From daily pills to long-acting options like IUDs and implants, there are many different types of birth control available in the U.S. According to the FDA, birth control methods vary in how they are used, the hormones they contain, and how effective they are. With so many choices available, it’s normal to feel unsure about which birth control method is right for you.
The best option depends on your health history and your routine. Understanding how each method works can help you choose one you feel confident using consistently.
Birth control methods can be grouped based on how they work and how often they need to be used.
Some methods require daily attention, while others work for years. Because effectiveness depends on consistent use, choosing a method you can stick with makes a meaningful difference.
Hormonal birth control uses synthetic versions of estrogen, progestin, or both to prevent pregnancy. These hormones work mainly by stopping ovulation altogether, meaning your body does not release an egg each month. They also make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
Hormonal methods vary in how often you need to use them, from daily pills to monthly or quarterly options.
Birth control pills are one of the most commonly used types of birth control and are often a starting point for many people. Also known as oral contraceptives, they come in a few different forms:
The mini pill may be recommended if you cannot safely take estrogen, including if you have a history of blood clots, certain types of migraines, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you smoke.
A birth control patch releases estrogen and progestin through the skin to prevent ovulation. You apply a new patch once a week for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week.
Because it only needs to be changed weekly, it may be easier to stay consistent compared to a daily pill while still giving you control over when to stop.
The vaginal ring, like NuvaRing or Annovera, is a flexible ring that you insert into the vagina once a month. It releases estrogen and progestin steadily over several weeks to prevent ovulation.
Instead of taking daily medication, you follow a monthly schedule, typically leaving the ring in place for three weeks, then removing it for one week. This can be a good option if you want something low-maintenance but still easy to stop or switch.
The birth control shot (Depo-Provera) is a progestin injection given every three months by a medical professional. It works by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
This option can be helpful if daily or weekly maintenance doesn’t fit your routine, though fertility can take longer to return after stopping.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are designed to prevent pregnancy for several years without requiring daily, weekly, or monthly action. Once placed by a doctor, they work continuously and are among the most effective forms of birth control available.
These methods are reversible, meaning fertility typically returns after removal.
A birth control implant, such as Nexplanon, is a small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm that releases progestin continuously to prevent pregnancy. Once it’s in, there’s nothing to remember. It works for up to three years without ongoing effort, making it a convenient option if you don’t want to think about birth control on a regular basis.
Hormonal IUDs, like Mirena, Kyleena, or Liletta, are small T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus that release a low dose of progestin locally. Depending on the brand, they’re effective for three to eight years and are among the most effective methods available. Many people experience lighter periods or none at all over time. IUDs must be inserted during a short in-office procedure at a health clinic or OBGYN’s office, but once inserted, the device works continuously without daily or monthly maintenance.
A copper IUD like Paragard is a hormone-free option that uses copper to create a toxic environment for sperm, ultimately preventing sperm from reaching an egg. It’s effective for up to ten years and can also be used as emergency contraception if inserted within five days of unprotected sex.
Because it does not contain hormones, it may be a good option for people who prefer or need to avoid hormonal birth control.
Barrier methods prevent pregnancy by physically blocking sperm from reaching an egg. Unlike hormonal methods, they do not affect your body’s natural hormone levels. Many barrier methods are used only at the time of intercourse, making them a flexible option for people who do not want ongoing medication.
They are generally less effective than hormonal or long-acting methods when used alone, but can still be effective when used correctly every time.
Condoms are one of the most widely used birth control methods. External condoms are worn over the penis, while internal condoms are placed inside the vagina before intercourse.
They not only help prevent pregnancy but are also the only method that protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Because they are used on demand, they do not require ongoing maintenance, but effectiveness depends on proper use every time.
Cervical caps and diaphragms are small, reusable silicone cups that are inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. They work by blocking sperm from entering the uterus and are typically used with spermicide, a substance that helps stop or kill sperm, to improve effectiveness.
While they work in similar ways, diaphragms are slightly larger and sit higher, while cervical caps fit more closely over the cervix.
Both methods need to be placed before intercourse and left in place for several hours afterward. They also require a prescription and fitting by a healthcare provider to ensure proper use.
A contraceptive sponge is a soft foam containing spermicide. It is inserted into the vagina before intercourse and works by both blocking the cervix and releasing spermicide to kill sperm.
It can be worn for up to 24 hours, but like other barrier methods, effectiveness depends on correct use.
Choosing a birth control method is both a medical and personal decision. Beyond pregnancy prevention, some methods can also offer unique birth control benefits that support your other health goals, like regulating your cycle, managing acne, or reducing hormone-related symptoms.
When comparing methods, you might consider:
Some people may prefer longer-acting options, such as IUDs or implants, as these work in the background for years with minimal effort. Others choose shorter-acting options because they can quickly stop if their plans change.
A doctor can help you weigh these factors in the context of your medical history, including migraines, smoking status, and history of blood clots, to ensure your preferred method is safe for you to take. Looking at your full health picture helps reduce risk and ensures the type of birth control you choose fits into your broader care plan.
You can start by sharing your health history, medications, and goals in a secure conversation. Counsel’s medical AI helps organize your health history and goals so your care feels personalized and connected over time.
If birth control may be appropriate for you, you can invite a licensed doctor into the same conversation to review your history, answer questions, and confirm a safe plan that fits your needs. This allows you to move forward without waiting weeks for an in-person appointment. When appropriate, your prescription can be sent directly to your preferred local pharmacy for pickup.
Care doesn’t just stop once your prescription is sent. You can return to the same conversation at any time to discuss side effects, cycle changes, or new questions as they come up. Ongoing check-ins allow your care plan to be adjusted so your birth control remains effective and comfortable over time.
With Counsel, you can manage your birth control online in one place, with ongoing support that helps you stay consistent and confident in your care, with or without insurance.
The Counsel Health editorial team is a multidisciplinary group of writers and editors dedicated to delivering clinically grounded, evidence-based health information. Their work is informed by real-world care delivery and guided by physician expertise, ensuring content is accurate, accessible, and trustworthy. By translating complex medical topics into clear, practical guidance, the team helps readers understand their health, explore care options, and make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Dr. Rishi Khakhkhar is CMO at Counsel Health. A practicing emergency physician and founding team member, he leads the clinical team in building best-in-class asynchronous care models. Previously, he served as Medical Director of Mount Sinai’s Virtual Urgent Care, the health system’s largest telemedicine service, and led emergency department operations for Hospital-at-Home while supporting mobile integrated health initiatives across the care continuum.
Our content is created for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical care. For personalized guidance, talk to a licensed physician. Learn more about our editorial standards and review process.
