Set and Forget
Long-term, set-and-forget preferred
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Evidence-based calculations Used in clinical settings worldwide Regular monitoring recommended
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🎯 LARC Candidate
Long-term, set-and-forget preferred
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🌿 Hormone-Free Preferred
Wants to avoid hormonal methods
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🚬 Smoker Over 35
Limited hormonal options
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🤱 Breastfeeding Mother
Needs compatible method
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🛡️ STI Protection Needed
Multiple partners or new relationship
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Your Priorities
Medical History
Lifestyle
Preferences
Recommended Methods
Tubal Ligation/Salpingectomy
0.5% failHighly Recommended
Duration: Permanent
Action: None after procedure
Pros:
- • Permanent
- • No ongoing action
- • Salpingectomy reduces ovarian cancer risk
Vasectomy
0.15% failHighly Recommended
Duration: Permanent
Action: None after confirmed
Pros:
- • Permanent
- • Minor procedure
- • Very effective
Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena)
0.2% failHighly Recommended
Duration: 3-7 years
Action: None required
Pros:
- • Lighter periods
- • May stop periods
- • Very effective
Copper IUD (Paragard)
0.8% failHighly Recommended
Duration: 10-12 years
Action: None required
Pros:
- • Hormone-free
- • Long-lasting
- • Set and forget
Implant (Nexplanon)
0.05% failHighly Recommended
Duration: 3-5 years
Action: None required
Pros:
- • Most effective reversible method
- • Set and forget
- • No daily action
Depo-Provera Shot
6% failGood Option
Duration: 3 months
Action: Quarterly clinic visit
Pros:
- • Quarterly injection
- • Private
- • May stop periods
Effectiveness Comparison
Lower is better. Green = very effective, Blue = effective, Orange = less effective
For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before acting on results.
🏥 Health Facts
— WHO
— CDC
What is Birth Control? Understanding Your Contraceptive Options
Birth control (contraception) refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy. With over a dozen methods available, choosing the right one depends on your health history, lifestyle, future pregnancy plans, and personal preferences. No single method is best for everyone - the ideal choice balances effectiveness, convenience, side effects, and your individual needs.
LARC Methods
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (IUDs, implant) are over 99% effective and require no daily action.
Hormonal Methods
Pills, patches, rings, and shots use hormones to prevent ovulation. Effectiveness depends on consistent use.
Barrier Methods
Condoms and diaphragms physically block sperm. Condoms are the only method that also protects against STIs.
How Effective is Birth Control? Understanding the Numbers
Effectiveness Comparison
Percentages shown are typical use effectiveness (accounting for human error)
When to Consider Different Methods
Set and Forget
LARC methods (IUD, implant) are ideal if you want long-term protection without daily action.
Breastfeeding
Progestin-only methods (mini-pill, IUD, implant) are safe while nursing. Avoid estrogen.
Smoker 35+
Avoid combined hormonal methods (pill, patch, ring) due to blood clot risk.
New Relationships
Use condoms for STI protection, even with another contraceptive method.
Want Pregnancy Soon
Choose easily reversible methods like pills, condoms, or FAM.
Done Having Kids
Consider permanent options like tubal ligation or vasectomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective birth control?
The implant (Nexplanon) and IUDs are over 99% effective. Sterilization is also highly effective but permanent.
Can I get pregnant right after stopping birth control?
Most methods allow immediate fertility return. The Depo shot may delay fertility for up to 10 months.
Does birth control cause weight gain?
Most studies show no significant weight gain with hormonal birth control. The Depo shot may cause modest weight gain in some users.
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