Make an honest assessment of yourself, your partner and your relationship. If you are not in a monogamous relationship this can also influence your choice(s) for birth control. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source For example, if you are in a long term relationship and want to wait a few years to have children, you might opt for a long term birth control method such as an intrauterine device (IUD). If you have multiple partners, you may opt for birth control pills and condoms to protect from pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you are in a long-term relationship, involve your partner in the decision so that you can make it mutually and it fits with both of your lifestyles. Consider questions such as “do I want to plan every time I have sex?,” “do I want to remember to take a pill every day?,” “do I want to end my fertility permanently?”. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You’ll also want to think about your health. For example, if you suffer from migraines, birth control pills may not be a good choice for you.

You can choose barrier methods that are put on or inserted right before sex including male and female condoms, a diaphragm, a cervical cap, and spermicide. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If used properly, these methods can help protect against pregnancy, but you may want to use a secondary method to help ensure that you don’t get pregnant. For example, if you’re using condoms, which have a failure rate of 2-18%, you may want to also use a spermicide. [8] X Research source Hormonal birth control, which has a low failure rate of less than 1% to 9%, are a good option if you want to avoid pregnancy and are in a long-term relationship. [9] X Research source The different types of hormonal birth control are the Pill, a patch, or a vaginal ring. [10] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Birth control pills can have the added benefit that they can help regulate your menstrual cycle. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You can choose a long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) method such as an IUD, hormonal shots, or a contraceptive implant if you want to wait to have children. It can take some time to return to fertility after using these methods, but they will not affect your ability to conceive in the long-term. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Sterilization is a birth control option if you are sure you never want children. Vasectomies and tubal ligations are generally irreversible procedures and must be seriously considered before making a final decision to go through with them. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Natural Family Planning, or NFP, avoids medications and more immediate methods such as condoms altogether. This might be a choice if you can’t use other contraceptives or simply don’t want to use other methods. However natural family planning has a high failure rate and should not be used if a pregnancy would be unacceptable. NFP includes the rhythm method, checking cervical mucus and checking basal temperature, or withdrawal. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source These methods require a lot of planning and diligence but have the benefit of not costing anything or having side effects. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Hormonal birth control, such as pills, patches, and vaginal rings increase risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but decrease risk of ovarian cancer. Barrier methods such as condoms, spermicides, and caps can cause allergic reactions and may increase your risk for urinary tract infections or STDs. [16] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source The risks for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods include perforation of the uterus, increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy, and pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. [17] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Although there are no particular medical risks to NFP, you are at an increased risk for unwanted pregnancy because this method isn’t as effective as other forms of birth control. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

You can purchase male and female condoms over the counter at most drug stores and some grocery stores. It’s important to make sure that you or your partner use the condom properly. This will help ensure that you don’t get pregnant or transmit any STDs. [19] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Condoms are the only type of birth control that come with the benefit of helping to prevent STDs if used properly. [20] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source

You can purchase spermicide and sponges at most drug stores and grocery stores, and it is not very expensive. [22] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Spermicide comes in different delivery methods such as foams, creams, jellies, thin films, and suppositories that melt when inserted into the vagina. [23] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Sponges are doughnut shaped devices coated with spermicide. You insert a sponge yourself and it covers the cervix. [24] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source

Diaphragms are small dome-shaped devices that are inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. They are made of latex or silicone and you must use it with a spermicide. [26] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Cervical caps are also small dome-shaped devices that tightly cover the cervix using suction. They are made of plastic and you must use it with a spermicide. [27] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Make an appointment with your doctor if you decide to get a diaphragm or cervical cap. She will fit you for a diaphragm and give you a prescription. [28] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source To start using this method, have the prescription filled. Insert your diaphragm or cervical cap 2-6 hours before sex and reapply spermicide each time you have intercourse. [29] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source

