This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter.

There are so many reasons you may decide to go on birth control. Whether you want to not get pregnant, stop having your period, or even just try to clear your skin up there are a multitude of options to choose from.

Image via Body+Soul

Birth control pill

What it is: Along with casually being called the pill, and more formally oral contraceptive, the birth control pill is a safe, affordable, effective method of birth control. The pill has hormones in it that prevent ovulation, which means that there’s no egg present to be fertilized by sperm. It also thickens cervical mucus to deter sperm. It comes in a pack that’s taken once a day, and is most effective when taken daily. There are two types of combination that is both estrogen and progestin, these are most common, and progestin-only pills. The combination pill you have to take every day, and it’s the progestin-only pills that you have to take within the same three hours every day to stay protected from pregnancy.

Effectiveness: 91%, has to be taken on time every day, less effective if not taken properly.

Cost: $0-50

Pros:

It can regulate, lessen, and even make you period free
It can reduce period cramps

Combination pill only:

It can prevent or lessen acne
It can prevent or lessen bone thinning
It can prevent or lessen cyst in breast and ovaries
It can prevent or lessen endometrial and ovarian cancers
It can prevent or lessen serious infections in ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus
It can prevent or lessen iron deficiency
It can prevent or lessen PMS

Cons:

The first few months may involve headaches, nausea, sore breast, and/or spotting, but these often only last the first few months after starting the pill
It does not prevent against STDs
You have to take it every day

Image via Women’s Health

Birth control shot

What it is: Also called the depo shot, Depo-Provera, is a convenient method of contraceptive that also allows for a degree of privacy. The depo shot contains the hormone progestin and similar to the pill, prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus. You need a new shot every 12-13 weeks, roughly every three months, and this is often performed by a doctor or nurse.

Effectiveness: 94% effective, less effective if you don’t get it in a certain window

Cost: $0-100

Pros:

You’re able to get it in the privacy of your doctor’s office around four times a year.
After a year of use, it can regulate, lessen, and even make you period free.
It can prevent from uterine cancer
It can prevent an ectopic pregnancy

Cons:

It’s in the form of an injection
You must travel to a doctor’s office or health center every three months for the injection
It may cause spotting between periods and longer periods in the first year of use
It may cause nausea
It may cause weight gain
It may cause headaches
It may cause breast tenderness
It may cause depression
It may cause bruising at the injection site
It may cause a permanent small skin indent at the injection site

It can delay pregnancy for up to 9-10 months after stopping use
It doesn’t protect against STDs

Image via SELF

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

What it is: A small device placed within the uterus, an IUD is often a T-shaped plastic or copper intrauterine contraceptive. There are 5 different types of IUDs: Paragard, Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla, and the Paragard is of the copper variety. The copper kind is hormone-free and works because sperm does not like copper, and can’t make it to the egg. The other brands use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy which works just like the pill does. The convenient thing about IUDs is how they can last from 3 to 12 years depending on the brand. A copper IUD can also be used as an emergency contraceptive up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is 99.9% effective. Insertion takes about five minutes and may be followed by cramping and pain. It’s advised to take it easy after insertion, but shouldn’t feel any worst than a bad period.

Effectiveness: 99% effective, lasts 3-12 years

Cost: $0-1300

Pros:

If you get a hormonal IUD your period may lessen or you’ll be period-free by the end of the year
Very convenient in the fact you leave it in, and don’t need to worry until it comes time to replace it
It can act as an emergency contraceptive depending on the brand you get
It’s a very private method in the fact that you don’t need to take anything, make any trips to get it besides at insertion, or do anything before sex to prevent pregnancy

Cons:

Pain when IUD is inserted
Cramping a couple of days after the IUD is inserted
Spotting in between periods
Heavier periods and worst menstrual cramps with the Paragard
It doesn’t protect against STDs

Image via Clue

Birth control implant (Nexplanon)

What it is: The implant is a very small thin rod that releases… surprise progestin into the body. The implant is placed under the skin of the upper arm, and often doctors numb the spot before insertion. The implant despite lasting 5 years can be removed at any point.

