Birth Control Choices

METHOD

EFFECTIVENESS*

LARC

> 99%

Long Acting Reversible

Contraception

Planned Parenthood of Illinois

1-877-200-PPIL | www.ppil.org

HOW TO USE

PROS

CONS

A health care provider

places and removes
the device

Can last from 3, (implant, Skyla, Liletta),

5 (Mirena), or 12 (Paragard) years

May cause irregular bleeding

Progestin IUD, Implant

and Copper IUD

Can be used while breastfeeding

Does not protect against HIV or

other STIs

Can become pregnant right after removal.

No daily pill

PERMANENT
STERILIZATION

99%

A health care provider

closes/blocks fallopian
tubes (Female
Sterilization) or the
tubes that carry sperm
(Male Sterilization)

Permanent protection against pregnancy

No lasting side effects
Protects women whose health would be
threatened by a pregnancy

Not usually reversible if you change

your mind
Bruising
Temporary sperm leakage (Male
Sterilization)
Does not protect from HIV or other STIs

THE SHOT

94%

Receive the shot every

3 months

Works for 12 weeks

No daily pill
Can be used while breastfeeding
May decrease periods

THE PILL

91%

Taken daily

Periods may be more regular

Can improve acne, PMS symptoms
Helps prevent ovarian cancer
May become pregnant immediately after
stopping the pill

* The number reflects the number of women in 100 who experienced an unintended pregnancy within the first year of typical use of each contraceptive method.

May cause weight-gain, spotting, change

in sex drive, depression, skin/hair changes
May cause delay in getting pregnant once
shots stop
Does not protect against HIV or other STIs

May cause spotting, nausea, change in sex

drive some symptoms may change by
switching brands
Does not protect from HIV or other STIs

Birth Control Choices

METHOD

THE PATCH

THE RING

EFFECTIVENESS*

91%

91%

O t her
bir th c
ont rol
met ho
ds inclu
A bs tin
d e:
ence, D
iaphr a
Sp er m
gm,
icide, a
nd t he
R hy t h m
Met ho
d

HOW TO USE

PROS

CONS

New patch is applied

once a week for 3 weeks
(no patch on week 4)

Periods may be more regular

Can cause skin irritation

No daily pill

May cause spotting

May become pregnant immediately after

stopping the patch

Does not protect from HIV or other STIs

One size fits all

May cause spotting

Helps regulate periods

Does not protect from HIV or other STIs

A small ring is inserted

into the vagina and
changed monthly

No daily pill
May become pregnant immediately after
stopping use of the ring

CONDOMS
Male Condom and
Female Condom

Male:
82%
Female:
79%

Use a new condom

everytime you have
sex

Protects against HIV and other STIs

Can buy at most stores
May be used as foreplay

May decrease sensation, be difficult to use,

break or slip off
Best if used with another method of
birth control

Can be used for multiple types of sex

Can be used while breastfeeding

WITHDRAWAL

78%

Pull penis out

of vagina before
ejaculation happens

No cost

Wont work if penis isnt pulled out in time

Can be used while breastfeeding

Sex must be interrupted

Does not protect from HIV or other STIs

* The number reflects the number of women in 100 who experienced an unintended pregnancy within the first year of typical use of each contraceptive method.
Program funding includes a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Title X. No one will be denied services based on inability to pay.