From condoms to the pill, there are so many forms of birth control that can fit into even the busiest lifestyles. Before you choose a contraceptive, it’s important to understand each method and how effective they can be, when used properly. Here’s an overview of a few of the most common contraceptive methods.

The Pill

Birth control pills are an oral contraceptive with hormones that work to help safely stop ovulation. This method requires you to take a tiny pill at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness. There are two types of pills you can take: combination pills, the most common, and progestin-only. 

Combination pills have both estrogen and progestin, and they typically come in packs of 21 or 28 days. If your pack includes 21 days-worth of pills, you won’t take any pills during the fourth week of the month. If you have a 28-day pack, however, then you’ll take placebo pills during the fourth week. Often referred to as a “sugar pill” this placebo serves as a reminder to take your medication daily. You’ll typically get your period during the fourth week of your birth control cycle.

Progestin-only pills, on the other hand, only contain one hormone — progestin. These pills come in 28-day packs, and you must take the pills on time to prevent pregnancy. When taking progestin-only pills, it’s important you take them at the same time, or within a three hour window, each day. Taking them inconsistently can reduce effectiveness.

The pill also has several health benefits aside from preventing pregnancy. It can lighten your menstrual cycle, reduce your risk of ectopic pregnancies, and some pills, like Sprintec, help treat acne. When taken at the same time each day, this method can be up to 99% effective. But, life happens and you may forget a day. If you don’t take this method on schedule, it can reduce its effectiveness to about 93%. To help make the pill work for you, set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to take it every day.

Implants

If you’re someone that consistently forgets to take daily vitamins and prescriptions, then an intrauterine device or implant is for you. These methods are low-maintenance forms of birth control because you can forget about it once it’s been implanted. 

Intrauterine Device

An IUD is a T-shaped device that’s inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. And, they can last for 3-12 years, depending on which type you get. If you choose this method, you’ll have to decide between hormonal and copper options. Hormonal IUDs use progestin, which thickens the mucus on your cervix to trap sperm, and it stops eggs from leaving your ovaries.

A copper IUD, however, is wrapped in just enough copper to keep sperm away. These devices can also act as an emergency contraceptive. If you get an IUD inserted within five days of unprotected sex, it’s 99% effective at preventing a pregnancy. Because you don’t have to take this on a schedule, IUDs are more than 99% effective. All you have to remember is when yours expires, so you can get it removed or replaced.

Birth Control Implant

A birth control implant is another low-maintenance method that you can forget about once it’s been inserted. The implant is a small stick-like device that’s inserted into your upper arm. Like many other forms of birth control, this implant uses progestin to help prevent pregnancies. 

While this method protects against pregnancy and offers a discreet alternative to pills, implants can have side effects. Once implanted, you may experience bruising at the site. You may also experience irregular bleeding, like spotting, which can last 6-12 months. On the plus side, this type of birth control can last up to five years, and it’s just as effective as an IUD. Because it’s implanted in your body and there’s less chance for human error, this method is over 99% effective.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods of contraception literally create a physical barrier between sperm and an egg, preventing fertilization and pregnancy. Common barrier methods include male and female condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. While their effectiveness can vary depending on proper usage and individual circumstances, barrier methods are generally considered to be moderate in effectiveness.

When used consistently and correctly, male condoms have an effectiveness rate of around 98% in preventing pregnancy, while female condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps have slightly lower effectiveness rates. Additionally, barrier methods are unique in that they provide the added benefit of preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. It is often beneficial to use condoms in addition to other birth control methods.

Fertility Awareness Methods

If you’re looking for a natural way to prevent pregnancies, try tracking your menstrual cycle and fertile days. Fertility awareness methods rely on tracking when you’re ovulating. Your ovulation days are your most fertile, as this is when your ovaries are releasing an egg. During these fertile days, it’s best to use another form of birth control, like condoms or abstinence. 

There are three common methods people use to track their menstrual cycle: basal temperature, cervical mucus, and calendar. These methods can range from 77% to 98% effective. However, they are typically more effective when you combine all three methods.

The temperature method requires you to take your temperature at the same time each morning with a basal thermometer. While you’re ovulating, your temperature naturally rises. Once it’s increased for at least three days, it’s safe to have unprotected sex.

If you choose the cervical mucus method, you’ll have to check your vaginal discharge each day. During this time, pay attention to the color, texture, and consistency of your mucus. Your most fertile window is when your mucus is slippery and wet. The calendar method can help you predict when you’re most fertile by tracking your menstrual cycles. Based on your past cycles, you can estimate when you’re mostly likely to ovulate. 

The Choice Is Up to You

With so many methods available, it can be difficult to choose birth control. When you’re choosing a method, consider your lifestyle and your habits. If you’re prone to forgetting your medications, consider an implant. If you’re looking for something affordable and convenient, try the pill. Or if you’d prefer a natural method, start tracking your menstrual cycles. 

If you’re still looking for alternative methods, know there are more options. There’s the ring, patch, shot, and more, but there’s only so much to cover in one article. Talking with a medical provider can give you more answers and options.