Injection or "shot"—every three months, women receive injections of the hormone progestin in the
buttocks or arm from their doctor.
Typical use failure rate: 4%
Combined oral contraceptives—also known as "the pill," combined oral contraceptives comprise
estrogen and progestin hormones. A doctor has prescribed it. Every day, a pill is taken at the same time.
If you are over the age of 35, smoke, have a history of blood clots, or have a family history of breast
cancer, your doctor could advise you not to take the pill.
Typical use failure rate: 7%
Patch—Wear this skin patch on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body (but not on the breasts). A
doctor has recommended this procedure. It causes the hormones progestin and estrogen to be released
into the bloodstream. For three weeks, you apply a new patch once a week. You do not use a patch
during the fourth week, allowing you to have a menstrual cycle.
Typical use failure rate: 7%
Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring - The ring produces progestin and estrogen. You insert the ring into
your vagina. You wear the ring for three weeks, remove it for the week of your period, and then replace
it.
Typical use failure rate: 7%
Diaphragm or cervical cap—both of these barrier devices are inserted into the vagina to protect the
cervix and prevent sperm from passing through. The diaphragm has the shape of a shallow cup. The
cervical cap is formed like a thimble. You inject them with spermicide before sexual contact to prevent
or kill the sperm. Because diaphragms and cervical caps come in varying sizes, see your doctor for a
good fit.
Typical use failure rate for the diaphragm: 17%
Male condom - A male condom, which is used by men, prevents sperm from entering a woman's body.
Latex condoms, the most prevalent form, as well as newer synthetic condoms, help prevent pregnancy,
HIV, and other STDs. "Natural" or "lambskin" condoms can also help prevent pregnancy, although they
may not protect against STDs such as HIV. Condoms are only good for one use. A drug store sells
condoms, KY jelly, and water-based lubricants. Massage oils, baby oil, lotions, and petroleum jelly should
not be used with latex condoms. They will deteriorate the condom and cause it to tear or crack.
Typical use failure rate: 13%
Female condom—When used by a woman, the female condom prevents sperm from entering her body.
It comes with a lubricant and is sold in drug stores. It can be used up to eight hours before sexual activity
and may help prevent STDs.
Typical use failure rate: 21%
Spermicides—these products work by killing sperm and come in several forms—foam, gel, cream, film,
suppository, or tablet. They are placed in the vagina no more than one hour before intercourse. You
leave them in place at least six to eight hours after intercourse. You can use a spermicide in addition to a
male condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. They can be purchased at drug stores.
Typical use failure rate: 21%
Fertility awareness-based methods—Knowing your monthly fertility patternexternal icon might help you
plan for or avoid pregnancy. The number of days in a month when you are fertile (able to get pregnant),
days when you are infertile, and days when fertility is unlikely but possible is your fertility pattern. Each
month, if you have a regular menstrual cycle, you will have nine or more fertile days. If you don't want
to get pregnant, you avoid having sex on fertile days or use a barrier method of birth control on those
days. The failure rates of these approaches vary.1-2
Range of typical use failure rates: 2-23%
The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) can be used as birth control for women who have recently
had a baby and are breastfeeding if three conditions are met: 1) amenorrhea (not having any menstrual
periods after delivering a baby), 2) fully or nearly fully breastfeeding, and 3) less than 6 months after
delivering a baby. LAM is a temporary type of birth control; if any of the three conditions are not met,
another means of birth control must be used.
Reference: Contraception. (n.d.). Centers for Disease and Control Prevention. Retrieved from:
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm
