Birth Control Comparisons (Our Bodies Ourselves)
| Type of Birth Control | Access |
| Cervical Cap | Prescription |
| Contraceptive Patch | Prescription |
| Depo-Provera (3-Month Shot) |
Prescription |
| Diaphragm | Prescription |
| Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill) |
Prescription |
| Female Condom | Over-the-counter |
| Fertility Awareness (Natural Family Planning) |
NA |
| Intrauterine Device (IUD) |
Prescription |
| Lunelle (1-Month Shot. Not Available in USA) |
Prescription |
| Male condom | Over-the-counter |
| Norplant Implant (Not available in USA) |
Prescription |
| The Pill (Oral Contraceptives) |
Prescription |
| Mini Pill (Progesterone Only Pills) |
Prescription |
| Spermicides: Foam, Jelly, Film | Over-the-counter |
| Today Sponge | Over-the-counter |
| Tubal Ligation (Female Sterilization) |
Prescription |
| Vaginal Ring | Prescription |
| Vasectomy (Male Sterilization) |
Prescription |
| Withdrawal (Pulling Out) |
NA |
| Breast Feeding | NA |
| Continuous Use of Hormonal Methods (no periods) |
Prescription |
| Abstinence | NA |
Birth Control Comparison Chart: To get a paper chart in an envelope in the mail, please send your street address via email.
After sex, you can use the Morning After Pill (Plan B Emergency Contraception) within 120 hours (up to 5 days) to prevent pregnancy. In Washington State, you can get the Morning After Pill directly at most pharmacies without first getting a prescription from a clinic.
In Washington State, you can get FREE birth control for one year under the Take Charge program. Call 1-800-770-4334.
If contraception does not work and you get pregnant, you have three options: parenting, adoption and abortion. See Am I Pregnant? to learn more.
