www.fda.gov/birthcontrol

BIRTH CONTROL GUIDE

This birth control chart provides high-level information about different birth control options. It is meant for educational purposes for the general public. This chart is not meant to be a 

complete list of all available birth control options. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best birth control choice for you. If you do not want to get pregnant, there are many birth control 

options to choose from. No one product is best for everyone. Some methods are more effective than others at preventing pregnancy. Check the pregnancy rates on this chart to get an 

idea of how effective a method is at preventing pregnancy. The pregnancy rates tell you the number of pregnancies expected per 100 women during the first year of typical use. Typical use 

shows how effective the different methods are during actual use (including sometimes using a method in a way that is not correct or not consistent). The only sure way to avoid pregnancy 

is not to have sex. Most Effective Least Effective

Methods

Number of 

pregnancies expected 

(per 100 women)*

Use

Some Risks or Side Effects*

This chart does not list all of the risks 

and side effects for each product.

Sterilization Surgery for 

Women

less than 1 Onetime procedure.

Permanent.

Pain

Bleeding

Infection or other complications after surgery

Sterilization Surgery 

for Men

less than 1 Onetime procedure.

Permanent.

Pain

Bleeding 

Infection

IUD Copper less than 1 Inserted by a healthcare provider.

Lasts up to 10 years.

Cramps

Heavier, longer periods

Spotting between periods

IUD with Progestin less than 1 Inserted by a healthcare provider.

Lasts up to 3-5 years, depending on the type.

Irregular bleeding

No periods (amenorrhea)

Abdominal/pelvic pain

Implantable Rod less than 1 Inserted by a healthcare provider.

Lasts up to 3 years.

Menstrual Changes Mood swings or depressed mood

Weight gain Headache

Acne

Shot/Injection 6 Need a shot every 3 months. Loss of bone density

Irregular bleeding/bleeding between periods

Headaches Weight gain

Nervousness Dizziness

Abdominal discomfort

Oral Contraceptives 

“The Pill” (Combined Pill)

9 Must swallow a pill every day. Spotting/bleeding between periods

Nausea

Breast tenderness

Headache

Oral Contraceptives 

“The Pill” (Extended 

Continuous Use 

Combined Pill)

9 Must swallow a pill every day. Spotting/bleeding between periods

Nausea

Breast tenderness

Headache

Oral Contraceptives 

“The Mini Pill” (Progestin 

Only)

9 Must swallow a pill at the same time every day. Spotting/bleeding between periods

Nausea

Breast tenderness

Headache

Patch 9 Put on a new patch each week for 3 weeks 

(21 total days). 

Don’t put on a patch during the fourth week.

Spotting/bleeding between menstrual periods

Nausea Stomach pain

Breast tenderness Headache

Skin irritation

Vaginal Contraceptive 

Ring

9 Put the ring into the vagina yourself. Keep the 

ring in your vagina for 3 weeks and then take it 

out for one week.

Vaginal discharge, discomfort in the vagina, mild irritation

Headache Mood changes

Nausea Breast tenderness

Diaphragm with 

Spermicide

12 Must use every time you have sex. Irritation

Allergic reactions

Urinary tract infection

Sponge with 

Spermicide

12-24 Must use every time you have sex. Irritation

Cervical Cap with 

Spermicide

17-23 Must use every time you have sex. Irritation

Allergic reactions

Abnormal Pap test

Male Condom 18 Must use every time you have sex.

Provides protection against some STDs.

Irritation

Allergic reactions

Female Condom 21 Must use every time you have sex.

Provides protection against some STDs.

Discomfort or pain during insertion or sex

Burning sensation, rash or itching

Spermicide Alone 28 Must use every time you have sex. Irritation

Allergic reactions

Urinary tract infection

OTHER CONTRACEPTION

Emergency Contraceptives (EC): May be used if you did not use birth control or if your regular birth control fails (such as a condom breaks). It should not be used as a regular form 

of birth control. Emergency contraception prevents about 55 - 85% of predicted pregnancies.

Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg 

(1 pill)

Levonorgestrel .75 mg 

(2 pills)

7 out of every 8 women who 

would have gotten pregnant 

will not become pregnant 

after taking this EC.

Swallow the pills as soon as possible within 3 

days after having unprotected sex.

Menstrual changes Lower stomach (abdominal) pain

Headache Nausea

Dizziness Vomiting

Breast pain Tiredness

Ulipristal Acetate 6 or 7 out of every 10 women 

who would have gotten 

pregnant will not become 

pregnant after taking this EC.

Swallow the pills within 5 days after having 

unprotected sex.

Headache Nausea

Abdominal pain Menstrual pain

Tiredness Dizziness

*For more information on the chance of getting pregnant while using a method or on the risks of a specific product, please check the product label or Trussell, J. (2011).”Contraceptive failure in the United States.” Contraception 83(5):397-404.