There are lots of birth control methods out there...so how do you choose? To help you figure it out, we've organized this page into the following categories: most effective methods, methods you can get without a doctor visit, and other methods you should know about.

One really important thing to note—when we talk about effectiveness, we're talking about the typical use numbers gathered from couples of all ages. Typical use means couples who used that method of birth control pretty well; it accounts for human errors and occasional contraceptive failure. BUT, generally—and no offense intended!—teens are not as careful as older people in using these methods, so real typical use rates for teens may be a little worse than what you see here. Just keep that in mind as you're looking at the options. So...let's get to it.

Most Effective Methods

WAITING (OR NOT HAVING SEX)
We’ll say it again: The only 100% "method" for  avoiding pregnancy is not to have sex. Whether you’ve had sex before or not, waiting (whether it’s until you have a steady partner or even marriage) has lots of advantages including no difficult emotional or physical consequences. Of teens who have had sex, about 66% wish they had waited…that’s more than half! And if you ask teens who never have had sex (about half of teens) whether they think it’s embarrassing to admit they’re virgins, three-quarters of them say no. This method is best for teens because it totally eliminates the worry about unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as all the emotional consequences that come from having sex.

• Effective: 100%*
• You don’t need a doctor OR a pharmacy.
• No risk of getting an STI.

Want to know more?  Check out our section on Waiting.

IMPLANON
The contraceptive implant (aka  Implanon) is a small rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted into a woman's arm just below the skin; once it's in, you can feel it, but you can barely see it (big plus if you don’t like to advertise your birth control). Implanon releases progestin, which does two important things in this case: it prevents a woman from releasing eggs and thickens cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from getting to those eggs in the first place. Here’s the best news: Implanon works for up to three years and, once it’s in, you don’t have to think about it again until you’re ready to take it out (a process as quick and easy as insertion). This method is great because you don't have to think about it

• Effective: just over 99% of the time (with typical use)*
• You must see a medical professional to get Implanon.
• Implanon does not protect you from STIs.

Want to know more? Check out the Mayo Clinic’s page on the Contraceptive Implant.

THE IUD
An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small, flexible plastic “T”-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Two types of IUDs are available in the U.S.: Mirena and Copper T (ParaGard).  Mirena releases a small amount of progestin (a hormone that affects ovulation). It can be left in for up to five years and most users stop getting their period while they have it inserted.  Copper T (ParaGard) contains no hormones and can remain in the uterus for up to 10 years. When you have ParaGard, you’ll probably continue to get your monthly periods.

• Effective: just over 99% of the time (with typical use)*
• You must see a medical professional to get a prescription for an IUD (either Mirena or ParaGard).
• IUDs do not protect against STIs.

Want to know more?  Visit the Mayo Clinic's page on the Mirena IUD and the ParaGard IUD.

THE SHOT (DEPO-PROVERA)
The contraceptive shot—know also by the brand name Depo-Provera (or just plain "Depo")—is a hormone injection (progestin) given to a woman every three months. Depo works by preventing ovulation and most women stop having their period after a few months (but it returns when they go off of Depo). The shot must be administered by a health care provider, so it requires visits to a clinic or office every three months when you need a new one.  Missing a shot or delaying your shot schedule will lessen the effectiveness of Depo, so make sure you get your shots on time.

• Effective: 94% of the time (with typical use)*
• You must see a medical professional to get Depo.
• Depo does not protect you from STIs.

Want to know more? Check out the Mayo Clinic’s page on the Shot.

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
Birth control pills—sometimes called oral contraception or just "the pill"—are pills that females take to prevent pregnancy.  They work by releasing hormones—either a combination of estrogen and progestin or progestin alone—that prevent ovulation and increase cervical mucus which blocks sperm.  They should be taken at the same time everyday and you’ll get your period at the end of each month before starting the next pack of pills.  Many versions of the pill are available and they’re all a little different; different levels of hormones, different types of side effects, etc.  So if you have side effects from one type, don’t give up on this method altogether—talk to a health care professional to figure out another type of pill to switch to.   Birth control pills are only available with a prescription which you can get from your health care provider or a family planning clinic.

• Effective: 91% of the time (with typical use)
• You must see a medical professional to get a prescription for the pill.
• The pill does not protect you from STIs.    

Want to know more? Check out the Mayo Clinic’s page on the Birth Control Pill for more information.

THE RING (NUVARING)
The  ring (NuvaRing) is a thin, flexible ring about 2 inches across that contains the same hormones that are in birth control pills (and works the same way). The woman inserts the ring into her vagina where it is held in place by the vaginal walls (neither she nor her partner can feel it). It stays in for three weeks, slowly releasing hormones, and you take it out for the fourth week, when you’ll have your normal period.  After that fourth week, a new ring is inserted. A prescription is required to get the ring, but you can insert and remove it yourself.

• Effective: 91% of the time (with typical use)*
• You must see a medical professional to get a prescription for the ring.
• The pill does not protect you from STIs.

Want to know more? Check out the Mayo Clinic’s page on the Ring.

THE PATCH (ORTHO EVRA)
The patch (Ortho Evra) is a thin square of plastic (it looks a little like a nicotine patch) that has been treated with hormones. It’s sticky on the back and a woman places it on her skin where it releases the hormones which her body then absorbs. It has the same hormones as the pill and the ring and basically works the same way. It can be worn pretty much anywhere—a woman’s butt, belly, arm, or upper torso (but never on the breasts!)—and each patch is worn for a week and then replaced (just peel it off like a bandaid). The fourth week is "patchless" and is when you’ll get your period; after that week, the cycle of patches begins again.  A prescription is required, but you apply and remove the patch yourself.

