• A shot of the hormone progestin to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs and thicken cervical mucus to keep sperm from getting to eggs—available by prescription
• Shot administered by a healthcare professional every 3 months either in the muscle or under the skin
• Some risks include bone density loss with repeated shots, bleeding between periods, headaches, weight gain, nervousness, and abdominal pain
• Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A barrier method, such as a condom, should be used to help protect against STIs
• <1 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method as directed. About 4 in 100 may get pregnant when using this method incorrectly or inconsistently

• A prescription pill containing estrogen and progestin to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs; also thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching the egg
• The pill is swallowed at the same time every day, regardless of sexual activity
• Another birth control method, such as a condom, should be used if 1 or more doses are missed
• Some risks include changes in menstrual cycle, nausea, breast tenderness, headache, or high blood pressure (uncommon)
• It is rare, but some women may have blood clots, heart attack, and stroke
• Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A barrier method, such as a condom, should be used to help protect against STIs
• <1 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method as directed. About 7 in 100 may get pregnant when using this method incorrectly or inconsistently

• A skin patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, upper arm, or back that contains estrogen and progestin to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs; also thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching the egg
• The patch is replaced once a week for a total of 21 days, followed by a 4th patch-free week during which the menstrual period should start
• Another birth control method, such as a condom, should be used if the patch comes loose or falls off
• This method will expose women to higher levels of estrogen compared to most combined oral contraceptives; it is not known if the higher levels of estrogen carry a greater risk for blood clot
• Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A barrier method, such as a condom, should be used to help protect against STIs
• <1 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method as directed. About 7 in 100 may get pregnant when using this method incorrectly or inconsistently

• A flexible ring you place in your vagina that releases estrogen and progestin to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs; also thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching the egg
• Ring is kept in for 3 weeks and removed for 1 week; menstrual period should start during the ring-free week
• Ring options include a monthly use and a yearly use ring
• If the ring falls out or stays out for more than 3 hours, it should be replaced with another method of birth control, such as a condom, until the ring has been used for 7 days in a row
• Some risks include vaginal discharge, discomfort, mild irritation, headache, mood changes, nausea, and breast tenderness
• Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A barrier method, such as a condom, should be used to help protect against STIs
• <1 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method as directed. About 7 in 100 may get pregnant when using this method incorrectly or inconsistently

• A dome-shaped flexible disk with a flexible rim that covers the cervix, available by prescription
• Inserted into the vagina before having sex using spermicidal jelly; must be left in place for at least 6 hours after sex
• Can be left in for up to 24 hours, additional spermicide is needed every time you have sex
• Some risks include irritation, allergic reactions, and urinary tract infection; toxic shock syndrome is a rare and serious infection that could occur if left in place longer than 24 hours
• Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A barrier method, such as a condom, should be used to help protect against STIs
• About 16 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method as directed. About 17 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method incorrectly or inconsistently

For women:

• A lubricated, thin polyurethane pouch that is inserted into the vagina, available over the counter (OTC)
• Female condom must be used every time you have sex; it can be put on right before sex and should be used only once, then discarded
• Reduces the risk of STIs; however, the female condom cannot provide absolute protection
• Some risks include irritation and allergic reactions
• About 5 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method as directed. About 21 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method incorrectly or inconsistently

For men:

• A thin sheath placed over the erect penis, available OTC
• Male condom must be used every time you have sex; it can be put on right before sex and should be used only once, then discarded
• Condoms are highly effective protection against STIs
• Some risks include irritation and allergic reactions
• About 2 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method as directed. About 13 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method incorrectly or inconsistently

• Man removes penis from vagina before ejaculation. To be effective, this must be done every single time you have vaginal sex
• Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A barrier method, such as a condom, should be used to help protect against STIs
• About 4 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method as directed. About 20 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method incorrectly or inconsistently

• A disk-shaped device you insert into the vagina before sex using spermicide
• Sponge must be left in place for at least 6 hours after sex and discarded within 30 hours; it must be thrown away after use
• Sponge protects for up to 24 hours
• Some risks include irritation, allergic reactions, and difficulty removing; toxic shock syndrome is a rare and serious infection that can occur if left in longer than 24 hours
• Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A barrier method, such as a condom, should be used to help protect against STIs
• In women who have not given birth, 14 out of 100 may get pregnant. In women who have given birth, 27 out of 100 may get pregnant. Childbirth stretches the vagina and cervix and the sponge may not fit as well

• Consistent tracking of fertility signs including your menstrual cycle, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus
• Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A barrier method, such as a condom, should be used to help protect against STIs
• Between <1 and 12 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method as directed. Between 2 and 34 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method incorrectly or inconsistently

• A foam, cream, jelly, film, or tablet that is put into the vagina
• You need to put spermicide into the vagina between 5 and 90 minutes before you have sex
• Spermicide must be left in place at least 6 to 8 hours after sex; do not douche or rinse the vagina for at least 6 hours after sex
• Some risks include irritation, allergic reactions, urinary tract infection, and reduced effectiveness when used with medication for a vaginal yeast infection
• Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A barrier method, such as a condom, should be used to help protect against STIs
• About 16 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method as directed. About 21 out of 100 may get pregnant when using this method incorrectly or inconsistently