Birth Control

Some kinds of birth control start to work with the first use, such as barrier methods.

Hormonal methods of birth control such as pills, implants, or the patch may not begin working immediately.

Their effectiveness depends upon the time in your monthly cycle when you begin using the contraception.

Sometimes it is recommended that women use an alternate method of contraception for the first week after beginning the pill or hormonal contraception.

Can you get pregnant on birth control?

There is no form of birth control that is 100% effective, so it is possible to get pregnant while using most types of birth control. However, many types of birth control, when used correctly, are highly effective in preventing pregnancy. For example, the birth control pill is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. For all forms of birth control it is important to have a basic understanding how they work and how to use them correctly.

What are the different types of birth control available

Types of birth control methods include options that prevent sperm from reaching an egg, known as barrier methods, methods that prevent ovulation, and methods that prevent implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterus. Permanent methods (surgical sterilization) are also available for those who no longer desire to have children.

Types of birth control include:

Hormonal birth control methods include:

• Birth control pills
• Hormonal patches
• Birth control implants
• Vaginal ring

Barrier birth control methods include:

• Diaphragms
• Condoms
• Cervical caps
• Spermicides

Natural birth control methods include the use of:

• Ovulation test kits
• Cervical mucus examination
• Tracking menstrual cycles (rhythm method)

Other types of birth control options include:

• Intrauterine devices
• Emergency contraception "morning after" pills

Surgical sterilization methods for birth control include:

• Tubal ligation ("tubes tided")
• Vasectomy