choose the birth control best for me
In Illinois, anyone 12+ can get birth control and STI testing on their own. Ask your provider to help you find the method that's right for you.
Hormonal Methods
Thickens cervical mucus and/OR prevents ovulation
PROGESTIN IUD
PILL
PATCH 91% effective
RING
SHOT
IMPLANT 99+% effective Last 5 years, can remove sooner
91% effective
91% effective
94% effective
99% effective
Weekly for 3 weeks. No patch on the 4th week Apply on the back, butt, belly. Rx required.
At the same time daily Take daily by mouth, Rx required* Combined (estrogen + progestin) or progestin Reduced PMS, cramps, bleeding & acne. Lowers risk of repro cancers.
Every three months Injection into arm, butt, belly usually by a provider.
Lasts 3-8 years, can remove sooner
Wear three weeks, remove 4th week
Frequency
Insert anywhere in the vagina (like a tampon), Rx required.
Inserted under skin in upper arm by provider.
Inserted into uterus via the cervix by a provider.
Use
Estrogen + progestin
Estrogen + progestin
Progestin
Progestin
Progestin
Hormones
Monthly and yearly rings. Can remove with sex but < 2 hours daily. Nausea, breast soreness early on, store in fridge if >3 months. Reduced PMS, cramps, bleeding & acne. Lowers risk of repro cancers.
Reduced or no bleeding after several months.
Hormones secreted through sticky band- aid, may irritate skin. Nausea, breast soreness early on. One color- beige. Reduced PMS, cramps, bleeding & acne. Lowers risk of repro cancers.
Reduced or no bleeding after several months.
Effective as EC within 5 days of unprotected sex. Unpredictable bleeding, early on. Insertion may cause heavy cramps Treatment for heavy, painful bleeding. Reduced or no bleeding after several months.
THE PROS
May change appetite. Irregular bleeding and spotting early on.
Unpredictable spotting more common, mild pain with insertion.
Nausea, breast soreness early on.
the cons
Longer time to return to baseline fertility.
*Progestin only pills, Opills available OTC in 2024
Not visible to others but you can feel it.
other info
Non-Hormonal Methods
EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL CONDOMS 79%-85% effective Every time you have sex Rolled onto an erect penis or insert into the vagina ONLY method that prevents HIV/STIs . Pair w/another method for dual protection. Requires careful removal after each use. Add lube to avoid tears.
prevents sperm from swimming to an egg
FERTILITY AWARENESS
DIAPHRAGM, CAP, SPONGE
COPPER IUD 99+% effective
VAGINAL GEL SUPPOSITORY
WITHDRAWAL
76-88% effective
71-88% effective
93% effective
78% effective
Inserted into vagina to cover the cervix Every time you have sex, during and for a few hours after Must be used with spermicide foam or gel which may irritate the vagina. Doesn't affect your cycles and can be used for many years without replacing.
Daily tracking of temperature, vaginal mucus, and periods Doesn't affect your cycles. Good for tracking ovulation if trying to get pregnant. Must have regular cycles. No sex (or use a condom) during most fertile days. Daily via tracking app or calendar
Lasts 12 years, can remove sooner
Every time you have sex
Every time you have sex
Frequency
Require insertion of gel with each ejaculation. May have mild burn/itch with initial use. Immediate effectiveness only when you need it. Serves as a lubricant. Pair w/another method for back up Insert gel intravaginally immediately or up to 1 hour before each act of sex
Remove penis before ejaculating Doesn't affect your cycles. Available anytime with cooperative partner. Requires control to ejaculate outside of, away from vagina
Inserted into uterus via cervix by a provider Doesn't affect your cycles, lowers risk of repro cancers. Effective as EC within 5 days. May increase cramps and bleeding. Effective as EC within 5 days of unprotected sex.
Use
THE PROS
the cons
Emergency Contraception (EC) Two types: 1) Plan B (comes in many names) is available without Rx for any age. 2) Ella requires Rx and is best if >155 lbs. May cause nausea & irregular period. Take ASAP within 5 days after unprotected sex. THE MORNING AFTER PILL
Permanent Methods VASECTOMY: 99+% EFFECTIVE
Non-scalpel procedure done at a clinic to cut the vas deferens, no sutures needed. Normal non-sperm ejaculations several months after procedure. Requires local numbing medicine and up to 2 days for recovery.
THE IUD
TUBAL LIGATION: 99+% EFFECTIVE
Copper or progestin IUDs are more effective than EC pills. Insertion should be ASAP within five days of unprotected sex. Provides birth control for 8- 12 years after use as EC.
Surgical procedure via belly button w/2 small incisions, done at a hospital to cut or remove fallopian tubes. Requires anesthesia and up to 2 weeks for recovery.
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