Birth Control Options

Birth control is the process of preventing pregnancy, in a multitude of ways with each one possessing a number of advantages and disadvantages. It can be employed by both men & women and common options include intrauterine devices (IUD), pills, vasectomy or condoms, each weighing its own share of benefits and drawbacks.

The information included in this page is not a substitute for medical advice. The list of side effects may not include all side effects as drugs can affect all people differently. Any dosage information may not include all dosage information. It is important to discuss with a medical professional that knows your medical history well which dosage is right for you and if there are any potential risks or possible side effects. Our goal is to provide relevant information but this page may not include all up-to-date information.

What are the Best Birth Control Options?

The best birth control options prevent pregnancy and enable one to lead a healthy & fit life. There are a number of options available nowadays that allow one to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. However, the best birth control options differ from person to person, depending upon the choices available and needs at the time. 

It is necessary and imperative to speak with a physician to determine which birth control option is most appropriate for your individual needs. Birth control options can vary depending on an individuals medical conditions, family history and past reactions to medication.

Best Birth Control Options Using Pills

Birth control pills often consist of small amounts of only human-made progestin or both estrogen and progesterone hormones. They become a part of the individuals’ natural hormones to prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of eggs by the ovaries or blocking the sperm’s access to an egg. 

These options are considered 91% effective and birth control costs can range from $0-$50. A prescription from a physician is required to obtain these contraceptives. Birth control pills are most effective when taken orally on a daily basis at the same time every day thus requiring planning as well as diligence to ensure the pills are taken on schedule to prevent pregnancy. 

Progestogen-only Pill

One of the traditional contraceptive pills, a progestogen-only pill prevents the chance of getting pregnant through the thickening of mucus on the cervix via inhibition of human-made progestogen hormones so as to stop sperms from reaching an egg. They need to be taken every day for them to function properly and decrease any chance of pregnancy. 

Combined Pill

Often referred to as the pill, it comprises both estrogen and progesterone hormones, designed to be taken only by women orally. One example of a combined estrogen and progesterone pill is Sprintec birth control. 

The pill prevents pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg every month, i.e., ovulation to be specific. It further works by either thickening mucus within the cervix so that no sperm is able to reach the egg or by thinning the uterine lining walls lessening the chance of a fertilized egg implanting there.

Birth control, such as Sprintec birth control, can also have benefits such as reducing blood loss and lessening period pain as well as making menstration more regular. Birth control also has the potential to decrease risk of ovarian cysts and certain birth controls can be used in part as acne treatment. 

However, individuals react differently to birth control options thus benefits vary from person to person. 

Best Birth Control Options Using Barrier Methods

Barrier methods control pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the uterus and further fertilizing an egg. Often barrier birth control options are advised to be accompanied by spermicide, to enhance efficiency. Spermicides often come in the form of gel, cream, jelly, foam, film or suppository. These methods unfortunately do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Let’s discover the barrier birth control methods in detail:

Contraceptive Implant

The contraceptive implant, often referred to as Nexplanon, consists of a small-size plastic flexible rod that is often placed under the skin in the upper arm. It releases progestogen hormone within the human body’s bloodstream which can prevent pregnancy up to 5 years.

It prevents pregnancy by not allowing ovulation while also thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering and fertilizing an egg. 

The implant is 99% effective and is required to be implanted by either a doctor or a nurse. This contraceptive costs between $0-$1300 depending on insurance coverage. 

Contraceptive Injection

Contraceptive injection, often containing the formulation of Depo-Provera, Sayana Press or Noristerat, enables the release of progesterone hormone within the human body’s bloodstream so as to prevent getting pregnant. 

Noristerat prevents pregnancy for 8 weeks, Depo-Provera for 13 weeks as well as Sayana Press for 13 weeks. Apart from not allowing ovulation, contraceptive injection thickens the cervical mucus to prevent any potential sperm from encountering an egg should it be released. 

The birth control shot is 94% effective but requires attention in getting a new shot on time to prevent pregnancy. A prescription is required and this method can be injected by either a doctor or nurse or if desired by the individual at home. This birth control option costs between $0-$150 depending on healthcare coverage. 

