Contraception comes in many forms which you and your healthcare practitioner can discuss which best suits your needs.

Hormonal Methods

• These use hormones to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, or thin the uterine lining.
• Birth control pills (combined estrogen and progestin or progestin-only).
• Contraceptive patch.
• Vaginal ring (e.g., NuvaRing).
• Hormonal IUD (e.g., Mirena, Kyleena).
• Copper IUD while not technically a hormone acts to release ions to affect sperm mobility and also irritates the womb lining to make it inhospitable for eggs.
• Injectable contraceptives (e.g., Depo-Provera)
• Implants (e.g., Nexplanon)

Barrier Methods

These physically block sperm from reaching the egg.

• Male condoms
• Female condoms
• Diaphragm
• Cervical cap
• Sponge with spermicide

Natural Methods

• Based on tracking fertility and avoiding sex during fertile periods.
• Fertility awareness methods (calendar, basal body temperature, cervical mucus)
• Withdrawal method

Permanent Methods

Surgical options for people who do not want children in the future.

• Tubal ligation (for women)
• Vasectomy (for men)

Emergency Contraception

Used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

• Emergency contraceptive pills (e.g., Plan B, Ella)
• Copper IUD (most effective if inserted within 5 days)

Depending on your lifestyle, if you have many partners, a barrier method plus a hormonal one would be best.

If you have already had your family you may decide to have a vasectomy or IUD.

All of these interventions require a follow up with your doctor to see if they suit your body.