• The external condom fits over the penis to catch semen and body fluids after ejaculation
• Provides a barrier between partners

• External or internal condoms
• With or without spermicide (Note: the use of spermicides can increase your chances of contracting an STI)
• Latex or non-latex
• Non-latex types include polyurethane, polyisoprene and lambskin. (Note: lambskin condoms do not protect against HIV, HPV or Herpes)

• Protects against STIs
• Easy to find and affordable
• Many types and sizes available
• May help prolong intercourse for some individuals with a penis

• Must be used perfectly, every time (pinch, place and unroll). For info on how to put on a condom, visit here
• May reduce sensitivity
• May be inconvenient

• Possible allergies or irritation caused by certain types, brands or lubricants

• Inserted into vagina
• Must be used with spermicide
• Keeps sperm out of the uterus by blocking the cervix
• Spermicide kills sperm

• No hormones
• Controlled by the user and can be inserted hours before sex
• Won’t be felt by either partner
• Reusable

• May be difficult to insert
• Can move out of place during sex
• Need to remember to remove it and clean it after use
• Does not protect against STIs

• Temporary skin irritation due to spermicide
• May cause urinary tract infections
• May cause reaction for those allergic to silicone or spermicide

• Emergency contraception can stop a pregnancy before it starts by temporarily stopping an ovary from releasing an egg
• Oral pill taken within 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected sex

• Ella, is a pill with ulipristal acetate, that you need a prescription from a health care provider
• Other pills (Plan B One Step, Take Action, My Way, AfterPill) contain levonorgestrel and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription at most drugstores and pharmacies

• Safe way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex
• Can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex

• Over the counter morning-after pills work best within 3 days (the sooner you take them, the better they work)
• The most effective methods, like ella, can be more difficult to get as you need to order online or have a prescription
• Plan B is less effective if you take it more than 72 hours after sex or weigh 155 pounds or more

• Cramping
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting

• Releases the hormone progestin
• Prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs
• Thickens cervical mucus and prevents sperm from reaching the egg
• Removed by provider when you want to become pregnant, switch birth control method or when it is time to be removed

• Easy to use and totally private – place it and forget it
• Fewer, lighter periods
• Can be used while breastfeeding

• Bruising or tenderness at insertion site
• Irregular bleeding that can be unpredictable
• Does not protect against STIs

Side effects are most common during the first 3 months of use and usually go away.

You may experience some or none of the following:

• Irregular bleeding or no period at all
• Acne
• Hair loss
• Headache
• Sore breasts
• Nausea
• Mood changes
• Weight gain

• Placed into uterus by provider
• Releases the hormone progestin
• Thickens cervical mucus and prevents sperm from reaching the egg
• May also prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs
• Makes it harder for sperm to move
• Removed by provider when you want to become pregnant, switch birth control method or when it is time to be removed

• Safe and highly effective
• High satisfaction rates
• Easy to use and totally private — place it and forget it
• Reduces cramps and makes periods lighter or stops them completely
• Protects against endometrial cancer
• Can be used while breastfeeding

• Insertion can be uncomfortable
• Irregular bleeding or spotting in the first 3–6 months
• Does not protect against STIs

Side effects are most common during the first 3 months of use and usually go away.
You may experience some or none of the following:

• Cramps
• Back pain
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Hair loss
• Acne

• Placed into uterus by provider
• Releases copper ions
• Makes it difficult for sperm to move
• Prevents sperm from meeting and fertilizing an egg
• Removed by provider when you want to become pregnant, switch birth control method or when it is time to be removed

• Safe and highly effective
• High satisfaction rates
• No hormones and no hormonal side effects
• Easy to use and totally private — place it and forget it
• Protects against endometrial cancer
• Can be used while breastfeeding
• Can be inserted as emergency contraception

• Insertion can be uncomfortable
• Possible irregular bleeding or spotting and heavier, crampier periods for the first 1-3 months of use
• Does not protect against STIs

• Longer, heavier periods with more cramps that should subside over time, returning to your regular period

• Sticks on skin like a band aid
• Releases hormones to prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs
• Thickens cervical mucus and prevents sperm from reaching the egg

• Easy to use
• Does not fall off easily
• Reduces menstrual cramps and PMS
• Shorter, lighter periods
• May be removed for up to 3 hours

• Increased risk of blood clots, especially for smokers or individuals with other cardiovascular risk factors
• Does not protect against STIs
• Not as effective for individuals who weigh more than 198 lbs.
• Only comes in one color, light beige

Side effects are most common during the first 3 months of use and usually go away.

You may experience some or none of the following:

• Skin irritation
• Irregular spotting or bleeding
• Headache
• Sore breasts
• Nausea
• Mood changes

• Releases hormones to prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs
• Thickens cervical mucus and prevents sperm from reaching the egg

• Easy to use
• Reduces menstrual cramps and PMS
• Shorter, lighter periods
• Decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers
• Clears up acne

• May be difficult to remember to take on time
• Increased risk of blood clots, especially for smokers or individuals with other cardiovascular risk factors
• Does not protect against STIs

Side effects are most common during the first 3 months of use and usually go away.

You may experience some or none of the following:

• Irregular bleeding, especially with missed pills
• Headache
• Sore breasts
• Nausea
• Mood changes

• Inserted into the vagina
• Releases hormones to prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs
• Thickens cervical mucus and prevents sperm from reaching the egg

• Reduces menstrual cramps and PMS
• Shorter, lighter periods
• May be removed for up to 3 hours

• Increased risk of blood clots, especially for smokers or individuals with other cardiovascular risk factors
• Does not protect against STIs

Side effects are most common during the first 3 months of use and usually go away.

You may experience some or none of the following:

• Increased vaginal discharge
• Headache
• Sore breasts
• Nausea
• Mood changes
• Decreased interest in sex

• Can receive shot in upper arm or buttocks
• Releases hormones to prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs
• Thickens cervical mucus and prevents sperm from reaching the egg

• Totally private
• Shorter, lighter periods or no period at all
• Reduces menstrual cramps and PMS
• Can be used while breastfeeding

• Must return to provider for shot every 3 months
• Unpredictable, irregular bleeding or spotting
• Weight gain in some individuals
• May be a delay in return to regular cycle and fertility after last shot (average of 10 months)
• Does not protect against STIs

• Irregular bleeding
• Reversible bone thinning
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Depression
• Decreased interest in sex
• Rare risk of allergic reaction