How effective is birth control?

Different forms of birth control are more effective than others. Many methods are dependent on how they are used. For example, birth control methods like the pill, patch or ring need to be used correctly to work best. Perfect use refers to the correct way to use birth control as directed. This includes taking a birth control pill every day. Typical use describes imperfect adherence. An example is forgetting to take the birth control pill and missing a day. The method that will be most effective is the one that best fits your lifestyle.

What is the most effective form of birth control?

Permanent methods, such as tubal ligation and vasectomy, are more than 99% effective. IUDs, IUSs and implants are the most effective nonpermanent forms of birth control and don’t depend on perfect use. Weight may impact the effectiveness of EC pills. Fertility awareness is the least effective form of birth control.

Can you get pregnant on birth control?

Yes, it’s possible to get pregnant on birth control. You can reduce your chance of getting pregnant by carefully following the directions of the method you choose.

Does birth control prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

There are 2 methods of birth control that can help prevent STIs: male condoms and female condoms. However, condoms aren’t the most effective form of birth control. The best way to prevent STIs and pregnancy is to use condoms and another form of birth control, such as an IUD.

What’s the difference between hormonal and non-hormonal birth control?

Most hormonal birth control methods use progestin or a combination of progestin and estrogen. These hormones prevent ovulation or change the conditions of the cervix or uterus. Hormonal birth control is highly effective when used correctly, and there are many types covered by insurance. However, some people can't tolerate the side effects. It’s also not recommended for smokers . Many nonhormonal birth control methods prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg. Most of these options, such as barrier methods, can be used as needed and are effective right away. However, insurance doesn’t cover most of these and they require consistent use.

Birth control: types, side effects and how to get it

There are many different types of birth control. The method of birth control you choose depends on many factors. These may include your health, desire to build a family (now or in the future) and your risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).¹ Your provider can help you decide which type is best for you.

What is birth control?

Birth control is any method that helps to prevent pregnancy. It’s also called contraception. It can be done using surgery, abstinence, a pill, medicine or device.¹ Birth control also allows for planned timing of pregnancy.

How does birth control work?

Generally, In the female body, there is one ovary on each side of the uterus. About 2 weeks before menstruation starts, one ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube. This is ovulation. During vaginal intercourse, the penis releases semen into the vagina. The semen has sperm, which go up into the uterus and then the fallopian tubes. If a sperm joins the egg, fertilization can happen, which may lead to pregnancy.

Different forms of birth control work in different ways. Each method impacts a specific step in the processes that lead to pregnancy.

Barrier methods – prevent sperm from reaching the egg
Fertility awareness – using birth control or not having sex on the days you are most likely to get pregnant
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and intrauterine systems (IUSs): make it harder for sperm to reach the egg
Hormonal – prevents ovaries from releasing eggs or makes it hard for sperm to reach the egg
Permanent – prevents sperm from reaching the egg by tying or cutting the tubes that carry eggs (in women) or sperm (in men)¹

What are the different types of birth control?

You may consider different things when choosing birth control. These include safety, effectiveness, availability, cost and side effects. You may also consider how easy it is to remove or stop using.²

This information is not meant to be a complete list of all birth control options. Talk with your health care provider about the best choice for you.

Barrier methods

Barrier methods are used to prevent pregnancy every time you have sex.

Cervical cap/diaphragm – A reusable silicone device that goes over the cervix.^3, ⁴
Sponge — A disposable device that looks like a sponge and has spermicide inside it. It’s put in the vagina where the cervix meets the uterus.⁴
Male (external) condom – A disposable sheath (made of latex [rubber], polyurethane [plastic] or natural membrane [lambskin, from a lamb’s large intestine]) that goes over the penis. Latex and polyurethane condoms provide the best protection against many STIs, including HIV.⁴
Female (internal) condom – A disposable sheath with a flexible larger outer ring that is put in the vagina.⁴

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is not a regular method of birth control. It can be used if birth control fails, such as if a condom breaks. It can also be used if no birth control was used during sex.²

Emergency contraceptive (EC) pills – A single pill taken after unprotected sex⁴
Copper intrauterine device (IUD) – A small, T-shaped device put in the uterus within 5 days of unprotected sex²

Fertility awareness

Fertility awareness means tracking your menstrual cycle. You can use an ovulation test kit, a fertility monitor or another method to know when you are likely to get pregnant.⁵

Natural rhythm methods – Using birth control or not having sex on the days when you are most fertile^1, ⁵

