5 Birth Control Methods That Are Safe for Women to Use

Skepticism surrounding hormonal birth control has been increasing nationwide, leading to women stopping their prescriptions of birth control in favor of other methods or no birth control at all. With this change in public perception of a frequently used method of birth control, it is vital to know the facts about each method of birth control to best pick the one that works for a lifestyle. Here are 5 methods of birth control that women can consider when looking for methods of preventing pregnancy, highlighting the pros and cons of each method to help make an informed decision on which one is best for their situation.

1. Hormonal Medication

Although most would likely think of birth control pills when considering hormonal medication, there are multiple methods of birth control that include the use of hormones outside of the pill.

A birth control implant is available as a rod about the size of a matchstick that can release hormones into the body and prevent pregnancies for up to 5 years.2,3 A doctor inserts it into the upper arm, and it can be taken out at any time. Irregular bleeding has been reported but usually improves within 1 year of the implantation.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are also popular, as they can be inserted into the uterus using either an IUD made of copper or a plastic IUD that contains hormones. The latter can last up to 7 years and causes the cervical mucus to become thicker and can sometimes stop eggs from leaving the ovaries, preventing ovulation.4

With many options for contraception, understanding which is best can help in picking the best for your lifestyle. | Image credit: nenetus - stock.adobe.com

Hormonal birth control pills are likely the best-known method of hormonal contraception and can be taken daily, with the routine sometimes changing to allow for a monthly period. These pills contain estrogen and progestin. There are several more adverse effects that have been reported, including nausea, headaches, irregular periods, and breast tenderness, along with an increased risk of blood clots.2 However, those on this form of birth control may have an improvement in acne.

All hormonal methods of birth control are at least 99% effective when taken properly.

2. Barrier Methods

Barrier methods can also help to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Condoms can be used to prevent pregnancy, and they have the added benefit of preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. There are other methods that target women specifically.

Vaginal diaphragms, placed inside of the vagina, block the cervix to prevent sperm from getting into the uterus. However, a diaphragm must be used in tandem with spermicide or contraceptive gel to be effective and must be inserted before having sex, as well as removed within 24 hours of having sex, which could make it inconvenient for some.

Cervical caps work in a similar way and must be used with spermicide. The cap is inserted up to 6 hours before sex and needs to be removed between 8 and 48 hours after sex. The sponge can also be used by inserting it into the vagina but must be removed within 8 hours after sex.

These methods of birth control range from 75% to 91% effective, making them less effective than hormonal birth control but available for more immediate use compared with hormonal therapy.

3. Fertility Awareness, or Natural Family Planning

Natural family planning, or fertility awareness, is a method of tracking ovulation to determine when it would be safest to have sex should you like to avoid pregnancy, or when to have sex if you are trying to get pregnant. This requires that a woman track the menstrual cycle routinely and use a barrier method of contraception should she want sex on days when she is most fertile.5 This can also include taking body temperature each morning to track when ovulation has concluded, as body temperature will rise. When used correctly, the effectiveness of this method can be up to 90%, but the failure rate is approximately 25%. It can also be less effective in women who have irregular menstrual cycles.

4. Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy should no other methods be used or should they be forgotten. The morning-after pill and IUDs can both be used within 120 hours of unprotected sex.2,4 An IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception, should it be needed, and can be inserted with help from a health care provider. If avoiding the doctor is preferred, morning-after pills are available over the counter and are up to 90% effective if taken before ovulation. However, emergency contraception can cause menstrual irregularities, and sex should be avoided for the next 5 days to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

5. Sterilization

This last method of contraception is more final and effective than other methods. Sterilization through removing the fallopian tubes cuts off the ability for an egg to reach the uterus, effectively eliminating the ability to get pregnant. This method is 100% effective but is also permanent, which makes the decision regarding this method of birth control important to contemplate with due diligence. Although the majority of those who undergo sterilization are happy with the procedure, up to 12.6% of women who were aged 21 to 30 years when they were sterilized expressed regret for doing so, according to a study published in 2022.6 All sterilization procedures need to be performed by a qualified health care professional.

References

1. Goldberg E. ‘Who am I without birth control?’ The New York Times. September 2, 2025. Accessed October 15, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/02/style/birth-control-skepticism-wellness-tiktok.html

2. Birth control options. Cleveland Clinic. Updated August 18, 2022. Accessed October 15, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11427-birth-control-options

3. Birth control implant. Planned Parenthood. Accessed October 15, 2025. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-implant-nexplanon

4. IUD. Planned Parenthood. Accessed October 15, 2025. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud

5. Natural family planning: fertility awareness method. American Pregnancy Association. Accessed October 15, 2025. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/natural-family-planning/

6. Danvers AA, Evans TA. Risk of sterilization regret and age: an analysis of the national survey of family growth, 2015-2019. Obstet Gynecol. 2022;139(3):433-439. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000004692