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Learning About Birth Control

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Birth control is any method used to prevent pregnancy. If you have vaginal sex without birth control, you could get pregnant. The only sure way to not get pregnant is to not have sex. Finding birth control that works for you can help avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

What are the types of birth control?

There are many kinds of birth control. Each has pros and cons. Find what works for you.

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). These are placed inside your body by a doctor. They can prevent pregnancy for years.

Examples include:

  • An implant (hormonal).
  • Copper intrauterine device (IUD).
  • Hormonal IUDs.

Short-acting hormonal methods. These release hormones (estrogen and progestin, or progestin only).

Examples include:

  • Combination birth control pills ("the pill").
  • Skin patches.
  • A vaginal ring.
  • A shot.
  • Mini-pills.

Barrier methods. Use these every time you have vaginal sex.

Examples include:

  • External (male) condoms.
  • Internal (female) condoms.
  • Diaphragms.
  • Cervical caps.
  • Sponges.

Spermicides. These kill sperm or stop sperm from moving. They can be a gel, cream, foam, film, or tablet. Use them before vaginal sex.

Examples include:

  • Nonoxynol-9.
  • pH regulator gel.

Fertility awareness. You'll learn when you're most likely to become pregnant (fertile). You can avoid vaginal sex at that time.

It's also called:

  • Natural family planning.
  • The rhythm method.

Permanent birth control (sterilization). This can be an option if you're sure that you don't want to get pregnant later.

This includes:

  • Vasectomy.
  • Having tubes tied (tubal ligation).

Emergency contraception. This is a backup method. Use it if you didn't use birth control or your birth control method failed.

Examples include:

  • Copper and hormonal IUDs.
  • Emergency contraceptive pills.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter R673 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About Birth Control".

Current as of: November 27, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: November 27, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.