www.fda.

gov/birthcontrol
BIRTH CONTROL GUIDE (CHART)
This birth control chart provides high-level information about different birth control options. It is meant for educational purposes for the
general public. This chart is not meant to be a complete list of all available birth control options. Talk with your health care provider about
the best birth control choice for you.

If you do not want to get pregnant, you can choose from many birth control options. No one product is best for everyone. Some types of birth
control are better than others at preventing pregnancy. Check the pregnancy rates on this chart to get an idea of how effective a method is
at preventing pregnancy. The pregnancy rates on this chart tell you the number of pregnancies expected during the first year of use for each
100 women who use that method. These rates can help you understand how effective the different methods are during actual use (including
sometimes using a method in a way that is not correct or not consistent). The chart also provides some of the risks or side effects associated
with each type of birth control to help you determine which option may be best for you. The only sure way to avoid pregnancy is to not have sex.

NUMBER OF SOME RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS 4

BIRTH CONTROL METHODS 1 PREGNANCIES USE 3 This chart does not list all of the possible
EXPECTED
risks and side effects.
(per 100 women) 2

Sterilization surgery Less than 1 • One-time procedure • Bleeding • Pain

for women • Permanent • Infection or other
complications after
surgery

Sterilization surgery Less than 1 • One-time procedure • Bleeding • Pain

for men • Permanent • Infection
(vasectomy)

IUD (intrauterine Less than 1 • Inserted and removed by a • Cramps • Spotting between
device)/IUS health care provider • Heavier, longer periods
(intrauterine system) • Lasts up to 10 years periods
without hormone
(copper)

IUD (intrauterine Less than 1 • Inserted and removed by a • Abdominal/pelvic • No periods

device)/IUS health care provider pain (amenorrhea)
(intrauterine system) • Lasts up to 8 years, • Irregular bleeding
with hormone depending on the type
(progestin)

Implantable rod Less than 1 • Inserted and removed by a • Acne • Mood swings or
health care provider • Headache depressed mood
• Lasts up to 3 years • Menstrual changes • Weight gain

Contraceptive 4 • A health care provider gives a • Abdominal • Loss of bone

injection/shot shot every 3 months discomfort density
• Delay in fertility • No periods
return (amenorrhea)
• Headache • Weight gain
• Irregular bleeding/
bleeding between
periods

Oral contraceptives 7 • Must swallow a pill every day • Breast tenderness • Spotting/bleeding
“the pill” • Generally, get a monthly • Headache between periods
(combined pill) period • Nausea

Oral contraceptives 7 • Must swallow a pill every day • Breast tenderness • Spotting/bleeding
“the pill” • Generally, get period less • Headache between periods
(extended/continuous often than monthly
use combined pill) • Nausea

Oral contraceptives 7 • Must swallow a pill at the • Acne • Spotting/bleeding

“the mini pill” same time every day • Breast tenderness between periods
(progestin only) • Generally, get a monthly • Weight gain
• Headache
period
• Nausea

Patch 7 • Put on a new patch • Breast tenderness • Spotting/bleeding

(transdermal system) once a week for 3 weeks • Headache between periods
(wear a patch for 21 • Stomach pain
consecutive days) • Nausea

• Don’t put on a patch during • Skin irritation

the 4th week

Page 1 of 2 May 2024

 NUMBER OF SOME RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS 4
BIRTH CONTROL METHODS 1 PREGNANCIES USE 3
This chart does not list all of the possible
EXPECTED
risks and side effects.
(per 100 women) 2

Vaginal contraceptive 7 • Put the ring into the • Breast tenderness • Vaginal
ring/vaginal vagina yourself • Headache discharge,
contraceptive system • Keep the ring in your vagina discomfort in the
• Nausea vagina, and mild
for 3 weeks and then take it
out for 1 week • Mood changes irritation

• Certain types of rings can be

reused for multiple cycles

Software application 7-8 • Enter the requested • May provide inaccurate information
for contraception information into the app (e.g., (ovulation prediction) if used when
daily basal body temperature, currently or recently on hormonal birth
menstrual cycle information) control or hormonal treatments that
prevent ovulation (release of egg)

Male condom 13 • Must use every time you have • Allergic reactions • Irritation
vaginal sex
• Certain types may provide
protection against some
sexually transmitted
infections (STIs)

Diaphragm with 17 • Must use every time you • Allergic reactions • Urinary tract
spermicide have sex • Irritation infection

Sponge with 17 • Must use every time you • Irritation

spermicide have sex

Cervical cap with 22-23 • Must use every time you • Allergic reactions • Urinary tract
spermicide have sex • Irritation infection

Internal (female) 21 • Must use every time you • Burning sensation, • Discomfort or
condom have vaginal sex rash, or itching pain during
• Provides protection against insertion or sex
some STIs

Anti-sperm vaginal 21-28 • Must use every time you have • Allergic reactions • Urinary tract
contraceptives vaginal sex • Irritation infection
(includes spermicides
and other anti-sperm
agents)

Emergency Contraceptives (EC): May be used if you did not use birth control or if your regular birth control fails (such as a condom
breaks). It should not be used as a regular form of birth control.

Levonorgestrel 7 out of every • Swallow the pill as soon as • Breast pain • Menstrual
1.5 mg (1 pill) 8 women who possible within 3 days after • Dizziness changes
would have having unprotected sex • Nausea
gotten pregnant • Headache
will not become • Lower stomach • Tiredness
pregnant after (abdominal) pain • Vomiting
taking this EC

Ulipristal acetate 6 or 7 out of • Swallow the pill(s) as soon as • Abdominal pain • Menstrual pain
every 10 women possible within 5 days after • Dizziness • Nausea
who would have having unprotected sex
gotten pregnant • Headache • Tiredness
will not become
pregnant after
taking this EC

1
Consumers should be aware that FDA approves, clears, and grants marketing authorization for individual contraceptive products, not “methods.”
However, for purposes of this chart, which includes birth control options broader than products, we use the term “methods.”
2
Data is drawn from Bradley SEK, et al., Effectiveness, safety, and comparative side effects. In: Cason P, Cwiak C, Edelment A, et al. [Eds.]
Contraceptive Technology. 22nd edition. Burlington, MA: Jones-Bartlett Learning, 2023; in instances where clinical trial data described in FDA
required labeling showed higher pregnancy rates, that information is also provided. For more information on the chance of getting pregnant while
using a certain product (medicine or device), please check the product label or consult your health care provider.
Learn more:
3
Refer to the Prescribing Information or instructions for use for a specific product or ask your health care provider for specific instructions for use.
4
The risks and side effects are listed in alphabetical order; the information on this chart does not include all risks and benefits for each method.

Page 2 of 2 May 2024