Author: Meaghan Bachop

Medically reviewed by Sanvithi Anjanappa and Praneel Kumar

 

Whether you’re here because you’re exploring options, had a minor oops moment, or just want to feel like an absolute genius when chatting about reproductive health, welcome! You’re in the right place.

Birth control is all about having the power to decide when (or if) you want to get pregnant, and lucky for us, science has given us a whole menu of options. 

Some methods are daily, some are long-term, and some require a little extra coordination (looking at you, condoms). No matter your lifestyle or vibe, there’s a contraceptive method that can fit seamlessly into your life.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each type, let’s set the record straight: all birth control methods are designed to either prevent sperm from reaching an egg, stop ovulation from happening, or make the uterus an inhospitable place for pregnancy.

 

Now, let’s break it down.

 

The IUD: The Low-Maintenance MVP

IUDs (intrauterine devices) are the gold standard for anyone who wants a set-it-and-forget-it birth control option. These tiny, T-shaped devices get inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider and work their magic for years.

There are two main types:

Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena, Skyla) release progestin, which thickens cervical mucus (aka making it nearly impossible for sperm to swim through), thins the uterine lining, and can even stop ovulation. These last 3 to 8 years, depending on the brand.

Non-hormonal IUDs (Paragard) are made of copper, which creates an inflammatory response that makes the uterus a hostile environment for pregnancy. Bonus? This bad boy lasts up to 10 years.

Effectiveness: Over 99% (yes, that’s as close to perfect as it gets).

Best for: People who want long-term, fuss-free birth control.

Downside: The insertion process can be uncomfortable (but short-lived!), and some people experience cramping or changes in their periods.

 

The birth control pill: The classic daily routine

Ah, the pill. It’s a small but mighty daily dose of synthetic hormones (estrogen and/or progestin) that works in three ways: preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining.

Sounds simple, right? Well, the catch is you have to take it every day, preferably simultaneously. When used perfectly, the pill is 99% effective. But human error brings that number down to about 93% (because life happens, and sometimes you forget).

Check out this blog article where we dive into what to do if you piss a pill.

Effectiveness: 93% (typical use).

Best for: People who like routine and don’t mind taking a pill daily.

Downside: You must be on it consistently; missing doses can lower effectiveness.

 

Condoms: The classic wing woman

Condoms are the tried-and-true external barrier method. They work by blocking sperm from ever reaching the egg. No sperm, no baby, simple as that. They’re also the only birth control method that protects against STIs, which is a huge plus.

But let’s be real: they aren’t perfect.

• They’re 87% effective with typical use, which means mistakes (like putting them on incorrectly or them breaking mid-action) can happen.
• They can sometimes kill the vibe since they require stopping to put one on.

Effectiveness: 87% (typical use).

Best for: Protection against STIs, backup contraception, or people who don’t want hormones.

Downside: They require some real-time effort and don’t guarantee the highest pregnancy prevention rate.

 

Other methods?

Yup! Believe it or not, we’ve only scratched the surface. Check out this detailed resource for information on other types of birth control. 

Some of these other options include:

The patch: A small adhesive patch that releases hormones like the pill but only needs to be changed weekly.

The ring: A flexible ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones and is changed monthly.

The shot (Depo-Provera): A progestin injection is given every three months.

Implant (Nexplanon): A tiny rod placed under the skin of your arm that releases hormones for up to 5 years.

Fertility awareness methods: Tracking your cycle to avoid pregnancy (not the most reliable, but works for some).

Sterilization (tubal ligation/vasectomy): Permanent birth control for those who are absolutely sure they’re done with baby-making.

 

So, what’s the best birth control?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it’s all about what works for you and your lifestyle. 

At the end of the day, you deserve birth control that fits into your life, not the other way around. So, do your research, talk to your healthcare provider, and choose what makes you feel confident and in control!