Birth Control (Contraception)

Birth control at a glance

  • Birth control, or contraception, is the intentional act of trying to prevent pregnancy by means of devices, medications, medical procedures or personal behavior. Our CU Women’s Health OB-GYN clinics assists women with all of these options.
  • The primary benefit of birth control is preventing a woman from getting pregnant when she doesn’t want to, thereby giving her more control over her reproductive choices.
  • Some types of contraception may also be used to treat painful or irregular periods.

What is birth control?

Women and men practice birth control when they actively try to prevent a pregnancy. This can involve behaviors, such as abstinence from sexual intercourse or timed intercourse to avoid ovulation. For couples having sexual intercourse, means of birth control include the use of barrier methods (condoms), medications (hormone-based), devices (implants), or procedures (sterilization) to prevent pregnancy. These options are detailed below.

Typically, women are at risk of getting pregnant from sexual intercourse after they have reached puberty (around age 12) and until they enter menopause (average age of 51 in the United States). Birth control helps prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Birth control can also be used to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. Controlling a woman’s cycle can help with cramps, irregular cycle length, mood swings, acne or heavy menstrual flow.

There are many effective and safe birth control options women have to choose from with the help of their OB-GYN. We help our patients navigate the many birth control options and find what works best for them. Most forms of birth control, other than condoms, require a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Birth control options

The type of birth control chosen is a very personal decision best made in consultation with a healthcare provider. A thorough discussion of the benefits and risks of each method is necessary, and a gynecologic examination may also reveal anatomical issues affecting options.

Birth Control Implants

Key Facts

Birth control implants, sold under the brand names Implanon and Nexplanon, are small, matchstick-sized plastic rods inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a healthcare provider. They release etonogestrel, a hormone that prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to block sperm. Implants provide up to three years of pregnancy protection, are over 99% effective, and are immediately reversible upon removal.
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Condoms

Safe, Affordable Protection Against Pregnancy and STDs

Condoms are a reliable, non-prescription birth control method that also protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Available in male and female forms, condoms are easy to use, inexpensive, and effective when used correctly. Learn how to use condoms properly, their benefits, safety tips, and what to do if a condom breaks during intercourse.
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Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot

How It Works, Benefits, and Risks

Depo-Provera is a hormonal birth control shot given every 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy. It works by thickening cervical mucus and stopping sperm from reaching an egg. When used correctly, it is 99% effective but does not protect against STDs. The shot is convenient, discreet, and safe for women who cannot take estrogen or are breastfeeding. Common side effects include irregular bleeding, weight changes, headaches, and temporary bone density loss.
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Diaphragm

How It Works, Benefits, and Risks

A diaphragm is a reusable, dome-shaped birth control device inserted into the vagina to block sperm from reaching the uterus. Used with spermicide, it is 82–94% effective when fitted correctly by a healthcare provider. Diaphragms are hormone-free, making them suitable for breastfeeding women and those who cannot use estrogen.
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IUD Birth Control

Types, Benefits, and Risks Explained

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped contraceptive placed in the uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types: ParaGard (copper), which lasts up to 10 years and is hormone-free, and Mirena (hormonal), which lasts up to 5 years and often reduces menstrual bleeding. IUDs are highly effective, reversible, and can even serve as emergency contraception if inserted within five days after unprotected sex. While generally safe, IUDs carry some risks and are not suitable for everyone. Discuss options with your doctor to find the best method for your needs.
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Morning After Pill

Emergency Contraception Options Explained

Emergency contraception helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. Two main pill options are available: Plan B (levonorgestrel), effective up to 3 days, and ella® (ulipristal acetate), effective up to 5 days and generally more reliable. Weight can affect pill efficacy, and ella® requires a prescription. A copper IUD is another highly effective alternative within 5 days.
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Natural Family Planning (NFP)

Understanding Fertility Awareness for Birth Control

Natural Family Planning (NFP), also called the fertility awareness method, helps women track their menstrual cycles to identify fertile days and avoid pregnancy without hormones or devices. Common techniques include the calendar (rhythm) method, basal body temperature tracking, cervical mucus observation, and the symptothermal method. NFP is 75–87% effective when used correctly but less reliable for women with irregular cycles or certain life stages.
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Patch

How It Works, Benefits, and Side Effects

The birth control patch is a thin, hormone-releasing patch worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. A new patch is applied weekly for three weeks, followed by one patch-free week. When used correctly, it is over 99% effective, though less effective for women over 198 pounds or those taking certain medications.
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Pill

How It Works, Benefits, and Side Effects

The birth control pill is an oral contraceptive that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. Available as combination pills (estrogen and progestin) or progestin-only pills, it requires a prescription and must be taken daily at the same time for maximum effectiveness. When used correctly, it is over 99% effective, but typical use lowers effectiveness due to missed doses. 
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Ring

A Simple, Effective Birth Control Option

The vaginal ring, commonly known as NuvaRing, is a flexible hormonal contraceptive inserted into the vagina for three weeks, followed by a ring-free week. It releases estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. NuvaRing is highly effective when used correctly, but does not protect against STDs. Benefits include lighter periods and reduced cramps, while side effects may include nausea or irritation. Proper insertion, timely replacement, and awareness of medication interactions are key to effectiveness.
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Spermicide

How It Works, Effectiveness, and Risks

Spermicide is an over-the-counter contraceptive available in gels, foams, creams, films, and suppositories. It works by killing or immobilizing sperm to prevent pregnancy. Spermicide must be applied before each act of intercourse and is most effective when combined with barrier methods like condoms or diaphragms. On its own, spermicide is 71–85% effective and does not protect against STDs. While it offers a hormone-free option and convenience, it can cause irritation and may be messy to use.
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Tubal Ligation

Permanent Birth Control Explained

Tubal ligation, often called “getting your tubes tied,” is a surgical sterilization procedure for women that permanently prevents pregnancy by blocking the fallopian tubes. This one-time, non-reversible method is more than 99% effective and does not affect hormones or menstrual cycles. It’s ideal for women certain they do not want future biological children. While generally safe, risks include rare tube reconnection, ectopic pregnancy if failure occurs, and surgical complications such as anesthesia reactions.
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