Compare birth control methods
The Sponge
68-84% efficacy
The foamy cover
Use before sex
The efficacy of the sponge is lower for those who have already given birth:
- If you have NOT given birth: it’s 84% effective
- If you HAVE GIVEN BIRTH previously: it’s 68% effective
THE IUS
99% effective with common/typical use
The small, flexible
T-shape
Use 3-8 years
The device releases a low dose of a hormone called ‘progestin’ inside the womb, thinning the inner lining of the womb and altering the menstrual cycle. It further slow sperm down and make it more difficult to enter the womb, therefore preventing pregnancy. This method does not contain estrogen.
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THE IUD
99.2% effective with common/typical use
AKA the copper coil
Use 3-10 years
No hormones; releases copper into the womb, which makes it inhospitable for sperm and therefore can prevent pregnancy
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THE IMPLANT
99% effective
The skin-deep method
Use 3-5 years
Releases progestin hormone throughout the entire body
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INTERNAL (FEMALE) CONDOMS
79% effective
The internal (female) condom
Use before sex
No hormones
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SPERMICIDE
79% effective
The spread-on solution
Use before sex
No hormones, but does contain chemicals
LEARN MORE The Sponge
68-84% efficacy
The foamy cover
Use before sex
The efficacy of the sponge is lower for those who have already given birth:
- If you have NOT given birth: it’s 84% effective
- If you HAVE GIVEN BIRTH previously: it’s 68% effective
No hormones; releases spermicide which contains chemicals
No hormones; releases spermicide which contains chemicals
TUBAL LIGATION (FEMALE STERILISATION):
99% effective
Tubal ligation
Permanent
No hormones
LEARN MORE THE IUS
99% effective with common/typical use
The small, flexible
T-shape
Use 3-8 years
Periods can become less frequent, lighter, less painful
LEARN MORE THE IMPLANT
99% effective
The skin-deep method
Use 3-5 years
Periods can become less frequent, lighter, less painful
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THE INJECTION
96% effective
The birth control shot
Use 8, 12 or 13 weeks, depending on the injection used
Periods become lighter, less frequent and less painful
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THE PATCH
93% effective
The sticky one
Use weekly
Periods become lighter, less frequent and less painful
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THE RING
93% effective
The vaginal all-rounder
Use for 3 weeks
Periods become lighter, less frequent and less painful
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THE PILL
93% effective
The daily tablet
Use daily
Periods become lighter, less frequent and less painful
LEARN MORE THE IUS
99% effective with common/typical use
The small, flexible
T-shape
Use 3-8 years
Once placed, this method works without any further interference until removal by a doctor or nurse.
LEARN MORE THE IUD
99.2% effective with common/typical use
AKA the copper coil
Use 3-10 years
Once placed, it releases copper for 3-10 years, with no further action needed until removal
LEARN MORE THE IMPLANT
99% effective
The skin-deep method
Use 3-5 years
Once placed, it releases progestin for 3-5 years, depending on the type of implant used, with no further action needed until removal.
LEARN MORE TUBAL LIGATION (FEMALE STERILISATION):
99% effective
Tubal ligation
Permanent
Once the procedure is done, it’s done
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VASECTOMY (MALE STERILISATION):
99% effective
Vasectomy
Permanent
Once the procedure is done, it’s done
LEARN MORE INTERNAL (FEMALE) CONDOMS
79% effective
The internal (female) condom
Use before sex
Helps protect against STIs
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EXTERNAL (MALE) CONDOMS
87% effective
The rubber one
Use before sex
Helps protect against STIs
LEARN MORE THE IUS
99% effective with common/typical use
The small, flexible
T-shape
Use 3-8 years
Your doctor or nurse places it inside your womb, or removes it
LEARN MORE THE IUD
99.2% effective with common/typical use
AKA the copper coil
Use 3-10 years
Your doctor or nurse places it inside your womb, or removes it
LEARN MORE THE IMPLANT
99% effective
The skin-deep method
Use 3-5 years
Your doctor or nurse places it under the skin in your upper arm, or removes it
LEARN MORE THE INJECTION
96% effective
The birth control shot
Use 8, 12 or 13 weeks, depending on the injection used
Your doctor or nurse administers it
LEARN MORE THE PATCH
93% effective
The sticky one
Use weekly
Self-administered, but requires prescription
LEARN MORE THE RING
93% effective
The vaginal all-rounder
Use for 3 weeks
Self-administered, but requires prescription
LEARN MORE THE PILL
93% effective
The daily tablet
Use daily
Self-administered, but requires prescription
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THE DIAPHRAGM
83% effective
The soft latex cup
Use before sex
Initial fitting is carried out by your doctor or nurse
LEARN MORE TUBAL LIGATION (FEMALE STERILISATION):
99% effective
Tubal ligation
Permanent
Involves a physical examination and surgery by a qualified healthcare professional
LEARN MORE VASECTOMY (MALE STERILISATION):
99% effective
Vasectomy
Permanent
Involves a physical examination and surgery by a qualified healthcare professional
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