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A collection of borth control options

There are a lot of birth control options that work very well. There is no “best choice” that will be right for everyone. You have the right to decide what is best for you. By learning about all your options, you can make a choice that fits your needs, health and values.

  • Does this type of birth control fit my needs/schedule/lifestyle?
  • Can I use this type of birth control, or would my partner be using it?
  • Will this type of birth control change my body, and is that okay with me?
  • Do I want birth control to also protect me from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
  • What other information do I need before I make my choice?

Types of Birth Control

There are a few categories of birth control:

  • Hormonal birth control includes things like pills, patches, injections, vaginal rings, hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants. These types of birth control only work on the body of someone with ovaries. This kind of birth control changes levels of hormones in the body to reduce the chance of pregnancy. Someone needs a prescription for this type of birth control.
  • Non-hormonal birth control includes:
    • Barriers like condoms (external or internal) that stop sperm from entering the uterus. External condoms are available to buy at grocery stores, drug stores and pharmacies and internal condoms can be ordered online. Both types of condoms are available for free at the Centre for Sexuality office.
    • Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) that stop the sperm and egg from meeting in the uterus. Someone needs a prescription for a copper IUD and a health care provider must insert it.
    • Abstinence (not having sex). If semen does not get on the vulva or inside the vagina, there is a lower chance of pregnancy.
  • Emergency birth control includes pills like Plan B and Ella. These pills quickly change hormone levels in the body in order to reduce the chances of pregnancy. Plan B is available without a prescription at pharmacies; Ella requires a prescription.
  • Permanent birth control includes surgeries (tubal ligation for people with ovaries or vasectomies for people with testicles). This changes physical systems in the body to prevent pregnancy. A doctor must perform these surgeries.