Contraceptive Patch

A contraceptive patch comprises a small sticky patch that is attached to an upper arm, belly, butt, or back which releases hormones through the skin to prevent pregnancy. Similar to the combined pill, it releases estrogen and progesterone, thereby eliminating the chance of ovulation. Furthermore, it thickens the cervical mucus so as to prevent sperm from reaching the and fertilizing an egg.

This contraceptive option is 91% effective and like other hormonal birth control options require attention in replacing the patch with a new patch on time in order to prevent pregnancy. The patch can cost anywhere between $0-$150 depending on coverage and requires a prescription to obtain. 

IUS (Intrauterine System or Hormonal Coil)

An intrauterine system, commonly abbreviated as IUS or referred to as the hormonal coil, is a plastic-material T-shaped coil that is interested within the womb to release the progesterone hormone within it to prevent pregnancy for 3 to 5 years. The intrauterine system is reversible birth control, which can be removed to brighten up the chances for conceiving. It may or may not prevent ovulation, but it successfully thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperms from reaching out to the fertilized egg as well as thins the womb walls for discarding any chance for the fertilized egg to implant itself within the womb. 

Vaginal Ring

A vaginal ring, also referred to as NuvaRing or ANNOVERA ring, is a soft plastic ring-shaped material that is inserted within the vagina. It works on the principle of releasing estrogen and progesterone hormones within the bloodstream to prevent ovulation and to lessen any chance of getting pregnant. Furthermore, it increases its effectiveness through thickening of cervical mucus to disable sperm from reaching the fertilized egg.

The NuvaRing can be used to safely skip periods and can last for up to 5 weeks before needing to be removed and replaced. The ANNOVERA ring lasts for 1 year or 13 cycles. It is inserted for a consecutive 21 days at a time and then removed and cleaned for 7 days as well as stored in a case before being reinserted. 

In order to properly prevent pregnancy utilizing either birth control option, following the schedule for the specific ring is necessary. Rings are 91% effective and can cost between $0-$200 as well as require a prescription in order to obtain. 

Hormonal IUDs (Intrauterine Device or Coil)

An intrauterine device, commonly known as IUD, intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) or coil, is a T-shaped device inserted within the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is one of the most long-lasting reversible birth control (LARC). 

There are 4 types of hormonal IUDs: Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs which use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy.  Mirena works for up to 7 years. Kyleena works for up to 5 years. Liletta works for up to 7 years. Skyla works for up to 3 years.

These birth control options are 99% effective and can be easily removed if an individual decides to try and get pregnant or no longer wishes to have an IUD. They require a doctor’s prescription and to be inserted by a doctor or nurse. The typical cost of an IUD is between $0-$1,300 depending on an individual’s coverage. 

Best Non-hormonal Birth Control Options

Non-hormonal birth control options are often appealing to people due to the non-involvement of hormones. It is ideal for those conditions in which less sexual intercourse happens, no alteration with the natural menstrual cycle is applauded, dealing with non-availability of insurance coverage or used as a backup to cover up for the loose ends in other birth control methods. Let’s discover the non-hormonal birth control options in detail as follows:

Male Condoms

A male condom is a sheath-shaped barrier device worn by men during sexual intercourse so as to block the path for sperm to reach a fertilized egg. It is also used to avoid any kind of sexually transmitted infections with the exception of condoms made with lambskin or other animal membranes which do not protect against STIs.

External condoms are worn on the penis and often referred to as Male Condoms. They work by forming a very thin latex barrier, which is usually made of polyisoprene or polyurethane to help minimize the chances of pregnancy.  

Male condoms are considered to be 85% effective but can run the risk of breaking which can lead to pregnancy. They typically cost around $2 per condom and do not require a prescription to obtain. 

Female Condoms

A female condom or an internal condom is made of thin synthetic latex and is designed for females to be worn inside the vagina so as to prevent pregnancy. It works on the principle of barrier contraception method by stopping the sperms from reaching out to a fertilized egg. This form of contraceptive also works well to inhibit the spread of sexually transmitted infections. 

Female condoms are 79% effective and cost around $2 per condom with. 

