Contraception, or birth control, helps prevent pregnancies and plan the number and spacing of children. There are many options to choose from to prevent pregnancy. Some methods are more effective than others, and no one product is best for everyone.

Birth Control Methods

Birth control falls into two broad categories: reversible and permanent. Reversible methods allow individuals to stop birth control when they would like to become pregnant. Permanent methods cannot generally be undone once completed.

Reversible Methods of Birth Control

Long-acting Reversible Contraceptives

These contraceptive methods allow individuals to prevent pregnancy for multiple years.

• Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD): The copper IUD contains no hormones and is made with copper and plastic. The copper acts as a spermicide (substance that kills sperm) and prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
• Hormonal IUD: Hormonal IUDs contain the hormone progestin levonorgestrel. The progestin causes cervical mucus to thicken and the lining of the uterus to thin, which keeps the sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
• Implantable Rod: This is a thin, matchstick-sized rod that contains a progestin hormone. It is put under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. It stops the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from getting to the egg.

Contraceptive Shots

The contraceptive shot is an injection of progestin, one of the hormones found in birth control pills. Individuals using this method get the shot from their doctor once every three months.

Short-acting Hormonal Methods

These contraceptive methods use hormones to keep the ovaries from releasing eggs and possibly prevent the sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.

• Birth Control Pill: This method is also known as oral contraceptive or “the pill.” There are two main kinds: combined pills, which contain estrogen and progestin, and mini-pills, which only contain progestin.
• Birth Control Patch: The birth control patch is a thin, beige plastic square about two inches across that delivers hormones. Patches are used on a four-week cycle (three weeks on and one week off).
• Vaginal Ring: This small, flexible, plastic ring is inserted in the vagina and contains the same hormones (progestin and estrogen) found in most birth control pills.

Barrier Methods

There are several birth control methods that involve using a physical barrier to block the sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. When deciding how to prevent pregnancy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages couples to consider methods that offer dual protection from risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Male Condom: A male condom is a thin film cover that is placed over the penis and keeps sperm from entering a partner’s body. Using a male condom consistently and correctly reduces the risk for HIV infection and other STIs.
• Diaphragm and Cervical Cap: The diaphragm and cervical cap are silicone cups that are used with spermicide gel or cream. It is inserted into the vagina and over the cervix to keep sperm from entering the uterus.
• Female Condom: The female condom is a thin, soft, loose-fitting pouch (or sheath) with a flexible soft ring on each end. One end of the female condom fits inside of the vagina to keep it in place, and the other stays outside of the vagina.
• Sponge with Spermicide: The sponge is a small, disk-shaped device made of soft plastic foam that covers the cervix and contains the spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9). The spermicide in the sponge is placed inside the vagina, covering the cervix, prior to having sex and works by continuously releasing spermicide to kill sperm.

Permanent Methods of Birth Control

There are two options for sterilization, a form of contraception that is meant to be permanent.

• Tubal ligation (females): In this procedure—also known as “having your tubes tied”—the fallopian tubes are cut, sealed, clipped, or tied, so the egg and sperm can’t meet in the fallopian tube.
• Vasectomy (males): This procedure involves cutting, tying, or blocking the vas deferens—two tubes that carry sperm to the penis.

Other Forms of Pregnancy Prevention

The following forms of pregnancy prevention do not require any physical or medical materials.

• Abstinence: Sexual abstinence is defined as refraining from all forms of sexual activity and genital contact, such as vaginal, oral, or anal sex. This method is the only 100 percent effective way to protect against pregnancy, ensuring there is no exchange of bodily fluids (such as vaginal secretions and semen).
• Natural Family Planning and Fertility Awareness: Fertility awareness-based methods (FABM) help women and couples become more familiar with the signs of ovulation and the pattern of the menstrual cycle to understand how to plan sexual activity to either avoid pregnancy or become pregnant.
• Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM): LAM is a form of natural birth control that relies on the new mother feeding her baby only breastmilk for up to six months and having no periods or spotting during that time.
• Withdrawal: While having intercourse, before ejaculating, a person pulls the penis out of the partner’s vagina and away from the partner’s genitals (sex organs). It prevents fertilization by not allowing semen (and sperm) to enter the vagina so that sperm does not reach the egg.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is not a regular method of birth control. Emergency contraception is birth control that a person can use after unprotected sex—if you did not use birth control or if regular birth control failed. It should be used as soon as possible within three to five days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception methods are more effective the sooner they are taken. Emergency contraception does not work if the person is already pregnant. There are two main types of emergency contraception: emergency contraceptive pills and the copper T intrauterine device (IUD).

What is it?

• A thin, lubricated pouch that is put into the vagina. It consists of a nitrile (non-latex) sheath, a flexible larger outer ring, and a polyurethane inner ring to place in the vagina. Nitrile is also commonly used to make surgical gloves.

How do I use it?

• Put the female condom into the vagina before sex.
• Follow the directions on the package to be sure the penis stays within the condom during sex and does not move outside the condom.
• Use it only once and then throw it away.

How do I get it?

• You do not need a prescription.
• You can buy it over-the-counter or online.

Chance of getting pregnant with typical use (Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

• Out of 100 women who use this method, about 21 may get pregnant.
• The most important thing is that you use a condom every time you have sex.

Some Risks

• Discomfort or pain during insertion or sex.
• Burning sensation, rash or itching.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

• Yes. When used in the vagina, the female condom reduces the risks of STIs. The condom cannot provide absolute protection against STIs.

