Birth Control Comparison

A comparison of cost, ease of use, side effects, and more of different types of birth control.

Kristina Nickerson

Comparison of Birth Control Methods*

Method Type STD
Protect		 Failure
Rate %		 Dose Approximate
Cost Before
Insurance		 Medical
Side Effects		 Notes
Abstinence Natural Rhythm 0 when perfect No action None Requires willpower,
we suggest back-up methods.
Tubal Sterilization < 1 One time surgery $6000
one time		 2 week Recover.
Possible surgical complications.
Possibility of ectopic pregnancy.		 There are multiple types of
tubal with different risks and
different failure rates.
Vasectomy Sterilization < 1 One time surgery $1000
one time		 Recovery.
Surgical complications.
Implant LARC < 1 Every 3 years $1300
3 years		 Headache.
Irregular periods.
Weight gain.
Sore breasts.
Infection at implant site.
Copper IUD LARC < 1 Every 10 years $650-2600
10 years		 Heavier periods.
Breakthrough bleeding.
PID.
Uterine puncture.
Unknown IUD expulsion.		 Hormone free so it doesn’t
affect your body’s natural
cycle.
Hormonal IUD LARC < 1 Every 3-5 years $650-2600
5 years		 Irregular or missing periods.
Ovarian cysts.
PID.
Unknown IUD expulsion.		 Treatment of endometriosis,
fibroids, heavy bleeding, and
painful periods.
The shot SAM 6 Every 3 months $200
1 year		 Breakthrough bleeding.
Missed periods.
Weight gain.
Mood changes.
Sore breasts and headache.
Long-term use may lead to reversible bone loss.
The pill SAM 9 Daily $600
1 year		 Sore breasts, headache, and nausea.
Cycle changes.
Mood changes.
High blood pressure.
Blood clot, stroke, or heart attack.		 Treatment of PCOS, irregular
periods, painful periods, acne.
The mini-pill SAM 9 Daily $600
1 year		 Breakthrough bleeding.
Weight gain.
Sore breasts, headache, and nausea.		 Treatment of PCOS, irregular
periods, painful periods.
The patch SAM 9 Monthly $390
1 year		 Skin irritation.
Cycle and mood changes.
Sore breasts, headache, and nausea.
Weight Gain.
High blood pressure.
Blood clot, stroke, or heart attack.
The ring SAM 9 Monthly $2000
1 year		 Sore breasts, headache, and nausea.
Vaginal discharge/irritation.
Cycle changes.
High blood pressure.
Blood clot, stroke, or heart attack.
Diaphragm
w/ spermicide		 Barrier 12 Every sexual encounter $600
1 year		 Vaginal irritation.
Allergic reactions.
UTIs and vaginal infections.
TSS.
Spermicide may increase risk of HIV.		 If your weight changes by
> 15 lbs or you give birth
you need to be refit.
Sponge
w/ spermicide		 Barrier 12/
24*		 Every sexual encounter $300
2 years		 Vaginal irritation.
Allergic reactions.
UTIs and vaginal infections.
TSS.
Spermicide may increase risk of HIV.
Cervical cap
w/ spermicide		 Barrier 23 Every sexual encounter $250
2 years		 Vaginal irritation.
Allergic reactions.
UTIs and vaginal infections.
TSS.
Spermicide may increase risk of HIV.
Male condom Barrier 18 Every sexual encounter $125
1 year		 Vaginal/vulval irritation.
Allergic reactions.
High instance of human error.
Female condom Barrier 21 Every sexual encounter $500
1 year		 Vaginal/vulval irritation.
Allergic reactions.
High instance of human error.
Withdrawal Natural Rhythm 22 Every sexual encounter High rate of human error.
Natural family planning Natural Rhythm 24 Every sexual encounter $700
1 year		 A lot of work recording cycle.
Requires tools, charts, apps, test strips, etc.
High rate of human error.

*This is not meant to be medical advice. We are not medical professionals. Always discuss your options and drug interactions with your doctor.

**This is not an extensive list of side effects, ask your doctor for a complete list.