Hormonal

Most hormonal birth control methods use the hormones estrogen and progestin.⁶

Birth control pills – A daily pill sometimes called “the pill” or “the mini pill”⁴
Patch – A sticky patch worn on the skin for 3 weeks. Then, it's taken off for a week during menstruation before a new patch is put on.²
Implantation rod – A thin rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm that lasts 3 years²
Injection – A shot given every 3 months²
Vaginal ring – A flexible ring that is put inside the vagina for 3 weeks. Then, it’s taken out for a week during menstruation before a new ring is put in.²

Intrauterine

An intrauterine system (IUS) or intrauterine device (IUD) are 2 common types of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs):⁴

Hormonal IUS – A T-shaped device put in the uterus that releases progestin. It lasts 3–8 years.
Copper IUD – A T-shaped device put in the uterus that releases copper. It lasts up to 10 years.

Permanent methods

Sterilization surgery is considered permanent. It may sometimes be reversed through another surgery, although it’s rare.⁴

Female tubal ligation – A surgery to tie or close the fallopian tubes
Male vasectomy – A surgery to cut, seal or close the vas deferens

How to get birth control

Do you want to learn more about birth control or change your current method? Schedule a visit with your primary care provider (PCP), obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) or another provider who has special training in providing care for women. Your provider will ask about your age, health, lifestyle and family history. It’s a good idea to talk about your options with a provider, but not all birth control methods need a prescription.⁴

Ways to access birth control

Requires a prescription from a provider

Cervical cap
EC pill (Ulipristal requires a prescription)
Oral contraceptives, such as the pill and the mini-pill (in some states, birth control pills can be bought without a prescription)
Patch
Vaginal ring

Needs a service from your provider

Diaphragms (your provider will fit one to the shape of your vagina)
Implantable rod (inserted by a doctor)
IUD (inserted by a doctor)
Shot/injection (administered by a provider)
Sterilization

Available over the counter (OTC)

EC pill (Levonorgestrel is available OTC)
Female condom
Male condom
Sponge
Spermicide

Health plan coverage for birth control

Most health insurance plans cover prescription birth control — such as the pill, IUDs and sterilization, as well as counseling — which means you may pay $0 out of pocket. If you don’t have insurance, there are options. Some family planning clinics offer birth control methods for free or at a low cost.¹

How to find a provider

If you’re a member with UnitedHealthcare health insurance, use our provider search to find an OB/GYN or other health care provider who has special training in providing care for women.

Find a doctor

Side effects of birth control

Everyone’s body will react differently to birth control. Talk to your doctor if you try one and notice negative side effects. You may switch to a birth control option that works better with your body. Here are some side effects you could experience with different types of birth control:¹

Barrier methods may cause urinary tract infection or allergic reaction in those with latex allergies.
Hormonal methods may cause nausea or headaches. Some people get sore or swollen breasts, irregular periods or spotting. The patch may irritate your skin, while the ring may cause vaginal irritation. These side effects are usually short term and go away after a few months.
Copper IUDs may increase your flow and cause painful periods. You may also have tender breasts, nausea, headaches or mood changes. These symptoms usually improve after the first few months but may last longer.

Sometimes birth control can cause more serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about any potential risks, especially if you have a medical condition.

What are the benefits of birth control beyond contraception?

Many women start birth control to prevent pregnancy. Some women may use birth control for other health reasons. Your provider may recommend hormonal birth control to:^1, ⁷

Help regulate hormones – leading to lighter, more predictable periods and less cramping
Treat a condition – such as acne, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, menstrual migraines or endometriosis
Lower the risk of some conditions – such as anemia, colon cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts

Frequently asked questions about birth control

Footnotes

Birth control methods, OASH, Updated 3/25, Accessed 9/25.
Contraception and birth control methods, CDC, Updated 8/24, Accessed 9/25.
Barrier methods of birth control: spermicide, condom, diaphragm, and cervical cap, ACOG, Updated 1/25, Accessed 9/25.
Birth control, FDA, Updated 5/24, Accessed 9/25.
Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning, ACOG, Updated 2/25, Accessed 9/25.
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone (Oral Contraceptives), Medline Plus, Updated 5/25, Accessed 9/25.
Management of premenstrual disorders, ACOG, Updated 12/23, Accessed 9/25.
Progestin-only hormonal birth control: pill and injection, ACOG, Updated 8/24, Accessed 9/25.
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC): intrauterine device (IUD) and implant, ACOG, Updated 4/24, Accessed 9/25.
Birth control options, Cleveland Clinic, Updated 8/22, Accessed 9/25.
Morning-after pill, Cleveland Clinic, Updated 11/24, Accessed 7/26.

Disclaimers

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.