The following methods require a visit to a health care provider for a prescription.
Birth Control Pills ("The Pill"): A combination of synthetic estrogen and progesterone hormones taken orally daily. Birth control pills stop ovulation and prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Oral contraceptives are 92 to 99 percent effective and require a prescription that can be filled at a pharmacy. Family planning clinics (like Planned Parenthood) and health departments can often fill their own Pill prescriptions, so you don't have to visit a pharmacy.
Cervical Cap: A thimble-sized latex device used with spermicidal jellies or creams. It is inserted into the vagina and fits snugly over the cervix. It is kept in place by suction and should be left in place for eight hours after intercourse. Cervical caps are 84 to 91 percent effective for women who have never given birth and 68 to 74 percent effective for women who have given birth. A visit to a health care provider is required to determine the proper size needed and to obtain a prescription.
Depo-Provera®: This hormone injection lasts three months and is usually given in the arm or buttocks. The injection contains no estrogen. Depo-Provera is 97 to 99 effective and requires a visit to a health care provider every three months to receive the injection.
Diaphragm: A thin rubber dome with a springy, flexible rim used with spermicide. Inserted into the vagina, it fits over the cervix and is held in place by the vaginal muscles. It should be left in place for six to eight hours after intercourse. Diaphragms are 84 to 94 percent effective. A visit to a health care provider is required to determine the proper size needed and to obtain a prescription.
Intrauterine Device (IUD): A small, pliable plastic object inserted through the cervix and placed into the uterine cavity to prevent pregnancy. Two types of IUDs are available. The Copper-T (ParaGard®) releases small amounts of copper that prevent the sperm from making their way up through the uterus into the fallopian tubes. The Mirena® IUD releases a small amount of synthetic progesterone hormone every day. IUDs can last five to ten years and are 98 to 99 percent effective. A health care provider must insert and remove the device.
LunelleTM: A monthly birth control shot, injected into the arm, thigh or buttocks. This contraceptive contains both synthetic estrogen and progesterone hormones. Lunelle is 97 to 99 percent effective and requires monthly visits to a health care provider to receive the injection.
Norplant®: Norplant is no longer available because the company has stopped making it. If you need Norplant removed, please contact a health care provider.
Nuvaring® Vaginal Ring ("The Ring"): A slender, flexible, transparent vaginal ring that delivers a steady low-dose contraceptive hormone. It is self-inserted into the vagina and stays in place for three weeks. It is then removed for one week. It is about 99 percent effective if used properly.
Ortho Evra® Transdermal System ("The Patch"): The Patch looks like a square Band-Aid and works by slowly releasing a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones through the skin. You can wear it on your abdomen, buttocks, upper arm or upper torso. The patch is changed weekly for three weeks, followed by one week without. If used correctly, it is about 99 percent effective.
