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From condoms to IUD's to Plan B

Birth Control Methods

These birth control options are each safe for most people with uteruses and available with a prescription from your healthcare provider. Some methods are also available over-the-counter, noted in the description.

Cervical Cap (FemCap): A silicone cup inserted into the vagina, which acts as a barrier to the cervix. To be used in conjunction with spermicide. Lasts for up to 2 years. Cost: $0-$70. Effectiveness: 86% effective at preventing pregnancy for people who have never given birth when used as directed. Does not protect against STIs.

Condom (External): A latex or plastic sheath worn on the penis. Acts as a barrier by preventing sperm from entering the vagina. Available for free from H*yas for Choice or over the counter for $0-$1/each. Effectiveness: 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs when used as directed. 

Diaphragm: A shallow silicone cup inserted into vagina, which acts as a barrier to the cervix. To be used in conjunction with spermicide cream/jelly. Lasts for up to 2 years. Cost: $0-$75. Effectiveness: 94% effective at preventing pregnancy when used as directed. Does not protect against STIs.

Implant (Implanon, Nexplanon): Small rod inserted into arm by healthcare provider. Works by slowly releasing the hormone progestin. Lasts up to 3 years. Cost: $0-$800 depending on health insurance plan. Effectiveness: More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Does not  protect against STIs.

Internal Condom (Female Condom): Pouch inserted into the vagina. Acts as a barrier by preventing sperm from entering the vagina. Cost: $4, limited quantities available from HFC for free. Available over-the-counter. Effectiveness: 95% effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs when used correctly. 

IUD (Paraguard, Mirena, Skyla): Small "T-shaped" device inserted into uterus by healthcare provider. Works either by releasing progestin or by affecting the movement of sperm. Lasts for up to 12 years depending on device. Cost: $0-$1,000. Effectiveness: 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Does not protect against STIs.

Morning-After Pill (Emergency Contraception/Plan B): Pills taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Work by releasing levonorgestrel or by administering a dose of ulipristal acetate. Cost: $30-$65/dose over-the-counter. Effectiveness: Up to 89% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken up to 72 hours after sex. Effectiveness rate decreases with time and with BMI. Does not protect against STIs.

Patch (Ortho Evra): Small adhesive patch that sticks to skin. Works by slowly releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin. A new patch is worn for 3 weeks, followed by a patch-free week. Cost: $0-$80/month. Effectiveness: More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used as directed. Does not protect against STIs.

Pill: Daily pill. The combination pill works by releasing estrogen and progestin hormones together. The other form, the single hormone pill, releases only progestin. Cost: $0-$50/month. Effectiveness: More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used as directed. Does not protect against STIs.

Shot (Depo-Provera): Injection in arm that lasts for 3 months at a time and releases the hormone progestin. Cost: $0-$100 per injection and potential exam fees. Effectiveness: More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used as directed. Does not protect against STIs.

Spermicide: Substance that stops the movement of sperm. Often used in conjunction with various barrier methods. Cost: $8 over-the-counter. Effectiveness: 85% effective at preventing pregnancy when used as directed. Does not protect against STIs.

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing): Small ring inserted into vagina for 3 weeks at a time, followed by a ring-free week. Works by releasing hormones estrogen and progestin. Cost: $0-$80/month. Effectiveness: More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used as directed. Does not protect against STIs.

Methods that protect against STIs and prevent pregnancy: external condom, internal condom. Oral condoms (dental dams) protect against STIs and limited quantities are available for free from HFC.

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