a barrier or not having vaginal but does not eliminate and available at a pharmacy chest pain, blood clots, some cancers, egg (ovulation), affects the lining of uterus, thickens if you were not planning to have sex, if the
Contraception.
from passing into the uterus and prevents fertilization. intercourse during fertile time. risk of transfer of anytime. counter liver disease, or high blood pressure. cervical mucus which stops sperm from entering the uterus,
Smokers or women

y
Works best with spermicide added. HIV from male with ID prevents fertilization.
condom broke, or if you were coerced or
Access: Most women or couples with high blood Note: Less effective for women
learn to use this method from to female. to prove pressure can use attacked. Call 1-888-NOT-2-LATE or go to
How to use: Before sex, a woman places a small amount of spermicide your age. over 198 pounds. Taking How to use: A woman inserts the Ring into her vagina and leaves it for three weeks. On the fourth
gel or cream into the cap, then inserts the device into her vagina over her books, classes, or online. Tools Access: Free the Mini-Pill. antibiotics or barbiturates week she removes it and has a period, or she can leave it in to avoid having a period. Then on the fifth www.NOT-2-LATE.com to find a location
cervix. Must leave it in place for 8 hours after intercourse. Only need to apply like calendar, thermometer, and available may make The Patch less week she inserts a new ring. Placement can be anywhere inside the vagina. near you. Plan B does not cause abortion; The
Access:
spermicide once, even if intercourse is repeated. Can be inserted several hours before sex. charts, mirror, flashlight anytime. effective.
are easily available.
Prescription Health Impacts: May cause vaginal irritation, nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain or loss, water retention, sooner you take Plan B, the more effective it is.
Health Impacts: Insertion and removal become easier with practice. Some women have allergy required. Access: increased blood pressure, mood changes, headaches. May increase chance of breast cancer.
to spermicide. Giving birth affects the fit so go to your clinic for a new one after you give birth. Less Prescription
reliable if you previously gave birth. required.
Not recommended for smokers over 35 or women with past heart attack or stroke, chest pain, HIV/AIDS and STI
blood clots, some cancers, liver disease, or high blood pressure.
Note: Not recommended if you have had toxic shock syndrome. More effective Despite many choices for birth control,
Diaphragm Effectiveness: with good education and help to practice putting device over cervix.
Note: One size fits all. Neither partner usually feels the Ring. Taking
86% - 94% (with jelly or cream) antibiotics or barbiturates may make the Ring less effective. the only ways to prevent the spread of
Access: Clinic visit required. Femcap size is based
What is it? A soft flexible rubber dome or cup about upon whether or not you have given birth.
Access: Prescription required. The Shot- HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted
2½ inches across that a woman fills with spermicide and inserts into Leah’s Shield is one size Depo Provera infections (STI) is to use a male or female
vagina over the cervix. Effectiveness: 97%-99.7%
fits all. condom, dental dam or plastic wrap to
How it works: Creates a physical and chemical barrier. Stops sperm and prevents fertilization. What is it? The Shot is an injection of progestin, a synthetic version of body’s natural progesterone. Lasts for 12 weeks (3 months). prevent blood, semen or vaginal secretions
How to use: Put 1-2 teaspoons of spermicidal gel or cream into center of Diaphragm. Insert over cervix. Leave in place for 6-8 How it works: Prevents ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), affects the lining of uterus, and thickens cervical mucus which stops sperm from entering the uterus. from passing from one partner to another
hours after sex. Add more spermicide to vagina for each act of intercourse. Can be put in up to 2 hours before sex. How to use: Requires 4 trips to clinic each year. during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Health Impacts: Can be messy, can interrupt sex play. Some women have allergy to spermicide or latex. Spermicide tastes bad. Health Impacts: Most women experience changes in their period. Usually periods stop but some women have irregular bleeding. Usually causes weight gain due
May increase chance of bladder infections. Get a new size if you gain or lose more than 15 pounds.

onths
to increased appetite. May cause loss of sex drive, acne, hair loss, mood swings, depression, nervousness, headaches. May increase chance of Pap Tests
Notes: Not recommended if you have had toxic shock syndrome. Various styles available, breast cancer. May decrease risk of cancer of ovary or uterus. May take long time to get pregnant after last shot. May cause loss
clinic will help find a good fit for you. More effective with good education Effectiveness: 99.6% of bone density and risk of osteoporosis. Not recommended for more than 2 years or for very young women. Regular Pap Tests are the best way to detect
Effectiveness: 80% - 91%

