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Birth Control
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Birth Control

Birth control, or contraception, encompasses various medicines, devices, and surgical procedures used to prevent pregnancy.

What is birth control?

Birth control, also known as contraception, is the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types, some of which are reversible while others are permanent. Certain types can also help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What are the different types of birth control?

There are several different types of birth control, and they work in different ways:

Barrier methods

  • Male condom: A thin sheath that covers the penis to collect sperm and prevent it from entering the woman's body. Condoms made of latex and polyurethane can help prevent STIs.
  • Female condom: A thin, flexible plastic pouch. Part of the condom is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Female condoms can also help prevent STIs.
  • Contraceptive sponge: A small sponge placed into the vagina to cover the cervix. The sponge contains a spermicide to kill sperm.
  • Spermicide: A substance that kills sperm cells. It comes in a foam, jelly, cream, suppository, or film and is placed into the vagina near the uterus.
  • Diaphragm and cervical cap: Cups placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix. They may be used with spermicide and come in different sizes, requiring a health care provider to determine the best fit.

Hormonal methods

  • Oral contraceptives ("the pill"): Pills taken daily that may contain only progestin or both progestin and estrogen.
  • Contraceptive patch: A patch applied to the skin each week that releases hormones into the bloodstream.
  • Vaginal ring: A thin, flexible ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones for three weeks, followed by one week without the ring.
  • Injectable birth control: An injection of a hormone administered in a provider's office once every three months.
  • Implant: A single, thin rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a provider. It can last for four years.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)

  • Intrauterine device (IUD): A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a provider. IUDs can last from 3 to 10 years and come in hormonal or copper versions.

Sterilization

  • Tubal ligation: A permanent surgery that prevents a woman from getting pregnant.
  • Vasectomy: A permanent surgery that prevents a man from getting someone pregnant.

What are some other forms of pregnancy prevention?

There are types of pregnancy prevention that do not involve medicines, devices, or surgery:

  • Fertility awareness-based methods: Also called natural rhythm methods, these involve tracking the fertility cycle and avoiding sex or using barrier methods on days most likely to result in pregnancy.
  • Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM): A natural method for breastfeeding mothers who feed their baby only breastmilk for up to six months and have no periods or spotting.
  • Withdrawal: The penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation. This method has higher pregnancy rates than others because sperm can leak out before withdrawal.

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is not a regular method of birth control but can prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or if a condom breaks. Types include:

  • Copper IUD: A device inserted by a provider within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse.
  • Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs): Hormonal pills taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.

What else should I know about birth control?

When deciding which birth control type is right for you, consider the following factors:

  • Do you want to have children someday, and how soon?
  • Do you have any health conditions?
  • How often do you have sex and how many partners do you have?
  • Do you need protection from HIV and other STIs?
  • How well does the method work and are there side effects?
  • Will you be able to use it correctly every time?
  • How much does it cost?

Frequently Asked Questions

Most birth control methods do not protect against STIs. Hormonal methods (pills, patches, rings, IUDs, implants) and non-hormonal barrier methods (diaphragms, caps, sponges) offer no protection against viruses like HIV or HPV. Only male and female condoms provide a barrier that significantly reduces the risk of transmitting STIs. If you are at risk for STIs, you should use condoms in addition to your primary birth control method.
Yes, many hormonal birth control methods are prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles. The pill, patch, ring, and hormonal IUD can often make periods lighter, shorter, and less painful. Some users may stop having periods entirely, which is a common and generally safe side effect. However, non-hormonal methods like the copper IUD may actually make periods heavier or more crampy, so it is important to discuss your specific symptoms with a provider to choose the right option.
If you miss one active pill, take it as soon as you remember and take your next pill at the regular time, even if this means taking two pills in one day. You usually do not need backup contraception if you only miss one pill. If you miss two or more active pills, take the missed pills immediately and use a backup method like condoms for the next seven days. If you miss pills in the first week of a new pack and had unprotected sex in the previous week, you may need emergency contraception. Always check the specific instructions for your brand of pill.
The timing depends on the method. Barrier methods like condoms and spermicides are effective immediately upon use. For hormonal methods, if you start the pill, patch, or ring within the first five days of your period, you are protected right away. If you start at any other time, you must use a backup method, such as condoms, for the first seven days. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) like the IUD or implant are effective immediately after insertion or implantation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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