• IUD Contraception (IUD)

• Copper-T IUD

• Birth control implant

• Injection or “shot”: Women get shots of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or arm every three months.

• Combined oral contraceptives

• Progestin only pill: Unlike the combined pill, the progestin-only pill (sometimes called the mini-pill) only has one hormone, progestin, instead of both estrogen and progestin. It is taken at the same time each day. (Doctor prescribed)

• Patch: This skin patch is worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body (but not on the breasts). This method is prescribed by a doctor. It releases hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. You put on a new patch once a week for three weeks. During the fourth week, you do not wear a patch, so you can have a menstrual period.

• Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring: The ring releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. You place the ring inside your vagina. You wear the ring for three weeks, take it out for the week you have your period, and then put in a new ring.

• Diaphragm or cervical cap: Each Before sexual intercourse, the diaphragm or cap is inserted in the vagina with spermicide to block or kill sperm. (Doctor prescribed)

• Sponge: The contraceptive sponge contains spermicide and is placed in the vagina where it fits over the cervix. The sponge works for up to 24 hours and must be left in the vagina for at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse, at which time it is removed and discarded.

• Male condom: External (male) condoms help prevent sperm from entering a partner's body. Latex condoms, the most common type, also help prevent HIV and other STIs.

• Female condom: internal (female) condoms help prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from getting to the egg. It is packaged with a lubricant and is available over the counter. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse.

These products include spermicides and vaginal pH regulators and work by killing sperm or making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

Emergency contraception is not a regular method of birth control. Emergency contraception can be used after no birth control was used during sex, or if the birth control method failed, such as if a condom broke.

• Copper IUD: The copper IUD can be inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex.

• Emergency contraceptive pills: Emergency contraceptive pills can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but the sooner the pills are taken, the better they will work. There are three different types of pills that can be used for emergency contraception. Some emergency contraceptive pills are available over the counter, and some are available only by prescription within the United States.

• Tubal surgery or “tying tubes”: The fallopian tubes are tied (or closed) or cut so that sperm and eggs cannot meet for fertilization. The procedure can be done in a hospital or in an outpatient surgical center. The patient can go home the same day of the surgery and resume normal activities within a few days. This method is effective immediately.

• Vasectomy: This procedure is done to keep sperm from going to the penis, so the ejaculate never has any sperm in it that can fertilize an egg. The procedure is typically done at an outpatient surgical center. The patient can go home the same day. Recovery time is less than 1 week. After the operation, it is important to visit a health care provider to make sure the sperm count has dropped to zero; this takes about 12 weeks. Another form of birth control should be used until the sperm count has dropped to zero.