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    Maryland Department of Health
    Maternal and Child Health

    MCH HOTLINE
    1-800-456-8900

    Methods of Birth Control

    Ask your health care provider to help you decide which method is best for you. He or she will talk to you about how to use each method and tell you what the common side effects are.

    Abstinence or Saying No to Sexual Intercourse – 100% effective, the best choice for teenagers.

    Birth Control Pills – You must take one pill at the same time each day. You will need a prescription to get pills.
     
    Condoms – A latex or polyurethane condom is placed over a man’s penis to keep semen from entering a woman’s vagina. You can also use a female condom. You can buy condoms without a prescription. Latex and polyurethane condoms help protect you from AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.
     
    Depo-Provera – Depo-Provera is an injection (a shot) that works for three months. You must get a shot every three months from your health care provider.
     
    Diaphragm – A diaphragm is a small, round rubber cup that covers the cervix. You must use sperm-killing foams or jellies with a diaphragm for it to work. You must use it every time you have sex. You will need a prescription for the diaphragm.
     
    Emergency Contraception (EC) – This method is used within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. Talk to your health care provider to see if this is an option for you, or call 1-877-99-GO4EC (1-877-994-6432).  Emergency Contraception is available over the counter without a prescription as Plan B.
     
    Fertility Awareness Methods – These are methods that couples use to avoid or achieve pregnancy based on the timing of intercourse. You must get special training to use these methods.
     
    IUD – The Intrauterine Device (IUD) must be inserted into a woman’s uterus by a doctor or nurse clinician
     
    Nexplanon - The Nexplanon implant is a small, thin, and flexible contraceptive rod arm implant inserted under the skin of a woman's upper arm to provide birth control. It prevents pregnancy for up to 4 years.
     
    NuvaRing – The NuvaRing is a flexible donut-shaped vaginal ring that releases ingredients similar to the Pill. You place it inside your vagina for three weeks at a time. You will need a prescription to get the NuvaRing.
     

    Sterilization – This method is permanent. Use this method only if you are sure you do not want any more children. For women, sterilization is often called “getting your tubes tied.” For men it is called vasectomy. Sterilization does not affect your ability to have sexual intercourse.

     
    Spermicides – Spermicides contain nonoxynol-9, a chemical that kills sperm. Types include vaginal contraceptive film (VCF), foams, jellies, and cream. They are inserted into the woman’s vagina before sex. You must use them every time you have sex. They work best when you use them with a diaphragm.
     
    The Patch (Ortho Evra) – Ortho Evra is a matchbook-sized skin patch that releases ingredients similar to the Pill. You apply a new patch each week for three weeks every month. You will need a prescription to get the Patch.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     

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