What Are the Different Types of Birth Control? 

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With so many contraceptive options available, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what the differences are.  

This guide breaks down the different types of birth control, how they work, their effectiveness, pros and cons, and common considerations. 

Hormonal Birth Control Methods

Hormonal birth control methods work by releasing synthetic hormones—estrogen, progestin, or a combination—to prevent pregnancy. These hormones typically stop ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to block sperm, and thin the uterine lining, making it more difficult for a pregnancy to implant and remain viable. 

 See what the Mayo Clinic says about potential long term health effects of hormonal birth control here.

Birth Control Pills 

Also known as: The pill, combined oral contraceptives, progestin-only pill (mini-pill) 

  • How it works: Taken daily, these pills use hormones to stop ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to block sperm, and thin the uterine lining, making it more difficult for a pregnancy to implant and remain viable. 
  • Effectiveness: ~91% with typical use. 
  • Pros: Regulates periods, can reduce cramps and acne. 
  • Cons: Must be taken daily, may cause nausea or mood changes, not suitable for some medical conditions. 

Infographic comparing types of birth control including hormonal, non-hormonal, permanent, and emergency contraception options with effectiveness rates.

Birth Control Patch 

Also known as: Transdermal contraceptive patch 

  • How it works: Worn on the skin and replaced weekly; releases estrogen and progestin. 
  • Effectiveness: ~91% with typical use. 
  • Pros: Only needs weekly attention, discreet. 
  • Cons: May cause skin irritation, not suitable for those with certain health risks. 

 

Vaginal Ring 

Example brands: NuvaRing®, Annovera® 

  • How it works: A flexible monthly birth control ring inserted into the vagina for three weeks at a time; releases estrogen and progestin. 
  • Effectiveness: ~91% with typical use. 
  • Pros: Monthly routine, low maintenance. 
  • Cons: Requires comfort with self-insertion, possible vaginal irritation. 

 

Birth Control Shot 

Example brand: Depo-Provera® 

  • How it works: Progestin injection that prevents an egg from being released (ovulation), and thickens the uterine lining, which could make it difficult for sperm to swim through the cervix. 
  • Effectiveness: ~94% with typical use. 
  • Pros: Infrequent dosing, which can reduce menstrual bleeding. 
  • Cons: Possible weight gain, bone density loss with long-term use, delayed return to fertility. 

 

Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) 

Example brands: Mirena®, Kyleena®, Skyla®, Liletta® 

  • How it works: T-shaped device placed in the uterus by a provider; releases progestin over 3–8 years. 
  • Effectiveness: Over 99%. 
  • Pros: Long-acting, reversible, low maintenance. 
  • Cons: Requires insertion procedure, possible irregular bleeding. 

 

Hormonal Implant 

Example brand: Nexplanon® 

  • How it works: A small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm; releases progestin for up to 3 years. 
  • Effectiveness: Over 99%. 
  • Pros: Extremely low maintenance, highly effective. 
  • Cons: May cause irregular bleeding, requires procedure for removal. 

Non-Hormonal Birth Control Methods

Non-hormonal options are ideal for those who want to avoid synthetic hormones, have certain health conditions, or prefer natural hormone cycles. 

Copper IUD 

Example brand: ParaGard® 

  • How it works: Copper creates a sperm-toxic environment inside the uterus by preventing the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. It may also prevent implantation. Lasts up to 12 years. 
  • Effectiveness: Over 99%. 
  • Pros: Long-lasting, hormone-free, emergency contraception option if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. 
  • Cons: May cause heavier periods and cramps initially. 

 

Male Condoms 

  • How it works: Worn on the penis to block sperm from entering the vagina. 
  • Effectiveness: ~85% with typical use. 
  • Pros: Protects against STIs, widely available, inexpensive. 
  • Cons: May reduce sensation, risk of breakage. 

 

Female Condoms 

  • How it works: Worn inside the vagina to block sperm. 
  • Effectiveness: ~79% with typical use. 
  • Pros: Female-controlled birth control, STI protection. 
  • Cons: Can be noisy during use, less available. 

 

Diaphragm & Cervical Cap 

  • How it works: Barrier devices placed over the cervix, used with spermicide. 
  • Effectiveness: 71–88% with typical use. 
  • Pros: Reusable, hormone-free. 
  • Cons: Requires fitting, less effective than other methods. 

 

Non-Prescription Spermicide 

  • How it works: Chemical that immobilizes or kills sperm; comes in gel, foam, film, or suppository form. 
  • Effectiveness: ~72% with typical use (higher when combined with barriers). 
  • Pros: Over the counter, easy to use. 
  • Cons: Less effective alone, possible irritation. 

 

Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) 

  • How it works: Tracking ovulation and avoiding sex (or using barrier methods) during fertile days. 
  • Effectiveness: 77–98%, depending on accuracy of use. 
  • Pros: Hormone-free, promotes body awareness. 
  • Cons: Requires discipline, no STI protection. 

 

Withdrawal Method 

  • How it works: The penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation. 
  • Effectiveness: ~78% with typical use. 
  • Pros: Free, always available. 
  • Cons: Can be less effective than hormonal birth control, requires self-control. 

Permanent Birth Control (Sterilization)

Permanent methods are ideal for individuals or couples who are certain they do not want children in the future. 

Female Sterilization (Tubal Ligation) 

  • How it works: Surgical procedure sealing or cutting the fallopian tubes. 
  • Effectiveness: Over 99%. 
  • Pros: Permanent, hormone-free. 
  • Cons: Requires surgery, not reversible. 

 

Male Sterilization (Vasectomy) 

  • How it works: Surgical procedure cutting or sealing the vas deferens. 
  • Effectiveness: Over 99%. 
  • Pros: Quick recovery, highly effective. 
  • Cons: Permanent, requires a follow-up test to confirm success. 

 

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Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy. 

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) 

Example brands: Plan B One-Step®, ella® 

  • How it works: Prevents fertilization by preventing ovulation  
  • Effectiveness: 58–89%, depending on timing and type. 
  • Pros: Over-the-counter (Plan B) or prescription (ella). 
    • Cons: Not for routine use, less effective for higher body weight. 

Copper IUD as Emergency Contraception 

  • How it works: If inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex, prevents pregnancy from implanting in the uterus. 
  • Effectiveness: Over 99%. 
  • Pros: Provides ongoing birth control after emergency use. 
  • Cons: Requires provider visit. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Birth Control

Q: What is the most effective birth control method? 
A: Long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs and implants have the highest effectiveness (aside from abstinence or sterilization). 

Q: Can birth control help with acne or PMS? 
A: Yes, certain hormonal methods can improve acne and menstrual symptoms. 

Q: Is there birth control without hormones? 
A: Yes—options include the copper IUD, condoms, diaphragm, spermicide, and fertility awareness methods. For something more permanent, sterilization is an option. 

Q: Which birth control protects against STIs? 
A: Only male and female condoms provide some STI protection. 

Q: How soon can I get pregnant after stopping birth control? 
A: Most methods allow fertility to return quickly (aside from sterilization, which is irreversible), but with the birth control shot, it may take several months.  

Side-by-side graphic explaining the difference between hormonal and non-hormonal birth control methods with examples like pills, implants, condoms, and fertility tracking.

Conclusion

Birth control methods are varied & diverse. Understanding the different types of birth control—from hormonal methods to non-hormonal options, permanent procedures, and emergency contraception allows you to have all the information you need that aligns with your values and health goals.  

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