US Trends

birth control options

Birth control options today range from short-term methods like condoms and pills to long-acting options like IUDs and implants, plus permanent procedures such as sterilization. The “best” method is the one that fits your health, lifestyle, and future pregnancy plans, ideally chosen with a clinician.

Big picture: types of birth control

Most methods fall into a few groups that work in different ways and last for different lengths of time.

  • Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC): IUDs and arm implants that work for years.
  • Hormonal methods: pills, patch, ring, shot, and some IUDs or implants.
  • Non‑hormonal methods: condoms, copper IUD, diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicide, sponge, fertility awareness.
  • Emergency contraception: special pills or a copper IUD used after sex.
  • Permanent options: tubal ligation or vasectomy for people certain they don’t want future pregnancies.

Highly effective “set it and forget it” options

These are popular if someone wants strong protection with very little daily effort.

  • Hormonal IUDs
    • Small T‑shaped device placed in the uterus by a clinician; works for several years depending on brand.
* Often make periods lighter or less painful; some people have irregular spotting at first.
  • Copper IUD
    • Hormone‑free device that can last 10–12 years and can also be used as emergency contraception if placed within 5 days after unprotected sex.
* Can increase period flow and cramps for some users, especially in the first months.
  • Arm implant
    • Thin rod under the skin of the upper arm that releases progestin and prevents pregnancy for up to about 3 years.
* Very effective; common side effect is changed bleeding patterns (spotting, lighter or sometimes absent periods).

Pills, patch, ring, and shot

These hormonal methods work well if used on schedule and can offer extra benefits, like more predictable periods or less cramping.

  • Birth control pills
    • Taken daily; combinations usually contain estrogen and progestin, while “mini‑pills” use only progestin.
* Typical‑use effectiveness depends heavily on not missing pills; some people like the cycle control and improved cramps or acne.
  • Patch
    • Worn on the skin and changed weekly for 3 weeks with 1 patch‑free week.
* Similar hormones to combination pills, but no daily pill to remember.
  • Vaginal ring
    • Flexible ring placed in the vagina for 3 weeks, then removed for 1 week; some newer types can be reused for several cycles.
* Provides steady hormones with once‑a‑month attention.
  • Shot (injection)
    • Progestin shot given about every 3 months by a clinician or, for some brands, self‑injected.
* Can stop periods entirely for some people over time but may cause irregular bleeding and delayed return to fertility after stopping.

Non‑hormonal & “on‑demand” methods

These can be useful for people who prefer to avoid hormones or want protection only during sex.

  • External (male) condoms
    • Worn on the penis; help prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
* Effectiveness improves a lot when used correctly every time and combined with spermicide if desired.
  • Internal (female) condoms
    • Worn inside the vagina and also offer some STI protection.
* Can be inserted before sex and controlled by the receptive partner.
  • Diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, spermicide
    • Placed in the vagina before sex, usually with spermicide; effectiveness depends heavily on correct placement and timing.
* Better suited to people who have sex less frequently and are comfortable with inserting devices.
  • Fertility awareness methods
    • Involve tracking cycle signs (like basal body temperature and cervical mucus) to avoid sex or use barriers on fertile days.
* Require consistent monitoring and education; effectiveness varies with training and diligence.

Emergency contraception & permanent choices

These options either “back up” after unprotected sex or close the door to future pregnancies.

  • Emergency contraception
    • Pills with levonorgestrel are available over the counter in many places and work best when taken as soon as possible within 5 days of unprotected sex.
* A copper IUD placed within 5 days is the most effective emergency method and then continues as long‑term birth control.
  • Permanent birth control
    • Tubal ligation (for people with a uterus) and vasectomy (for people with testes) are intended to be permanent and have very high effectiveness.
* Recommended only for those who are sure they do not want future biological children, because reversal is complex and not guaranteed.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.