| Method | Duration | Notes/side effects |
| ≥ 99% effective | ||
| Sterilization (Vasectomy, Essure) | Permanent | |
| Copper IUD (Paragard) | 10-12 years | Increased bleeding/cramping in first few months |
| Levonorgestrel IUD (Mirena) | 5 years | Decreased bleeding/cramping |
| 91-99% effective | ||
| OCP pills | Must take daily | |
| Shots (Depo Provera; medroxyprogesterone) | q 3 months | Weight gain |
| Patch (Ortho Evra; ethinyl estradiol and norelgestromin) | q week x 3 weeks, then patch free week | Higher failure rate in overweight women |
| Ring | Insert ring for 3 weeks, then ring free week | |
| 81-90% effective | ||
| Condom (male/female) | Use each act | Protects against STIs |
| Sponge | Protects for 24 hours, can repeat sex without changing sponge | Contains spermicide, must be removed by 30 hours after sex |
| Diaphragm | Protects for 8 hours, for one sex act | Must apply spermicide. Decreases risk for some STIs (not HIV) |
| 80% effective | ||
| Natural family planning | Monitor monthly menstrual cycle | |
| Cervical cap | Protects for 24 hours, for one sex act | Must use spermicide. Make sure cap is in place |
| Spermicide | Protects for 1 hour, for one sex act | Frequent use can harm vaginal tissue |