every 3 m
and help to practice putting diaphragm over cervix. What is it? A soft flexible rod about 1½ Note: Once a woman gets the shot, the hormone is in her system for at least three early abnormal cervical cells that may lead to
Access: Clinic visit required to get What is it? A small soft round bowl-shaped piece inches long that slowly releases synthetic progestin months. Smokers can use Depo Provera.
hormone. It is inserted by a clinician under the skin of a
cancer. A common sexually transmitted
the right size. of synthetic sponge with loop attached. Contains spermicide. Access: Clinic visit required.
woman’s upper inner arm. infection called HPV (Human Papilloma
How it works: The Sponge is both a chemical and physical barrier. It
blocks sperm, absorbs and kills sperm. Effectiveness: How it works: Prevents ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), affects the lining of Virus) can cause cervical cancer. To protect
71% - 82% uterus, and thickens cervical mucus which stops sperm from entering the uterus. against forms of HPV, the HPV Vaccine is an
How to use: Moisten with water then insert along the back wall of the vagina with the dimple
side toward the cervix. It can be inserted up to 12 hours before sex and can be used for What is it? Spermicides Effectiveness: Health Impacts: The most common side effect is irregular bleeding; many women have option for girls ages 9 to 26.
are chemicals, usually 99.9% constant light spotting. You should not be pregnant when it is inserted, therefore it is Implanon
Sponge multiple acts of sex. It must be left in vagina for 6 to 8 hours after intercourse. Pull
the loop to remove the Sponge. Nonoxynol-9, that kill Effectiveness:
What is it? A small (1 usually inserted within the first five days of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It is
sperm. Can be made much 79% - 85% possible to get an infection at the site where the implant is inserted or Relationships
Health Impacts: May cause irritation of the vagina if a woman is Effectiveness: to 1½ inch) plastic device
more effective by using in What is it? A removed. Removal may be difficult and require surgery if rod breaks or
allergic to the spermicide. Research indicates that spermicide 99.2% - 99.4% with a string attached, Open and honest conversation with partners,
combination with condom, soft, loose becomes embedded too deeply.
increases the risk of HIV in sex workers when used shaped like a T. Releases
cervical cover or diaphragm. polyurethane Effectiveness: Effectiveness: What is it? synthetic progestin hormone. parents, and friends can help in choosing a method
frequently. 85% - 98% Note: Implanon lasts three years, but can be taken out at
How to use: Follow instructions on pouch that fits 99.9% A small (1 to Inserted through the cervix into and in making it more effective. People who use
any time. When it is inserted, you will get a card to
Note: Less effective (40-80%) for women container. Insert foam, gel, cream, supposi- inside vagina. Flexible What is it? A How it works: 1½ inch) plastic the uterus at a clinic. remind you of the removal date after which it is birth control can learn a lot from each other.
who have previously given birth. tory or vaginal contraceptive film (VCF) into rings at each end of thin latex cover Prevents egg and device with a string not reliable for birth control. Smokers can
pouch hold it in place. attached, shaped like How it works: IUD causes changes in
Access: Easy to buy at vagina over cervix. Insert at least 15 minutes that fits over the sperm from use Implanon. Effectiveness has not
the cervical mucous, fallopian tubes and
drug stores. and up to one hour before intercourse. Repeat for Prelubricated. hard penis. Also meeting. a T with a tiny copper
the lining of the uterus to slow or stop been tested on heavier women. Breast Feeding
each act of intercourse. Add more if one hour has How to use: Insert smaller known as ‘rubber’ or wire wrapped around
What is it? the stem. Inserted movement of sperm and egg to prevent Access: Clinic visit Breast feeding is 98-99% effective for birth control,
passed before sex. Do not douche for at least 8 hours. inner ring deep inside ‘glove.’ Styles include
For Females, it is an through the cervix into pregnancy. required.
Avoid not having enough in the container by buying extra. vagina. Larger ring stays lubricated or non- but only when all three of the following things are true:
out-patient procedure the uterus at a clinic. Health Impacts: May cause irregular bleeding or
Health Impacts: Can be messy, may interrupt sex play. outside over vulva. Can be lubricated, ribbed or when a woman breast feeds exclusively (no formula or
to block, close or cut periods may stop. Each month check by using finger
Tastes bad but if you wash it off with a damp cloth before oral inserted 8 hours before sex. non-ribbed, bright How it works: IUD causes

s
fallopian tubes to baby food) with feedings no more than 4-6 hours apart,
Bar

colors or clear, flavored. to feel for IUD’s string at cervix. The risk of uterine

ea r
sex, there should not be a problem. Possible allergic reaction or Can be used by people with latex prevent eggs from changes in the cervical
allergy. Can be used with any mucous, fallopian tubes and infection goes up if a woman or her partner has other when it is less than 6 months since she gave birth, and when
vaginal irritation. Foaming types may irritate more than film or How it works: Traps traveling through, thus no partners.

3y
cream. Research indicates that spermicide increases the risk of HIV lubricant. Extra lubricant sperm inside condom so it eggs are available for the lining of the uterus to slow her periods have not returned after giving birth. Furthermore,
rie

in sex workers who use it many times a day. When used frequently, it recommended. cannot enter woman's body. fertilization. Two types are or stop movement of sperm and Note: Lasts 5 years. Removal by a clinician is fast and easy. breast feeding women may want to avoid using hormonal birth

to
may irritate the vagina making it easier to catch HIV/STI. How it works: Creates a natural Put on before any genital available for women: surgical egg to prevent pregnancy.
Access: Clinic visit required. control because small amounts of the hormones are passed to
r

Note: Lubrication may increase pleasure. VCF is particularly discreet. feeling barrier. Pouch catches semen contact. tubal ligation or non-surgical Health Impacts: May cause more
and sperm, preventing it from entering blockage of the tubes with painful, heavier periods. Should the baby in the milk, and some types of hormonal birth control
Me

Access: Easy to buy at drug stores. How to use: Place condom on

woman's body. Blocks sperm, STIs and tip of erect (hard) penis, unroll Essure. not be used by women who are decrease milk production.
HIV. allergic to copper. Each month check
Spermicidal Foam, to the base leaving an empty For Males, a vasectomy is an
th

Health Impacts: Female condoms are the space at tip to collect the semen. out-patient procedure to close or by using finger to feel for IUD’s string
Abortion
Cream, Gel, Film, Hold rim so it does not slip off, cut the vas deferens or tubes inside at cervix. The risk of uterine infection
od

only female controlled protection against

goes up if a woman or her partner has
Suppository HIV. With practice it can be easy to use. Outer especially
reuse.
at withdrawal. Do not scrotum to prevent sperm from being
released from the man’s body. The other partners. If contraception doesn’t work or isn’t used and pregnancy results, you have
s

ring may cause soreness or pleasure for one or

three options: abortion, parenting, or adoption. Abortion does not stop a
Color Codes
both partners. Males usually report no reduction
in sensation as compared to male condom.
Health Impacts: Latex or polyurethane man's body continues to make semen,
but it does not contain sperm. Not
Notes: Lasts 10 or more years. Removal by
a clinician is fast and easy. Cost effective
Mirena IUD- woman from getting pregnant in the future.
types block STIs and HIV. Very Intra Uterine Device
effective at preventing pregnancy when effective until after enough ejaculations over time.
Notes: Bulky. Makes noise during movement. May
HORMONAL: be awkward in beginning but gets easier over time. used with spermicides. May decrease to clear sperm. See doctor for a sperm
Access: Clinic visit required. Human Rights
test before relying on this method.
Add hormones to a New styles are being designed and may become sensation for male. Interruption may
available soon. cause loss of erection. Possible allergy to Health Impacts: Excellent if you don't want Using birth control is a personal decision. Government, parents, friends and partners
woman’s body to alter latex. Lambskin or ‘natural’ membrane to reproduce or are finished having children.
rs
a
her menstrual cycle and Access: Available at drug stores. condoms do not protect against HIV/STIs. Permanent. Does not protect against ye should support your decisions. If someone attempts to stop you, force you, or undermine
reproductive organs.* HIV/STIs. 5 your decisions about birth control, it may be a sign they want to control other aspects of your
Note: Use with personal lubricants to
increase pleasure and make condoms less likely Note: Young people with no children may have
to life. You have a fundamental human right to make your own decisions about your body, sexuality
LONGTERM OR PERMANENT: to break. To maintain arousal and encourage difficulty finding a doctor to perform sterilization. and reproduction. The purpose of birth control is to allow a woman to enjoy a full range of sexual
Physically alter reproductive organs. continued use, be creative and playful. Not considered reversible. Possible regret later in
life. Paragard T- expression without worry about getting pregnant. Every woman has a human right to her sexuality.

s
Access: Condoms are cheap and easy to buy.
Intra Uterine
BARRIER: Place a short-term Often available for free. Access: Doctor required.
Device
o d About Cedar River Clinics (800-572-4223)
physical or chemical wall between
t h
egg and sperm. Female Sterilization
Me • We have a vision of a world where all women freely make their own decisions regarding their bodies,
reproduction and sexuality—a world where women can fulfill their own unique potential and live healthy, whole lives.
KNOWLEDGE-BASED: Use knowledge, Condom
ars
er m • We provide first and second trimester abortion, the Abortion Pill, STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing,
awareness and information to guide decisions Male
to 1
0 y
ng
e
t well woman exams, Pap Tests and free birth control under Take Charge.
about sexual activity. Condom
Lo
• Located in Tacoma, Renton, and Yakima, Washington State, USA.
* Many people wonder if hormones are safe? The effects of hormones
are both short term and long term. Women should know there is a short
nt
term very rare but serious risk of heart attack or stroke, and possible once, permane Published in April 2008 by Feminist Women’s Health Center which operates Cedar River Clinics.
long term benefit of reduced risk of ovarian cancer later in life. For more copies contact info@CedarRiverClinics.org, 800-572-4223, or 106 East E Street, Yakima, WA 98901.

Illustrations not to scale compared to each other. Find detailed factsheets about each method at: www.Birth-Control-Comparison.info