You must get a prescription to start birth control pills, a patch, or a vaginal ring. [30] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source There are different options for birth control pills that range from 21 day pills to 365 day pills and have different combinations of estrogen and progestin. [31] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source During the time that you do not take these pills, you will have your menstrual period. [32] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source The vaginal ring is a flexible plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina for 21 days. It releases hormones into your vaginal tissues and from here are carried through your body. After the 21 days, you get your period. [33] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source The contraceptive skin patch is a small adhesive patch that you apply to your skin for three consecutive weeks. You get your period the fourth week and reapply a new patch thereafter. It releases estrogen and progestin into your system through your skin. [34] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source

Be aware that some pharmacies will not fill hormonal birth control prescriptions for ethical reasons. Likewise, some insurance will not cover hormonal birth control, which can be expensive.

Begin taking pills either on the day that you start your period or the Sunday after you start. If your periods are very infrequent, your doctor may recommend starting immediately. Until the hormonal birth control begins to regulate your cycle, it’s not uncommon to experience breakthrough bleeding and breast tenderness. [35] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source

If you take the pill at the same time every day, it can help you remember to take it regularly, making it less likely that you forgot and get pregnant. For some pills, such as the mini-pill, it’s important to take them at the same time every day so they have maximum effectiveness. [37] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you travel frequently, it can be difficult to time these methods exactly. If you are unsure because of time difference when traveling, consider using a backup contraceptive method like condoms until you resume regular use of hormonal birth control.

Your doctor must insert and remove an IUD for you to start using this method. [39] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Insertion may cause discomfort and you may experience breakthrough menstrual bleeding. [40] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Be aware that your insurance may not cover and IUD and that it can be expensive.

The procedure to insert the contraceptive implant doesn’t require surgery or any incisions. It will only take only a few minutes for your doctor to insert this small and flexible rod with a special tool. [43] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source There is a possibility that your insurance will not cover a contraceptive implant, which can be expensive.

Your doctor will inject the hormone every 13 weeks for the most effective use. You can get the first injection any time during your cycle. [45] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Like hormonal birth control such as the Pill, you must be consistent in getting injections. If you get your injection more than two weeks late, you will need to use a backup form of birth control. [46] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source There is a possibility that your insurance will not cover contraceptive injections, which can be expensive. Injections can also cause weight gain.

The only sterilization option for men is a vasectomy, which is where the tubes that carry sperm are cut and sealed. If a vasectomy is successful, a man will not be able to father a child. [48] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Women may opt for either tubal ligation or the Essure system, which blocks the fallopian tubes. Tubal ligation, commonly called “getting your tubes tied,” requires surgery. [49] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source In general, sterilization is permanent, though in some cases it may fail. [50] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Make sure to take proper time if deciding on sterilization since you will probably not be able to reverse the procedure. Be aware that some care providers will not sterilize women under a certain age. Be aware that insurance may not cover sterilization and it can be very expensive.

You do not need to see a doctor to use this method and can start using it immediately. [52] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Just before ovulation, cervical mucous increases and becomes stretchy and rubbery. Just after ovulation, cervical mucous decreases and becomes thicker and less noticeable. [53] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source You’ll need to be very comfortable with your body and be extremely diligent in examining your cervical mucus to your cycle to use this method effectively. [54] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source

You do not need to see a doctor to use this method and can start using it immediately. [56] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source You should avoid sexual intercourse between days 8 and 19 of your menstrual cycle to help prevent pregnancy. [57] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source You must be extremely diligent in tracking your cycle for this method to be effective.

You do not need to see a doctor to use this method and can start using it immediately. [59] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source An increase of . 5-1 degree Fahrenheit can indicate ovulation. If your temperature measures slightly high, you should avoid sexual intercourse to help prevent getting pregnant. [60] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source You must consistently monitor your temperature for this method to have any efficacy. For example, take your temperature every morning when you get up to use as your baseline. [61] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source

Coitus interruptus doesn’t require you to see a doctor and you may start it immediately. This method will require you and your partner to have significant self control. [63] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Even if a man withdraws, sperm can still enter the vagina through pre-ejaculate or if the penis isn’t removed in a timely manner. [64] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source