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 Yes 0 when perfect No action None Requires willpower,
we suggest back-up methods.
Tubal Sterilization No < 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 No < 1 One time surgery $1000
one time		 Recovery.
Surgical complications.
Implant LARC No < 1 Every 3 years $1300
3 years		 Headache.
Irregular periods.
Weight gain.
Sore breasts.
Infection at implant site.
Copper IUD LARC No < 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 No < 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 No 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 No 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 No 9 Daily $600
1 year		 Breakthrough bleeding.
Weight gain.
Sore breasts, headache, and nausea.		 Treatment of PCOS, irregular
periods, painful periods.
The patch SAM No 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 No 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 No 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 No 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 No 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 Yes 18 Every sexual encounter $125
1 year		 Vaginal/vulval irritation.
Allergic reactions.
High instance of human error.
Female condom Barrier Yes 21 Every sexual encounter $500
1 year		 Vaginal/vulval irritation.
Allergic reactions.
High instance of human error.
Withdrawal Natural Rhythm No 22 Every sexual encounter High rate of human error.
Natural family planning Natural Rhythm No 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.