Birth control methods women can use without going to a clinic or doctor:

The Female Condom (Female Condom®) Get fact sheet (pdf)

• The female condom is a soft, loose-fitting thin plastic pouch that goes inside a woman's vagina.
• You plan ahead and put it in before sex and use a new condom each time you have sex.
• Condoms protect you from both pregnancy and STDs, including HIV.
• Female condoms are plastic so people who are allergic to latex can use them.
• You can get them at drug stores and most health clinics.

Fertility Awareness Method Get fact sheet (pdf)

• You learn how to tell when you can get pregnant.
• Avoid sex or use other birth control during this time.

Spermicides Get fact sheet (pdf)

• Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm. They come in foam, gel, film or suppositories.
• Spermicides used with a condom are very effective.
• You can get them at drug stores and some health clinics.

Abstinence Get fact sheet (pdf)

• Abstinence from all sex protects you and your partner from pregnancy and STDs/HIV.
• People can choose abstinence at any time and at any age.

Hormone methods give constant protection from pregnancy. See a clinic or doctor for these methods:

Birth Control Pills Get fact sheet (pdf)

• You take one pill at the same time every day. Missing a pill increases your chance of pregnancy.
• Pills are easy to take and are effective birth control that doesn't interrupt sex.

The "Shot" (Depo Provera®) Get fact sheet (pdf)

• You get a birth control shot once every 3 months from a doctor or nurse.
• The shot is an easy method and almost 100 percent effective if you get your shot ON TIME.

Birth Control Patch (Ortho Evra®) Get fact sheet (pdf)

• The patch is a thin, stick-on square that is placed on your body to prevent the release of an egg.
• A new patch is used once a week for three weeks and the fourth week is patch-free.
• The patch is almost 100 percent effective when used the right way.

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing®) Get fact sheet (pdf)

• This small, soft plastic ring has hormones to prevent pregnancy.
• You place a new ring in your vagina every month.
• The ring is easy to use and is almost 100 percent effective.

Implant (Implanon™) Get fact sheet (pdf)

• The implant is a thin, 2-inch plastic rod that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy for 3 years.
• A clinic doctor or nurse inserts it under the skin on the inside of your arm.
• The implant is VERY effective.

Other birth control methods might be right for you. Talk to your clinic nurse or doctor about:

IUD(ParaGard®)/IUS(Mirena®) Get fact sheet (pdf)

• These small devices are inserted into your uterus.
• They work for 5-10 years.
• They are VERY effective.

Diaphragm Get fact sheet (pdf)

• This is a rubber cap that needs to be fitted to your size by a clinic doctor or nurse.
• It must be inserted into your vagina EACH time you have sex.

Are you ready to think about permanent birth control?

Sterilization Get fact sheet (pdf)

• If you don't want children or don't want any more children, getting your "tubes tied" (tubal ligation) or blocked are safe, effective procedures.

If a condom breaks or sex "just happened!" you can still prevent pregnancy.

Emergency Contraception (Plan B®) Get fact sheet (pdf)

• Emergency birth control pills or EC may be taken AFTER unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
• EC reduces the risk of pregnancy when taken as soon as possible or within 5 days of sex.
• EC is NOT the same as the abortion pill and will NOT stop or harm the pregnancy or fetus if you are already pregnant.
• Keep EC on hand as a back-up in case a condom breaks or another birth control method fails.
• You can get EC from the drugstore without a prescription if you are 18 or older (with one if you are under 18) or for low or no-cost at a family planning clinic.

PLAN AHEAD

TALK TO YOUR MALE PARTNER

about birth control

AND SELECT a method TOGETHER...

Find a clinic near you

Birth control is not just for women!

MEN... YOU can . . .

• Decide if or when you want a child by using birth control.
• Protect yourself and your partner from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or hepatitis.
• Gain peace of mind and have better sex knowing you are protecting yourself and your partner from the risks of unprotected sex.
• No birth control method works 100 percent of the time. So unless you want to be a father, you should use your own method, don't just rely on your female partner's method.

Condoms (for men) Get fact sheet (pdf)

• Condoms protect you from both pregnancy AND STDs, including HIV.
• Condoms give you the BEST protection when you use them in the right way EVERY time.
• Condoms are made of latex or thin plastic (polyurethane). Use plastic condoms if you have a latex allergy. Both are effective.
• Keep condoms safe from heat, direct sunlight and oil-based lubricants as these may cause the condom to break.
• You can get condoms at drugstores and some health clinics.

Withdrawal or "Pulling Out" Get fact sheet (pdf)

• You are in control...
• Withdrawal works when you pull your penis out and away from your partner's vagina BEFORE you ejaculate (cum).
• Withdrawal prevents sperm from entering a woman's body and reaching an egg.
• Withdrawal does not protect you from STDs or HIV.
• It may be hard to pull out. How well it works depends on being able to know when you will cum.

Abstinence Get fact sheet (pdf)

• Abstinence from all sex protects you and your partner from pregnancy and STDs/HIV.
• People can choose abstinence at any time and at any age.

If a condom breaks or sex "just happened!" you can still prevent pregnancy.

Emergency Contraception (Plan B ®) Get fact sheet (pdf)

• Emergency birth control pills or EC may be taken by your female partner AFTER unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
• EC reduces the risk of pregnancy when taken as soon as possible or within 5 days of sex.
• EC is NOT the same as the abortion pill and will NOT stop or harm the pregnancy or fetus if your partner is already pregnant.
• Keep EC on hand as a back-up in case a condom breaks or you don't pull out in time.
• You can get EC for your female partner from the drugstore without a prescription if you are 18 or older (with one if you are under 18) or for low or no-cost at a family planning clinic.

Are you ready to think about permanent birth control?

Vasectomy Get fact sheet (pdf)

Vasectomies are:

• Simple procedures. Tubes that carry sperm to the penis are cut and sealed.
• Permanent (not reversible) birth control and should be chosen only if you are sure you do not want a child.
• Done in a clinic or doctor's office and take about 30 minutes.
• One of the safest, most effective and popular birth control methods.

A vasectomy will not change your sex drive, your ability to have sex or your orgasms.

Many family planning clinics offer low or no-cost vasectomies.

PLAN AHEAD

TALK TO YOUR FEMALE PARTNER

about birth control

AND SELECT a method TOGETHER...

Find a clinic near you