Method Fact Sheets
The Implant
The birth control implant, known by its brand name Nexplanon, is a small, rod-shaped device that releases hormone continuously into the body. It is a one-time implant in the arm that provides reliable contraception for up to 4 years. The implant does NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). How does it work? The implant…
The Gel
The birth control gel is one of the newest methods of non-hormonal contraception. It was approved just this year under the brand name Phexxi. The gel does NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). How does it work? The gel consists of citric acid, lactic acid, and potassium bitartrate. Together, they work by maintaining a…
The IUD
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are very effective and long-lasting forms of reversible birth control. They do NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). What are the available IUD options? *Depends on the specific product **If the hormonal IUD is inserted…
The Shot
The shot is a method of hormonal birth control in the form of a shot given every 3 months. It contains only one hormone, a progestin. It is known by the brand name Depo-Provera (given as an injection into muscle) and the newer Depo-SubQ Provera (given as an injection into fat). The shot does NOT…
The Patch
The patch is a method of hormonal birth control in the form of a thin, adhesive patch that is attached to the skin every week for 3 weeks followed by a week of no patch. There are 2 brands of patches: Xulane and the new Twirla. The patch does NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases…
The Ring
The ring is a method of hormonal birth control in the form of a flexible plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina, where it stays in for 3 weeks and out for one week. There are 2 birth control rings: NuvaRing and the new Annovera. Like the pill, the ring can be used for…
Progestin-Only Pills “Minipill”
The “minipill,” or progestin-only pill (POP), is a method of birth control that contains only one hormone, a progestin. There are 2 types of minipills: norethindrone and drospirenone. The minipill is different from the combined oral contraceptive (COC or “the pill”), which contains progestin and estrogen hormones (find “the pill” fact sheet here). The minipill…
Combination Pills “The Pill”
The combined oral contraceptive (COC), or “the pill,” is a method of hormonal birth control. The pill contains estrogen and progestin hormones. Brands include Loestrin, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Yaz, and Yasmin. The pill has many benefits beyond birth control. Many people use it to help with acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or their periods. The pill does…
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception (EC) is a method of birth control that is used up to 5 (ideally 3) days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. EC pills do NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There are 2 types of EC pills: Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) and its generics Next Choice, My Way, and Preventeza: progestin…