Birth control options
Which birth control is right for you? Everyone is different, so it’s important that you know the benefits, side effects and responsibilities that accompany each method. Below you will find descriptions of how effective each form of birth control is against pregnancy protection based on TYPICAL use patterns, what you need to know about ideal use, benefits and typical cause(s) of failure.
Pulling out (withdrawal)
Failure rate: 22%
How it works: penis is removed from the vagina before orgasm/ejaculation
Typical causes of failure: pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) can contain sperm and it can be difficult to pull out in time
Male condoms
Failure rate: 17%
How it works: condom is placed on an erect penis before sex (using a new condom every time); must fit appropriately for best results
Benefits: protects against STIs (sexually-transmitted infections)
Typical causes of failure: inappropriate size, inappropriate removal and inconsistent use
Birth control pills
Failure rate: 7%
How it works: requires user to take pill around the same time every day; options include periods on a 28- and 91-day cycle
Benefits: easy to obtain, improved cramps, reduced blood loss, combination pills help with acne
Typical causes of failure: forgetting to take the pill every day
The patch
Failure rate: 7%
How it works: new patch is placed on the skin every week in a fresh location (must rotate); old patch is removed; after 3 weeks/3 patches, no patch is worn for a week to allow for a period to occur
Benefits: no pills, shots or procedures; only requires weekly attention; improved cramps and reduced menstrual blood loss
Typical causes of failure: forgetting to change the patch, patch falling off, some brands are not as effective for individuals with a higher BMI
The ring
Failure rate: 7%
How it works: placed into the vagina by the user; stays in the vagina for 3 weeks and is then removed to allow for a period to occur
Benefits: no pills, shots or procedures; only requires attention every 3 weeks; improved cramps and reduced menstrual blood loss
Typical causes of failure: forgetting to change the ring after 3 weeks, ring falling out or becoming dislodged
Depo (the shot)
Failure rate: 4%
How it works: single-hormone shot is administered in the butt or arm in a medical office every 13 weeks
Benefits: single shot lasts 13 weeks; most individuals lose period entirely
Typical causes of failure: forgetting to return for/delayed administration of follow-up shots
Nexplanon (the implant)
Failure rate: 0.1%
How it works: procedure is performed in a medical office to insert the implant in the arm; local numbing medicine is used
Benefits: lasts for 3 years; most individuals have improved cramps and reduced blood loss (or no period at all)
Typical causes of failure: very effective because no human error; forgetting to return for removal after 3 years can give false sense of pregnancy coverage
IUD (hormonal)
Failure rate: 0.1-0.4%
How it works: procedure is performed in a medical office to insert the IUD into the cervix via the vagina; speculum and spread-leg exam is required
Benefits: last between 3 and 6 years depending on the brand; there is a smaller brand for adolescents and individuals who have never had a baby (smaller cervical opening); most individuals have improved cramps and reduced blood loss
Typical causes of failure: very effective because no human error; forgetting to return for removal after indicated time period can give false sense of pregnancy coverage
IUD (copper)
Failure rate: 0.8%
How it works: procedure is performed in a medical office to insert the IUD into the cervix via the vagina; speculum and spread-leg exam is required
Benefits: lasts for 10+ years
Typical causes of failure: very effective because no human error