Birth Control Method Comparison Chart

Male Condom

Use: Put on before any genital contact. At withdrawal, hold the rim in place at the base of the penis so it doesn’t slip off.
Access: Easy to buy in a pharmacy or online. Inexpensive. Can be found for free at clinics.
Effectiveness: 82%
Health Effects: Some men and women are allergic to latex (rubber); they may try polyurethane. Animal membrane condoms do not protect against HIV/STI’s but the others do.

Use: The small ring goes deep inside and the larger ring stays outside partially covering your vaginal lips. As intercourse begins, holding the outer ring in place ensures the penis goes into the pouch.
Access: Available mostly online.
Effectiveness: 79%
Health Effects: Also protects against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. You can use it if you are allergic to latex.

Use: Put in your vagina carefully following the package instructions. Most types need to be in at least 10 minutes before intercourse, but the sponge starts working immediately.
Access: Easy to buy in a pharmacy or online.
Effectiveness: 72%
Health Effects: Bad taste can interfere with oral sex unless you gently wipe it off with a damp cloth first. If you usually have intercourse more than once a day, spermicide is not recommended because Nonoxynol9 can weaken your cell membrane allowing transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections from male to female.

Use: Put about a tablespoon of spermicide in the diaphragm, slide it into your vagina, and then check with a finger to be sure it is covering your cervix. Protection from pregnancy lasts for 2 hours. For subsequent intercourse, add more spermicide to vagina without removing diaphragm. Needs to stay in at least 6 hours after sex.
Access: Clinic visit needed. Not all providers know how to fit it.
Effectiveness: 88%-94%
Health Effects: Some women are allergic to or become irritated by spermicide. Get re-fitted if you gain or lose more than 15 pounds.

Use: Put about a teaspoon of gel or cream spermicide in the cap, slide it deep into your vagina, and then check with a finger to be sure it is covering your cervix. Protection from pregnancy lasts for 42 hours. It needs to stay in at least 6 hours after sex.
Access: Clinic visit needed. Not all providers know how to fit it.
Effectiveness: 77%
Health Effects: Some women are allergic to spermicide. Less effective if you have given birth. You need to get re-fitted after giving birth.