• Effective: 91% of the time (with typical use)*
• You must see a medical professional to get a prescription for the patch.
• The ring does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.

Want to know more? Check out the Mayo Clinic’s page on the Patch.

Methods that Don't Require a Doctor Visit

CONDOMS
Condoms (for males) are thin latex or plastic sheaths that are rolled down over the penis and protect against pregnancy and STIs. Female condoms, which are newer, kind of look like bigger male condoms turned inside out.  They are inserted into the vagina and line the inside so no sperm can get to where an egg could be fertilized. Condoms should be put on before genital contact and not taken off until after sex is over.  The male and female condoms should not be used at the same time, but, because they are the only birth control method that protects against STIs, they’re great to use with other types of birth control like the pill or patch. Keep in mind that condoms have an expiration date because the latex can weaken over time; and don’t store them in your wallet, glove compartment, or any place where temperatures or wear can break them down. Also, never use them with lubricants like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) because those can reduce their effectiveness (KY Jelly is fine). You can buy condoms at most drugstores, online, or get them at a health clinic or family planning centers without a prescription. Female condoms are sometimes harder to come by, but you can get them online if you can't find them in stores.

• Effective: male condoms - 82% of the time (with typical use)*
  Female condoms - 79% of the time (with typical use)*
• You can buy male condoms in most drugstores and online as well as find them in clinics.  They might be the most easy-to-find method out there.  Female condoms are available in some drugstores and online as well as in some clinics.
• Female condoms protect you from most sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Want to know more? Check out the Mayo Clinic’s page on the Male Condom and the Female Condom.

THE SPONGE
The sponge is a round, foam circle about 2 inches in diameter that you insert it into the vagina before having sex. It not only blocks the cervix so sperm can’t get through, but it also kills sperm by releasing spermicide. Each sponge is one-time use and one-size-fits all.  Also, you don't need a prescription for the sponge—they are available at some drugstores or online.

• Effective: between 76% and 88% of the time (with typical use)*
• You don't need a prescription to get the sponge—you can buy it at some drugstores or online.
• The sponge does not protect you from STIs.

Want to know more? Check out the Mayo Clinic’s page on the Sponge.

Other Methods to Keep in Mind

THE DIAPHRAGM
The diaphragm is a shallow, flexible, dome-shaped cup that’s made of latex. Before sex, you insert it into your vagina; it basically covers the cervix and makes it tough for sperm to reach an egg. The diaphragm is most effective when it’s combined with some kind of spermicide. Diaphragms are a little tricky because they actually have to fit your body—you’ll need to see a doctor to be "sized" but once you have one, you can use it for up to ten years (talk about a good value!).

• Effective: 88% of the time (with typical use)*
• You must see a medical professional to get sized for the diaphragm.
• The diaphragm does not protect you from STIs.

Want to know more? Check out the Mayo Clinic’s page on the Diaphragm.

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (EC)
Emergency Contraception (also know as EC or the morning after pill) is a safety net—a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex because you didn’t use birth control or your method failed. It’s not meant to be used as regular birth control because it’s not nearly as effective as other methods in preventing pregnancy and it has high levels of hormones that aren’t meant to be taken over and over and over again.  There are a few types of EC:

• Plan B One-Step: ONE pill containing levonorgestrel that’s taken five days after unprotected sex.
• Next Choice: two pills containing a high dose of levonorgestrel that are taken within five days of unprotected sex. (When EC first came on the market, the name-brand version was called Plan B.  Plan B has since be replaced by Plan B One-Step, but Next Choice, the generic equivilant of Plan B, is still available.)
• ella: one pill that blocks the effects of progesterone and is taken within five days of unprotected sex.

For Plan B One-Step and Next Choice, the sooner you take the pills, the more effective they'll be. With ella, you can take it any time within the five days after unprotected sex—it’s just as effective on day one as it is on day five.

• Effective: EC is pretty effective in reducing the risk of unplanned pregnancy; it's important to note that rates of effectiveness for EC are caluclated differently than for any other method of birth control on this page.  The bottom line: EC is pretty effective but it is a back up method.  It's not meant to be used as regular birth control.  (click here to get super in-depth info on EC effectiveness)
• If you’re 17 and older, Plan B One-Step and Next Choice are available over the counter (you’ll need to show ID); if you’re 16 or younger, you’ll need to see a doctor to get a prescription and then head back to the pharmacy to have the prescription filled. ella requires a prescription regardless of age.
• No EC methods protect you from STIs.

Want to know more? Check out the Mayo Clinic’s page on Emergency Contraception.

* Just another reminder about rates of effectiveness—what we note here is based on the typical use numbers gathered from couples of all ages. Typical use means couples who used that method of birth control pretty well; it accounts for human errors and occasional contraceptive failure. BUT, teenagers are often not as careful as older people in using these methods, so real typical use rates for teens may be a little worse than what you see here.So remember that actual effectiveness rates for teens may be slightly worse than what you see here.  Keep that in mind as you're looking at the options and remember that for birth control to be effective, you have to use it consistently and correctly every single time.