Effectiveness: 99% effective, lasts up to 5 years

Cost: $0-1300

Pros:

Being one of the best to forget about it in forms of birth control, making its maintenance very easy
It can regulate, lessen, and even make you period free
It’s a very private method in the fact that you don’t need to take anything, make any trips to get it besides at insertion, or do anything before sex to prevent pregnancy

Cons:

There may be irregular bleeding in the first 6 to 12 months after insertion
It may cause headaches
It may cause breast pain
It may cause nausea
It may cause weight gain
It may cause ovarian cysts
It may cause bruising at the insertion site
An infection may develop where the implant was inserted
It doesn’t protect against STDs

Image via American Pregnancy Association

Birth control patch

What it is: Placed on your upper arm, stomach, butt or back a transdermal contraceptive patch is a simple method to prevent pregnancy. Replaced between every one to three weeks, the patch releases the hormones estrogen and progestin which you absorb through your skin. It’s most effective if you change it on the same day, and avoid putting lotions, make-up, or oil on that area. The patch should stay in place when you get it wet, be that through sweating, swimming, or showering.

Effectiveness: 91% effective, replaced weekly

Cost: $0-150

Pros:

It can regulate, lessen, and even make you period free.
It can reduce period cramps.
It can prevent or lessen acne
It can prevent or lessen bone thinning
It can prevent or lessen cyst in breast and ovaries
It can prevent or lessen endometrial and ovarian cancers
It can prevent or lessen serious infections in ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus
It can prevent or lessen iron deficiency
It can prevent or lessen PMS

Cons:

It must be changed on time or it won’t be effective.
There may be irregular bleeding in the first 2 to 3 months after insertion.

It may cause headaches
It may cause breast pain
It may cause nausea
It doesn’t protect against STDs

Image via Insider

Vaginal ring

What it is: The birth control ring, also called NuvaRing, is a flexible ring that fits inside your vagina. It works to prevent pregnancy through a release of hormones much like the other forms of birth control. You insert the ring yourself, after making sure it’s not expired, and are fine to leave it in during sex or any sort of physical activities.

Effectiveness: 91% effective, replaced monthly

Cost: $0-200

Pros:

It can regulate, lessen, and even make you period free

It can reduce period cramps
It can prevent or lessen acne
It can prevent or lessen bone thinning
It can prevent or lessen cyst in breast and ovaries
It can prevent or lessen endometrial and ovarian cancers
It can prevent or lessen serious infections in ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus
It can prevent or lessen iron deficiency
It can prevent or lessen PMS

Cons:

There may be irregular bleeding in the first 2 to 3 months after insertion

It may cause headaches
It may cause breast pain
It may cause nausea
It does not protect against STDs

Image via Mayoclinc

Diaphragm

What it is: A form of internal contraceptive, a diaphragm is a shallow cup that covers the cervix to prevent the entrance of sperm. It works best when spermicide is applied to the diaphragm, and then it’s inserted similar to a menstrual cup. The spermicide last up to two hours before sex, but the diaphragm needs to stay in place at least six hours after the last time one has sex.

Effectiveness: 92-96% effective, only effective if used with spermicide

Cost: $50-200

Pros:

It can fit in your pocket or bag, easy to bring on the go

It can be placed up to two hours before sex
It is hormone-free
It is renewable

Cons:

It can be difficult to correctly insert

It is only effective when used with spermicide
You need to find a size that fits your body

Image via Fairview

Spermicide

What it is: A substance made up of chemicals that are placed inside the vagina to block the entrance of the cervix and stop the movement of sperm. It can be used both by itself and with other forms of birth control, such as a diaphragm. It comes in many forms such as creams, gels, film, foam, and suppositories which is an insert that melts into a cream.

Effectiveness: 72% effective

Cost: $0.60-15

Pros:

It’s very cheap in comparison to other forms of birth control

It’s over the counter
It’s easy to transport
It’s hormone-free

Cons:

It may irritate sensitive tissue

It could increase your risk for STD’s if used multiple times a day
It can be very messy

Image via Cosmopolitan

External condom

What it is: This is probably a well-known form of contraceptive for most people. Condoms are a form of external contraceptive that’s worn on the penis during sex. It prevents sperm from entering the vaginas.

Effectiveness: 85% effective, less effective if not used properly, can tear

Cost: $0-2

Pros:

External condoms aside from internal condoms are the only form of contraceptive that protects against STDs

It’s cheap
It’s over the counter
It can help other forms of birth control to be more effective
It has no side effects
It protects against STDs

Cons:

Some people are allergic to latex, but there are plastic versions of external condoms.

Image via Youbeauty

Internal condom

What it is: Colloquially known as a “female condom” this is the opposite of the external condom, but it provides all the same drawbacks and benefits.

Effectiveness: 79% effective

Cost: $0-2

Pros:

It’s cheap

It’s over the counter
It can help other forms of birth control to be more effective
It has no side effects
It protects against STDs

Cons:

Some people are allergic to latex, but there are plastic versions of internal condoms

What You Need To Know If You Are Thinking About Birth Control

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