Hormonal
Non-Hormonal
Condoms
External Condoms cover the penis during sex. Internal Condoms are inserted into the vagina.
Potential Side Effects
Irritation.
Potential Menstrual Changes
No bleeding changes.
82%
EFFECTIVE
Diaphragm
A shallow, dome-shaped cup made of silicone that is placed into the vagina to keep sperm out of the uterus.
Potential Side Effects
Allergic reaction, bladder infection, irritation.
Potential Menstrual Changes
No bleeding changes.
88%
EFFECTIVE
Emergency Contraception
A pill that you take as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.
Potential Side Effects
Nausea, cramping, fatigue, headaches, dizziness.
Potential Menstrual Changes
Spotting or unpredictable periods.
85%
EFFECTIVE
Fertility Awareness
Methods that track your menstrual cycle to determine the days that you can get pregnant.
Potential Side Effects
No potential side effects.
Potential Menstrual Changes
No bleeding changes.
85%
EFFECTIVE
Hormonal IUD
Small, plastic T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a provider.
Potential Side Effects
Weight changes, headaches, breast tenderness.
Potential Menstrual Changes
Lighter, infrequent, or no periods.
99%
EFFECTIVE
The Implant
A small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm by a provider.
Potential Side Effects
Weight changes, headaches, breast tenderness.
Potential Menstrual Changes
Lighter, infrequent or no periods.
99%
EFFECTIVE
Non-Hormonal IUD
Small, copper T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a provider.
Potential Side Effects
Increased cramps.
Potential Menstrual Changes
Heavier periods.
99%
EFFECTIVE
The Patch
A thin square that sticks to your skin like a bandage. It releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Potential Side Effects
Irritation, weight changes, headaches, breast tenderness.
Potential Menstrual Changes
Lighter, regular periods.
91%
EFFECTIVE
The Pill
The Pill contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. You take it at the same time everyday.
Potential Side Effects
Weight changes, headaches, breast tenderness.
Potential Menstrual Changes
Lighter, regular periods.
92%
EFFECTIVE
The Ring
A small, flexible ring worn inside of the vagina that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Potential Side Effects
Weight changes, headaches, breast tenderness.
Potential Menstrual Changes
Lighter, regular periods.
91%
EFFECTIVE
The Shot
The Shot (a.k.a. Depo-Provera) is an injection you get every 3 months.
Potential Side Effects
Weight changes, headaches, breast tenderness.
Potential Menstrual Changes
Lighter, infrequent, or no periods.
96%
EFFECTIVE
Sterilization
Surgical procedures that block the fallopian tubes or the release of sperm.
Potential Side Effects
No potential side effects.
Potential Menstrual Changes
No bleeding changes.
99%
EFFECTIVE
Withdrawal
The person with the penis pulls out before they ejaculate and moves their penis away.
Potential Side Effects
No potential side effects.
Potential Menstrual Changes
No bleeding changes.
80%
EFFECTIVE
