| Birth Control |
How To Use |
Prescription
Needed |
Protects
Against STI's |
 |
Monthly Oral
Contraceptive
(the Pill) |
 |
Take 1 pill every day as directed. A period occurs every 28 days. |
Yes |
No |
Extended-regimen
Oral Contraceptive
|
 |
Take 1 pill every day for 3 months as directed. A period occurs every 3 months. |
Yes |
No |
| Patch |
 |
Apply to skin and change weekly. A period occurs every 28 days. |
Yes |
No |
Vaginal Ring
(hormonal) |
 |
Insert monthly and leave in place for 21 days. A period occurs every 28 days. |
Yes |
No |
| Injection |
 |
Get injections every 3 months. A period occurs every 28 days. |
Injections given at office/clinic |
No |
Hormonal Intrauterine
Contraceptive
(IUC)
|
 |
Inserted in the uterus and can remain for up to 5 years. A period occurs every 28 days. |
IUC inserted at healthcare professionals office or clinic |
No |
 |
 |
Spermicide |
 |
Apply every time before sex. |
No |
No |
| Diaphragm |
 |
Insert every time before sex. |
No |
No |
| Contraceptive Sponge |
 |
Insert up to 24 hours before sex. Keep in place for 6 hours after sex. |
No |
No |
| Cervical Cap |
 |
Insert every time before sex. |
No |
No |
| Female Condom |
 |
Insert every time before sex. |
No |
Yes |
| Male Condom |
 |
Partner must wear every time during sex. |
No |
Yes
(Latex Only) |
| Nonhormonal Intrauterine Contraceptive (IUC) |
 |
Inserted in the uterus and can
remain for up to 10 years. |
IUC inserted at healthcare professionals office or clinic |
No |
Female Sterilization
("tubes tied")
or
Male Sterilization
(vasectomy) |
 |
No action required
after surgery. |
No, Performed Surgically |
No |