Copper IUDs (Intrauterine Device or Coil)

A copper IUD or the Paragard IUD uses copper to prevent pregnancy because sperm doesn’t like copper thus prevents it from ever reaching a released egg. Copper IUDs  can last up to 12 years and are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. 

Copper IUDs also work as an emergency contraceptive and can be inserted 120 hours or 5 days after unprotected sex and can be more than 99.9% effective as long as an egg has not already been fertilized. 

This form of birth control costs between $0-$1,300 depending on coverage and must be inserted by a doctor. 

Contraceptive Caps or Diaphragms

A contraceptive cap or diaphragm is made of silicone material, molded in the shape of a thin circular dome that is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse. It prevents pregnancy by closing the mouth of the cervix so as to prevent sperm from getting into the womb to fertilize an egg. Its effectiveness is often complemented by a sperm-killing gel, known as a spermicide. For best results, it must be left in the vagina for at least 6 six hours after intercourse and up to 2 days. 

These birth control options are 71-86% effective. They require a prescription and can cost between $0-$90, coverage dependent.

Sponge

A sponge is a foam-based material that works on the same principle as a cap or diaphragm to avoid pregnancy, however, a sponge comes with spermicide to slow down sperm to prevent it from reaching an egg. It also prevents pregnancy by closing the mouth of the cervix to disable sperm from reaching inside the womb to initiate a possible pregnancy. It is necessary to be inserted before sex to work properly. 

This birth control option is 76-88% effective and requires no prescriptions. It costs about $15 for 3 sponges. 

Vaginal Gel or Spermicide

A vaginal gel is an anti-infective that works on the principle of raising the pH level of the vagina to disable the sperm from traveling  through the reproductive canal. It is applied prior to sexual intercourse within the vagina with the help of a dedicated applicator.

It is 72-86% effective and does not require a prescription to obtain. It can cost up to $270. 

Best Surgical Birth Control Options

Surgical birth control options commonly are combined within the sterilization domain, namely vasectomy and tubal ligation. It is either a permanent or reversible method to avoid pregnancy and involves surgical processes. Let’s discover surgical birth control in detail as follows:

Sterilization

The sterilization of surgical birth control can be achieved in two ways; tubal ligation and vasectomy. The tubal ligation, also referred to as tubal sterilization or getting your tubes tied, involves the blockage of women’s fallopian tubes to disable eggs from reaching inside the uterus. This option costs between $0-$6,000 and lasts a lifetime while being 99% effective. 

Whereas vasectomy seals the tubes within testes that carry the sperms. Vasectomy is a reversible birth control mechanism, however, tubal ligation is a permanent method. This option costs between $0-$1,000 and is 99% effective and lasts a lifetime. 

Keep in mind, sterilization unfortunately does not ensure the prevention of getting away with sexually transmitted diseases. 

Best Behavioral Birth Control Options

Behavioral birth control options include: outercourse, pull-out method, as well as natural family planning, but keep in mind adherence to certain rules are necessary to avoid pregnancy. Let’s discover behavioral birth control options in detail as follows:

Outercourse 

Outercourse or abstinence is the birth control mechanism through which the penis does not go inside the vagina, thereby removing any chance of pregnancy. Some forms of this, such as oral or anal sex, do not prevent against the spread of sexually tramsitted infections. 

Pull-out Method

The pull-out method is the birth control tactic in which a man pulls out his penis from the vagina before he ejaculates to avoid pregnancy. This method is 78% effective and must be done correctly every time to prevent pregnancy as even a small amount of sperm within the vagina can lead to pregnancy. 

Natural Family Planning (Fertility Awareness)

Natural family planning, commonly known as Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs), is a birth control process where women monitor and record their ovulation days based on their menstrual cycle to avoid getting pregnant. It involves identifying the ovulation days based on the length of their menstrual cycle, daily readings of body temperature and changes within cervical secretion. 

FAMS require dedication and following through with necessary fertility charting as well as abstaining from sex during specific periods to prevent pregnany. FAMs can be 76-88% effective when followed correctly, however, it is often advised to consult a qualified fertility specialist for effective family planning, who often guides women to follow a fertility chart to keep a documented record of fertility signals. 

Following this method can typically cost around $20 for supplies.

What Are the Birth Control Options When Breastfeeding?

While breastfeeding, there are a number of safe and secure birth control options available that can be used by a mother to avoid pregnancy. Breastfeeding alone reduces the chances of pregnancy, provided that one is exclusively breastfeeding, with effects lasting for 6 months post the baby’s birth. 

To achieve so, a mother must feed the baby every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours during the night. However, there are chances a breastfeeding individual may ovulate without knowing and might get pregnant in the process. Therefore, it is safest to say that one must consult the doctor, for he/she may recommend pills that are exclusively progesterone based, for estrogen has been scientifically linked with lowering milk supply. 

To be on the safe side, one can choose from the following safest birth control options while breastfeeding:

Mini-pill

A mini-pill contains progesterone hormone only to help a breastfeeding mother avoid pregnancy. Due to the absence of estrogen hormone, milk supply is not reduced and pregnancy is also avoided in the process. It is usually prescribed by the doctor and is often taken 6 to 8 weeks post-birth. Periods come at regular intervals, however, spotting or irregular bleeding is often experienced by some breastfeeding mothers.

IUD

IUDs are long-lasting reversible contraceptives that can come both in hormonal or non-hormonal forms prescribed by doctors only to avoid pregnancy. They contain progestin, synthetic progesterone, to disable any chance of pregnancy. They might affect the regularity of periods as well as shorten their days of occurrence. 

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods offer blockage to sperm from reaching out to the fertilized egg and can be used as soon as post-birth sexual intercourse becomes a possibility. The barrier methods which are safe to use during breastfeeding are as follows:

1. Condoms
2. Sponge
3. Cap or Diaphragm

Implant

The implant birth control option can be used by breastfeeding mothers to avoid pregnancy as they contain synthetic progesterone hormone, progestin. An implant can be inserted immediately after delivery and can be removed once one decides to try to get pregnant again. This method comes with the least complications for breastfeeding mothers in terms of preventing any chance of getting pregnant.

Depo-Provera Shot

A Deop-Provera shot provides protection against pregnancy by being effective for 3 months since the day of the shot. For breastfeeding mothers, it is one of the recommended methods for birth control. 

The appointment schedules for receiving the shots must be followed religiously by a breastfeeding mother every 12 weeks. To get pregnant again, a breastfeeding mother might have to wait at least 10 months after the date of discontinuity before being able to become pregnant again. 

Natural Family Planning

This method requires attention to detail and might be one of the most difficult yet effective birth control options for breastfeeding mothers. To avoid pregnancy, a breastfeeding mother should keep track of the body’s signals. However, post-birth keeping track of the body’s signals might become a bit difficult for the first few periods, as breastfeeding mothers might be having irregular periods that will vary in nature from previous ones. It is often advised by medical specialists to back up the natural family planning with other birth control options, such as:

1. Condoms
2. Cervical Caps
3. Diaphragm

Sterilization

The sterilization method works the best for those breastfeeding mothers who are no longer interested in having more children, as it is the permanent form of birth control. This mechanism, however, does not affect the menstrual cycle and can be achieved during cesarean delivery or after vaginal delivery.

It is often prescribed for breastfeeding mothers to consult a doctor as well as a lactation consultant to discuss the whole process beforehand as well as to discuss the medication necessary for these procedures and how to be safe while also breastfeeding.

Birth Control Pricing

With the wide variety of brand birth control options as well as generic options, the pricing can vary from product to product. Along with this, insurance coverage can vary from plan to state. 

Birth Control Options Covered by Insurance

Birth Control Options Covered by Medicaid

Medicaid, the official US joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans, from children, pregnant women, adults, elderly adults and disabled people. Medicaid insurance covers all prescription contraceptives for women through their traditional Medicaid programs. The full scope ACA Medicaid expansions within the American states are as follows:

Location	Medicaid Coverage	Provides 12 Months’ Supply at One Visit (Yes/No)	Utilization Controls in Place (Yes/No)
United States	41 Yes	11 Yes, 30 No
Alabama	Yes	Yes	Only family planning program beneficiaries seeing providers at a Federally Qualified Health Center or health department may have a 12-month supply of contraceptives at one time.
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, MAssachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming	Yes	No
California	Yes	Yes	Limited to on-site dispensing only.
Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Utah	–	–	–
Indiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Washington	Yes	Yes
Mississippi	Yes	Yes	The state reported 12 months’ supply available when issued by the MS Department of Health.
Oregon	Yes	Yes	Only state family planning waiver program covers 12mth supply of all contraceptives sat one time.
South Carolina	Yes	Yes	12 mth supply only available through Title V clinics.
Texas	Yes	Yes	Only family planning agencies may be reimbursed for dispensing up to a 1-year supply of contraceptives in a 12 month period.
Virginia	Yes	Yes	Limited to on-site dispensing only.

Source: Medicare

Birth Control Options Covered by Medicare

Medicare is a federally funded healthcare program that covers many methods of birth control. While original Medicare doesn’t cover birth control methods unless they’re used to treat a different health condition, Medicare Part D and some Medicare Advantage plans do cover several birth control plans. Particularly, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover the cost of birth control medications.

Most importantly, understand that the specific drugs they cover vary from plan to plan as these plans are offered by private insurance companies and every plan has a formulary or list of the permitted drugs that are covered by the plan. You can check your plan’s formulary or discuss it with your insurance provider to be sure the birth control method you’re considering is covered under the plan. Or you can use our tool to see what is covered by your insurance. 

Birth Control Options Covered by UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare is required by the Affordable Care Act to provide birth control options at no cost as long as the individual has a plan that falls within a group of Eligible Organizations as specific organizations may refuse providing birth control due to religious reasons. The following table shares which types of birth control are covered at no cost.

Birth Control Options	Name
Hormonal IUDs	Mirena®, Skyla™
Copper IUDs	Paragard®
Shots	Medroxyprogesterone Acetate 150 mg/mL (generic Depo-Provera)
Cervical Caps	FemcapPrentif
Diaphragms	Koro-FlexKoromexOmniflexOrtho CoilOrtho-DiaphragmOrtho FlexWide-Seal
Rings	NuvaRing
Implants	Nexplanon
Patch	Xulane (generic Ortho-Evra)
Oral contraceptives	Altavera, Chateal, Kurvelo, Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.15/0.03 mg, Levora-28, Marlissa, Portia-28 (generic Nordette)  Alyacen 1/35, Cyclafem 1/35, Dasetta 1/35, Necon 1/35, Nortrel 1/35, Pirmella 1/35 (generic Ortho-Novum 1/35) Alyacen 7/7/7, Cyclafem 7/7/7, Dasetta 7/7/7, Necon 7/7/7, Nortrel 7/7/7, Pirmella 7/7/7 (generic Ortho-Novum 7/7/7)  Apri, Cyred, Desogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.15/0.03 mg, Emoquette, Enskyce, Juleber, Reclipsen (generic Desogen, Ortho-Cept) Aranelle, Leena (generic Tri-Norinyl) Aubra, Aviane, Delyla, Falmina, Larissia, Lessina, Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.1/0.02 mg, Lutera, Orsythia, Sronyx, Vienva (generic Alesse)  Blisovi FE, Gildess FE, Junel FE, Larin FE, Microgestin FE, Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol/FE 1/0.02 mg, Tarina FE (generic Loestrin FE)  Camila, Deblitane, Errin, Heather, Jencycla, Jolivette, Lyza, Nora-BE, Norethindrone 35 mcg, Norlyroc, Sharobel (generic Micronor, Nor-Q-D) Caziant, Velivet (generic Cyclessa)  Cryselle-28, Elinest, Low-Ogestrel (generic Lo/Ovral) Enpresse-28, Levonest, Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol 6-5-10, Myzilra, Trivora-28 (generic Triphasil)  Estarylla, Femynor, Mono-Linyah, MonoNessa, Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.25/0.035 mg, Previfem, Sprintec (generic Ortho-Cyclen)  Ethynodiol Diacetate/Ethinyl Estradiol 1/0.05 mg, Zovia-1/50E (generic Demulen 1/50)  Introvale, Jolessa, Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.15/0.03 mg, Quasense, Setlakin (generic Seasonale) Kelnor 1/35, Zovia-1/35E (generic Demulen 1/35)  Necon 0.5/35, Nortrel 0.5/35, Wera 0.5/35 (generic Brevicon, Modicon)  Necon 1/50 (generic Norinyl 1/50)  Necon 10/11 (generic Ortho-Novum 10/11)  Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol 0.18-0.215-0.25/0.035 mg, Tri-Estarylla, Tri-Linyah, Trinessa, Tri-Previfem, Tri-Sprintec (generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen)
Emergency Contraceptives	ella Plan B One-StepAftera, EContra EZFallback Solo, Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, My Way, Next Choice One Dose, Opcicon One-Step, Option 2, React, Take Action (generic Plan B One-Step)