Female (Internal) Condom Dos and Don’ts

• DO use a female (internal) condom from start to finish, every time you have vaginal sex.*
• DO read the condom package insert and check the expiration date.
• DO make sure there are no tears or defects.
• DO use lubricant to help prevent the condom from slipping and tearing.
• DO store condoms in a cool, dry place.

*Female (Internal) condoms can also be used for anal sex and follow the same general guidelines as those for vaginal sex outlined below.

How To Insert and Remove a Female (Internal) Condom

Only condoms have been proven to reduce the risk of getting some STDs.

According to the HHS Office on Women's Health, the male latex condom is the best method for protecting against STDs, including HIV/AIDS. Polyurethane condoms are an effective alternative if either partner has a latex allergy. Natural/lambskin condoms do not prevent the spread of STDs because of the presence of tiny pores (holes) that may allow viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B, and herpes to spread.

The female condom has properties similar to the male condom, but researchers have not studied its effectiveness in reducing the spread of STDs as much as they have studied the male condom.

The most common STD is the human papilloma (pronounced pap-uh-LOH-muh) virus, or HPV. No method of contraception can fully prevent the transmission of HPV, because it can infect areas not covered by a condom. However, using a condom with every sex act can lower the risk of transmission.

If you have questions about birth control and STDs, talk to your health care provider.

If you think you may have an STD, you should see your health care provider.

Every year, thousands of women are infected with HIV. Learn the facts. Teach the women in your family and community how to prevent and treat HIV.

HIV quick facts

What is HIV?

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. A person with HIV is called HIV positive (HIV+).

HIV makes it hard for your body to fight off sickness. There are cells in your blood called 'CD4 cells' or 'T cells'. These cells help protect your body from disease. HIV kills these cells.

How do you get HIV?

HIV is spread through body fluids like blood, semen, or breast milk.

You can get HIV when you:

• Have sex with a person who is HIV+ and do not use a condom. Most women get HIV from having unprotected sex with a man. You cannot tell who has HIV just by looking at them. Always use a condom every time you have sex.
• Share needles or syringes (drug works) with someone who has HIV
• Get blood from a person who has HIV. Now all donated blood is tested for HIV. You can’t get HIV from giving blood.

You can’t get HIV from:

• Shaking hands
• Kissing
• Sharing household items like forks or glasses with someone who has HIV

HIV testing - know your status

How do you know if someone has HIV?

The only way to know for sure is to get an HIV test.

• You cannot tell who has HIV just by looking at them. Most people do not show any outward signs when they first get HIV.
• A person can spread HIV even if he or she does not look sick.
• Knowing your HIV status gives you the information you need to help you stay healthy.

How do you get tested for HIV?

There are three basic types of HIV tests:

• Blood – A small amount of blood is taken from your finger or arm.
• Oral – Fluid is taken from the inside of your mouth
• Urine – A small cup of urine is used.

Some HIV tests take 1-2 weeks to get results from a lab. Other tests called “rapid HIV tests” can give results in about 20 minutes.

You can get tested at places like a doctor’s office, mobile health van, or health fair. There are also home HIV tests that let you test yourself.

What is the “window period”?

It may take a few weeks or months for HIV to show up on a test. This time is called the “window period.”

• A person who was just infected with HIV may not test positive even though they have the virus.
• A person can give the virus to others during the window period.

HIV treatment

Is there a cure for HIV?

There is no cure for HIV. There are medicines that people with HIV can take to help them live well and stop the virus from building up in their body.

• Some people take 1 pill each day. Other people take 3 or more drugs every day.
• Over time, you can get very sick if you do not take your HIV medicines.
• People with HIV should not stop taking their medicines without first talking to a doctor.
• Clinical trials can help researchers find a cure and improve HIV treatments.
• Some people who are at high risk of getting HIV can take medicine to lower their chance of getting the virus. PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is the name used when people take HIV medicines to lower their chance of getting infected.

It can be hard to manage your health and your HIV treatment. If you feel sad or stressed often, talk to your HIV counselor or healthcare provider.

What should you know if you are pregnant or want to get pregnant?

A woman can pass HIV to her baby during pregnancy, labor or delivery. A woman can also pass HIV to her baby during breastfeeding.

• Women with HIV should talk to their doctor before they get pregnant.
• Women with HIV can take medicine to lower the chance of giving her baby HIV.
• Some HIV medicines should not be taken during pregnancy because they can cause birth defects. Ask your health care provider if you will need to change your medicines.
• There are pregnancy registry studies that track women with HIV who take HIV medicines during pregnancy.

HIV prevention

The most common way to get HIV is by not using a condom when you have sex with a person who has HIV. You can take steps to help protect yourself from getting HIV through sex.

Condoms

Male condom

Latex condoms, the most common type, may help prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). “Natural” or “lambskin” condoms help prevent pregnancy, but may not provide protection against STIs, including HIV. The male latex condom must be used consistently and correctly to help reduce HIV risk. The male condom cannot provide complete protection against HIV or other STIs.

Female condom

When used in the vagina, the female condom reduces the risk of HIV and other STIs. The female condom cannot provide complete protection against HIV or other STIs.

Medicine to reduce HIV risk

What is PrEP?

PrEP is short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP is for adults who do not have HIV but are at high risk of becoming infected. As a part of PrEP, you can take a medicine every day to reduce the risk of getting the HIV virus through sex. Ask a health care provider whether PrEP is right for you.