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Women's Health

Understanding the Different Types of Birth Control [Slideshow]

Geraldine

Dec 29, 2019

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As a young woman, the only birth control method I was aware of was the pill. With time, I learned more and more about the many different types of birth control available. To help you understand more about their effectiveness, cost, and maintenance, we’re tapping into the research by Planned Parenthood to bring you this GR8 guide on birth control.

Swipe right to learn more about these popular birth control options available for men and women.

Image by Michael Kraus / Shutterstock

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Birth Control Implants

Effectiveness: 99% | Cost: Up to $1,300 | Maintenance: Up to 5 years | STDs Prevention: No

Also known as Nexplanon, a birth control implant is a tiny rod that releases hormones into your body to prevent pregnancy. You need the assistance of a nurse or doctor to get it. The implant is very safe for most people.

Image by Image Point Fr / Shutterstock

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IUD

Effectiveness: 99% | Cost: Up to $1,300 | Maintenance: Between 3-12 years | STDs Prevention: No

A small device that’s placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. An Intrauterine Device is a flexible plastic shaped like a T. Some types of IUDs are wrapped in copper to prevent pregnancy as sperm doesn’t like copper. Others release hormones to prevent pregnancy.

Image by GingerKitten / Unsplash

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Birth Control Shot

Effectiveness: 94% | Cost: Up to $150 | Maintenance: Every 3 months | STDs Prevention: No

The injection is a safe and convenient method of birth control. Birth control shots contain the hormone progestin, which prevents ovulation. It also makes cervical mucus thicker, which prevents sperm from getting through.

woman applying a birth control patch to the side of her arm

Image by Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock

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Birth Control Patch

Effectiveness: 91% | Cost: Up to $150 | Maintenance: Every week | STDs Prevention: No

The patch can be placed on your belly, upper arm, back, or butt. The patch contains estrogen and progestin hormones to prevent pregnancy. The patch essentially stops the ovulation process, meaning there are no eggs to fertilize.

Image by Thought Catalog / Unsplash

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Birth Control Pill

Effectiveness: 91% | Cost: Up to $50 | Maintenance: Every day | STDs Prevention: No

One of the most common birth control methods in the market. Like other methods, the pill prevents ovulation. However, the pill needs to be taken daily to work effectively, which is why the use of condoms is still encouraged.

Image by RH Supplies Coalition / Unsplash

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Condom

Effectiveness: 85% | Cost: up to $2 | Maintenance: Every time | STDs Prevention: Yes

These thin pouches go around the penis during sex to prevent both pregnancy and STDs. Often made of latex or lambskin, they prevent sperm from getting into the vagina. Latex condoms also prevent STDs by covering the penis, thus preventing contact with semen and vaginal fluids, and limiting skin-to-skin contact.

An internal condom lying next to a condom

Image by Image Point Fr / Shutterstock

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Internal Condom

Effectiveness: 79% | Cost: Up to $3 | Maintenance: Every time | STDs Prevention: Yes

Also known as female condoms, they go inside the vagina for pregnancy prevention. They’re little soft plastic pouches placed inside the vagina or anus, creating a barrier that stops sperm from reaching into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. Or to prevent sexually transmitted infections by preventing skin-to-skin contact.

Image by lauramntg / Shutterstock

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Diaphragm

Effectiveness: 88% | Cost: Up to $75 | Maintenance: Every time | STDs Prevention: No

Diaphragms look like shallow, bendable cups, meant to be placed inside the vagina. They create a barrier that covers the cervix, stopping sperm from reaching an egg, thus preventing pregnancy. To work most efficiently, diaphragms need to be used with spermicide.

Box of spermicide packets used for birth control

Image by Image Point Fr / Shutterstock

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Spermicide

Effectiveness: 71% | Cost: up to $8 | Maintenance: Every time | STDs Prevention: No

Spermicides are chemicals that stop sperm from reaching an egg. They’re often creams, gels, foams, or suppositories meant to be used inside the vagina. Spermicides block sperm’s entrance to the cervix and slow down sperm, making it nearly impossible to reach women’s eggs.

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Geraldine

GR8NESS Writer

Geraldine is a GR8NESS Contributing Editor who writes about self care, clean makeup and beauty, mental health, and relationships – as well as natural remedies and fitness. She’s a coffee enthusiast with Venezuelan roots, a former ballerina, and the sunscreen patrol. Most of the time, you can find her working on her skincare routine or trying a new dance workout.

Learn More

Understanding the Different Types of Birth Control [Slideshow]

Birth Control Implants

IUD

Birth Control Shot

Birth Control Patch

Birth Control Pill

Condom

Internal Condom

Diaphragm

Spermicide

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