Choosing the Right Birth Control

• What it is: A pill taken by mouth every day that contains hormones to prevent pregnancy.
• How it works:
  • Stops the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation).
  • Thickens cervical mucus to block sperm.
  • Thins the lining of the uterus.
• Benefits:
  • Highly effective when taken every day.
  • Can make periods lighter, more regular, and less painful.
  • May improve acne and reduce PMS symptoms.
• Things to consider:
  • Must be taken at the same time every day for best effectiveness.
  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

•  What it is: A small patch worn on the skin that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
• How it works:
  • Prevents ovulation.
  • Thickens cervical mucus.
  • Thins the uterine lining.
• Benefits:
  • Only needs to be changed once a week for three weeks, followed by one patch-free week.
  • Convenient for those who may forget a daily pill.
• Things to consider:
  • May cause mild skin irritation where the patch is placed.
  • Does not protect against STIs.

•  What it is: A daily pill containing only progesterone.
• How it works:
  • Thickens cervical mucus.
  • Thins the uterine lining.
  • May stop ovulation in some women.
• Benefits:
  • Often recommended while breastfeeding.
  • May be a good option for women who cannot take estrogen.
• Things to consider:
  • Must be taken at the same time every day.
  • Missing a pill by even a few hours can reduce effectiveness.
  • Does not protect against STIs.

•  What it is: A soft, flexible ring inserted into the vagina.
• How it works:
  • Releases hormones that prevent ovulation.
  • Thickens cervical mucus.
  • Thins the uterine lining.
• Benefits:
  • Worn for three weeks, then removed for one week.
  • No daily pill to remember.
  • Many women experience lighter, more predictable periods.
• Things to consider:
  • You insert and remove the ring yourself.
  • Does not protect against STIs.

IUDs are long-acting, reversible birth control options that provide pregnancy prevention without requiring a daily pill.

Skyla

• Hormonal IUD
• Effective for up to 3 years
• Smaller size and lower hormone dose
• May make periods lighter over time

Liletta

• Hormonal IUD
• Effective for up to 8 years
• May reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping
• Provides long-term pregnancy prevention

Paraguard

• Non-hormonal, copper IUD
• Effective for up to 10 years
• No hormones
• May cause heavier periods or increased cramping, especially initially

•  What it is: A progesterone injection given by your healthcare provider every 3 months.
• How it works:
  • Stops ovulation.
  • Thickens cervical mucus.
  • Thins the uterine lining.
• Benefits:
  • Very effective.
  • No daily or weekly maintenance.
  • Many women have lighter periods or stop having periods altogether.
• Things to consider:
  • Requires an injection every 12 weeks.
  • Irregular bleeding is common during the first several months.
  • Fertility may take several months to return after stopping.
  • Does not protect against STIs.

•  What it is: A permanent form of birth control for people who are certain they do not want future pregnancies.
• For women:
  • Surgery blocks or removes the fallopian tubes so sperm and egg cannot meet.
• Benefits:
  • More than 99% effective.
  • Permanent birth control with no ongoing maintenance.
  • Does not affect hormones or menopause.
• Things to consider:
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Intended to be permanent and is generally not reversible.
  • Requires a surgical procedure.
  • Does not protect against STIs.