Step 1: Understand how your body works.
Do you know how your reproductive organs work, or how and why you menstruate?
Read more below to learn about your marvelous body.
1 Knudtson. J. Female Internal Genital Organs. Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
2 Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive System.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Normal Menstruation.
Uterus1
The uterus (also called
your womb) is a muscular organ where the fertilized egg implants and the fetus grows during pregnancy. The cells lining the uterus are normally shed every month with the menstrual flow, unless you become pregnant. With pregnancy, the embryo produces a hormone that signals the uterine lining to stay intact to nourish the growing fetus.
Fallopian Tubes1
These are the two tubes that connect your ovaries to your uterus. After ovulation, an egg travels from the ovary to the fallopian tube. The egg and sperm meet here for fertilization. Once an egg is fertilized, the embryo spends several more days moving through the Fallopian tubes before implanting in the uterus.
Cervix1
The cervical canal is the passage sperm travels through to fertilize an egg.
Ovaries1
You have two ovaries. They’re about the size of a thumb, and there’s one on each side of your uterus, near the opening of the fallopian tube. Ovaries have two main jobs: producing eggs and producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Menstruation2-3
This is your period. If an egg and sperm don’t meet up in the fallopian tube, then the egg disintegrates, and the uterine lining breaks down and is released from the body through your vagina when you menstruate. Your menstrual cycle begins with the first day of bleeding, which is counted as day 1, and ends just before the next menstrual period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but cycles can vary, typically lasting between 21 to 35 days.
1 Knudtson. J. Female Internal Genital Organs. Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
2 Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Reproductive System.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Normal Menstruation.
Step 2: Learn about the different types
of birth control
When it comes to birth control, you can choose from prescription or non-prescription
products. Learn about each of the birth control options below.
The Pill
The pill is a term used for oral contraceptives that contain 1 or 2 hormones— progestin and possibly estrogen. They work by preventing ovulation (keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs) and by thickening the cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to pass through.1
Effectiveness2
Over 99% effective when used correctly. 93% effective when used incorrectly.
Dosing1
You take one pill every day.
The Patch
The birth control patch is a thin, square patch that sticks to the skin and releases progesterone and estrogen hormones into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. This combination of the hormones prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries).1
Effectiveness2
99% effective when used correctly. 93% effective when used incorrectly.
Dosing1
Weekly. You put on a new patch once a week for 3 weeks, followed by a week without a patch. It’s important to apply your new patch on the same day every week for it to work effectively.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a cup made of thin, flexible latex or silicone. It’s placed inside your vagina and covers the cervix (the part of the uterus that opens into the vagina).This prevents sperm from getting in and fertilizing an egg. For added protection, spermicide is put inside the diaphragm before insertion. The diaphragm is fitted by your healthcare provider.2
Effectiveness2
84% effective when used correctly. 83% effective when used incorrectly.
Dosing1
Used only when you have sex.
Vaginal Ring
A small flexible circular ring that goes inside the vagina and slowly releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. These hormones prevent ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries). The ring also thickens cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to pass through.4
Effectiveness2
More than 99% effective when used correctly.2
Dosing1
Monthly. You insert the ring into your vagina, and it stays there for 3 weeks, then you remove it for a week.
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
A quarter-sized piece of T-shaped plastic inserted inside the uterus by your healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy. Two types of IUDs are available: one releases the hormone progestin. The other is covered in copper. The copper-coated IUD works by preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg. It may also make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. The progestin IUD prevents ovulation (by keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs) and thickens the cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to pass through.4
Effectiveness2
More than 99% effective when used correctly.2
Dosing1
3, 5, or 10 years after insertion depending on which IUD you choose.4
Injection (Shot)
The shot contains a long acting form of the hormone progestin that works by preventing ovulation (keeping the ovaries from releasing eggs). The progestin also thickens the cervical mucus, making it hard for the sperm to enter the uterus, and thins the lining of the uterus so that an egg will have a hard time attaching.5
Effectiveness2
More than 99% effective when used correctly. 96% effective when used incorrectly.
Dosing1
Your healthcare provider gives you one shot every 3 months.
Spermicides
Spermicides come in many different forms, including foam, film, cream, gel, and suppositories. They are inserted into the vagina. They block the cervix (the opening to the uterus) and also make it harder for sperm to reach an egg. Spermicides are more effective when used with other methods of birth control like condoms or diaphragms.2
Effectiveness2
84% effective when used correctly. 79% effective when used incorrectly.
Dosing1
Use only when you have sex.
Female Condom
An internal condom, the female condom is a soft pouch inserted into the vagina. It has a flexible ring at each end. The closed end goes inside; the other end is open with a ring that sits outside the vagina. It works by collecting semen and keeping it from entering the vagina.2
Effectiveness2
95% effective when used correctly. 79% effective when used incorrectly.
Dosing1
Use only when you have sex.
Male Condom
Usually made of latex (a type of rubber) the condom is worn on an erect penis during sex. It works by collecting semen and keeping it from entering the vagina.2
Effectiveness2
98% effective when used correctly. 87% effective when used incorrectly.
Dosing1
Use only when you have sex.
