Contraception & Birth Control

Are you sexually active? Are you thinking about becoming sexually active? You may want to consider your contraceptive options. If you are having vaginal sex you can become pregnant and/or contract a sexually transmitted infection. If you are engaging in other kinds of sexual activity you are still at risk of contracting an STI. To assess the risk of different sexual activities for the transmission of STIs check out the STI risk awareness chart. This can help you to make informed choices.
There are many contraceptive options all with differing rates of effectiveness and cost. There is no best method of contraception. The best method for you will be different than the best method for someone else.

Barrier methods such as male and female condoms are the only methods that prevent against STIs and pregnancy. Condoms can be paired with a hormonal method, a spermicide or an IUD in order to increase effectiveness and prevent STIs.

To learn more about your contraceptive options, select a method from the list below.
 

Hormonal Methods: Birth Control Pill Continuous Use Contraceptive Pill Contraceptive Patch Injectable Contraceptives Intra-Uterine System Vaginal Ring	Barrier Methods: Cervical Cap Contraceptive Sponge Diaphragm Female Condom Male Condom
Permanent Methods: Tubal Blockage Tubal Ligation Vasectomy	Other Methods: Abstinence Breastfeeding (LAM) Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) Intra-Uterine Device Outercourse Spermicides

If you’ve recently given birth and don’t want to get pregnant right away, you have contraceptive options, even if you are breastfeeding.

If you've forgotten to take your hormonal birth control method on time, the Stay on Schedule guide can help you determine your next step to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.