Use the eNavvi formulary to check which birth control options are covered by UnitedHealthcare.

Birth Control Options Covered by Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente under the Affordable Care Act is also required to provide birth control options at no cost. With some exceptions applying to individuals or groups that are grandfathered from March 23, 2010 then copay, coinsurance, or deductible payments may be required for such individuals. Check Evidence of Coverage or Benefit Summary for specific coverage. In the table below are birth control options that are covered by Kaiser Permanente. 

Birth Control Options	Name
Hormonal IUDs	Mirena®, Skyla™
Copper IUDs	Paragard®
Shots	Medroxyprogesterone Acetate 150 mg/mL (generic Depo-Provera)
Rings	NuvaRing
Implants	Nexplanon
Patch	Xulane (generic Ortho-Evra)
Oral contraceptives	Aranelle Tabs 0.5/1/0.5-35 mg-mcg Camila Tabs 0.35 mg Desogestrel-ethinyl Estradiol Tabs 0.15-0.02/0.01 mg (21/5) Desogestrel-ethinyl Estradiol Tabs 0.15-30 mg-mcg Errin Tabs 0.35 mg Jolivette Tabs 0.35 mg Kelnor 1/35, Zovia-1/35E (generic Demulen 1/35)  Levora 0.15/30 (28) tabs 0.15-0.3 mg-mcg Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 Tabs 1.5-30 mg-mcg Microgestin Fe 1/20 Tabs 1-20 mg-mcg Minastrin 24 Fe Chew 1-20 mg-mcg (24) Necon 0.5/35 (28) tabs 0.5-35 mg-mcg Necon 1/35 (28) tabs 1-35 mg-mcg Nikki Tabs 3-0.02mg NORA-BE tabs 0.35mg Sprintec 28 tabs 0.18/0.215/0.25 mg – 35 MCG Tri-Sprintec tabs 0.18/0.215/0.25 mg – 35 mcg Trivora (28) tabs Zovia 1/50E (28) Tabs 1-50 mg-mcg
Emergency Contraceptives	ella Plan B One-Step

What Are the Best Birth Control Options?

The best birth control method varies from person to person. What’s right for one person may not be right for another depending on an individual’s desire to refill monthly prescriptions or remember to take a contraceptive daily. The best birth control option is the one that prevents pregnancy and lets a person enjoy a healthy life.

Nowadays, there are many birth control options, hormonal or non-hormonal, available to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, the most effective birth control option is the use of male condoms alongside any other form of birth control. 

FAQs

What Are the Birth Control Options When Breastfeeding?

If you want to prevent getting pregnant while breastfeeding, then it is better to avoid birth control that contains the hormone estrogen as it can affect milk supply. However, you can opt for the following birth control options during breastfeeding:

• Barrier methods such as condoms, sponge, cap, or diaphragm
• Mini-pill
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Contraceptive implant Nexplanon
• Depo-Provera shot
• Natural family planning (NFP)

What Are My Birth Control Options?

There are many birth control options available and every method has its own share of advantages and disadvantages. Some of the birth control options are as follows:

1. Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
2. Pills
   1. Combinations pills: ex. Sprintec birth control
   2. Progesterone-only pills
3. Vasectomy
4. Barrier methods such as condoms, sponge, cap, or diaphragm
5. Natural family planning (NFP)

What Are Other Birth Control Options Besides the Pill?

Following are the alternative birth control options for people who don’t want to use any pills:

Male and Female condoms

1. The sponge
2. Cervical cap
3. Spermicides
4. Diaphragm
5. Non-hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)
6. Sterilization
7. Withdrawal method