Birth control methods: pick what fits your life

Choosing birth control is more than stopping pregnancy. You want something that fits your routine, health, and future plans. This page breaks down the main options, what to expect, and quick tips for picking a method that works for you.

Quick comparison: methods at a glance

Here are the common choices and what they offer:

• IUD (copper or hormonal) — Long-acting, over 99% effective. Little day-to-day work. Copper IUD also works as emergency contraception. Side effects can include heavier periods (copper) or irregular spotting (hormonal).
• Implant (arm) — Lasts 3–5 years, >99% effective. Low maintenance and reversible. You may notice lighter periods or mood changes.
• Pills, patch, ring — Daily (pills) or weekly/monthly options. Typical-use effectiveness is around 91% because people miss doses. Good for cycle control and acne for some people. Combined hormones carry a small blood clot risk.
• Shot (Depo‑Provera) — Given every 3 months, about 94% typical effectiveness. Good if you don’t want daily pills. Can change bleeding and bone density with long-term use.
• Condoms — About 85% typical effectiveness. Only method that also reduces STI risk. Use every time and combine with another method for better protection.
• Fertility awareness / withdrawal — Much less reliable for preventing pregnancy. Only consider if you understand your cycle and accept higher risk.
• Emergency contraception — Levonorgestrel pills (OTC) work best within 72 hours; ulipristal (prescription) up to 120 hours; copper IUD is the most effective emergency option if placed within 5 days.

How to pick the right method

Start with two quick questions: Do you want kids soon? Do you need STI protection? If you want pregnancy later, consider reversible long-acting methods (IUD or implant). If you need STI protection, use condoms every time.

Think about daily habits. If you forget pills, choose an IUD, implant, or shot. If you have health risks like a history of blood clots, smoking over 35, or certain migraines, combined hormonal methods (pill, patch, ring) may not be safe. Tell your provider about other medicines you take—some antibiotics and many seizure or HIV drugs can reduce how well hormonal methods work.

Side effects matter. Spotting, mood shifts, and changes to bleeding are common with hormonal birth control. Most side effects settle after a few months, but you can switch methods if they don’t suit you.

Practical steps: book a clinic visit or telehealth consult, bring a list of current meds, ask about insertion pain for IUDs or implants, and check cost or insurance coverage. Ask when the method becomes effective and whether you’ll need backup contraception at first.

Want a deeper look? Browse our detailed guides on pills, IUDs, implants, condoms, and emergency contraception to compare pros, cons, costs, and real user tips. If you’re unsure, talk to a clinician—they can help match a method to your health and lifestyle quickly.