Birth Control Options

There are many safe and effective birth control options available, and there is no single method that is right for everyone. The best choice depends on your health, lifestyle, preferences, future pregnancy plans, and personal goals. The resources below can help you learn about different contraceptive methods and compare the benefits and considerations of each option.

Choosing A Birth Control Method

Not sure which option might fit you best?
Start with: Choosing Birth Control: What Matters to You?

• Explore Birth Control Options (Bedsider)

• How to Pick a Type that Works for You (NPR article)

• Postpartum Birth Control (ACOG FAQ)

Common Questions About Birth Control:

• Periods and Bleeding

  • What You Should Know About Breakthrough Bleeding With Birth Control (ACOG)

  • Breakthrough Bleeding on Birth Control  (Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, video)

  • What to Know About Skipping Periods With Birth Control (ACOG)

  • Is it Safe to Skip Your Period? (Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, video)

  • Ways to Skip Your Period  (Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, video)

  • How to Delay a Period (Mayo Clinic)
    
    

• Efficacy and How Birth Control Works

  • How Birth Control Works  (Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, video)

  • Birth Control Efficacy  (Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, video)
    
    

• Common Questions and Concerns

  • Does Birth Control Cause Weight Gain? (Pandia Health, video)

  • Birth Control & Weight Considerations  (Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, video)

  • Do You Need a Break From Birth Control?   (Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, video)

  • Birth Control & Breast Cancer Risk (Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, video)
    
    

• Stopping Birth Control and Future Fertility

  • Does Birth Control Affect Future Fertility? (Natalie Crawford, MD, video)

  • Stopping Birth Control: What to Expect  (Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, video)

  • When To Stop Using Birth Control Before Trying To Conceive (Natalie Crawford, MD, video)

Special Considerations:

Certain health conditions and other factors can affect which birth control methods are safest for you. This doesn't necessarily mean you can't use birth control, but it may influence which options we recommend.

Some things that may affect your options include:

• High blood pressure

• Tobacco or nicotine use

• Migraine with aura

• A history of blood clots or stroke

• Certain cancers

• Liver disease

• Recent pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Certain medications

We'll review your medical history together to help choose a method that is both safe and effective for you.

Related Topics:

→  Permanent Birth Control 

→  Emergency Contraception 

→  Preparing for Pregnancy 

→  Unplanned Pregnancy