Birth Control Options
Hormonal methods
Birth control pill (taken every day)
- Must take at the same time every day
- Hormones stop ovulation (monthly egg release)
- Changes cervical mucous, making it difficult for sperm to get into the uterus
- Can regulate period, reduce bleeding and cramping
- When used properly, it's over 99 per cent effective
The patch (applied once a week)
- Patch placed on the buttocks, upper outer arms, lower stomach, or upper body (not breasts)
- Applied once a week for three weeks, then removed for one week (patch-free week)
- Hormones are released into the skin, and it works like the pill
- 99 per cent effective
NuvaRing (used once a month)
- Flexible plastic ring is inserted into the vagina (by you) for three weeks, and then removed for one week (one ring-free week)
- Hormones are released from the ring into the walls of the vagina
- Works to prevent pregnancy like the pill and the patch
- 99 per cent effective
Depo-Provera (shot given every three months)
- Hormone injection given by a health professional in the arm or buttocks
- Stops the ovaries from releasing an egg and thins the lining of the uterus
- 99.7 per cent effective
Intrauterine system (inserted every three to five years)
- T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health professional at an office appointment
- Contains the hormone progestin, which thins the lining of the uterus and thickens cervical mucous
- Can reduce bleeding and cramping
- 99.9 per cent effective
Non-hormonal methods
Intrauterine device (inserted every three, five or 10 years depending on type)
- T-shaped piece of plastic and copper inserted into the uterus by a health professional at an office appointment
- The copper changes the chemistry of the uterus and stops sperm from fertilizing the egg
- 99 per cent effective
Male / external condom
- Fits over the penis
- Prevents sperm from entering the vagina
- Comes in different sizes, colours, flavours and styles
- Free at any Public Health location
- Protects against some sexually transmitted infections
- When used properly, they are 97 per cent effective
Female / insertive condom
- Inserted into the vagina by you
- Lines the inside of the vagina and covers the woman's genitals
- Free at any Public Health location
- Protects against some sexually transmitted infections
- When used properly, they are 95 per cent effective
Morning After Pill - Plan B
- Delays or prevents ovulation
- Use within five days of unprotected sex. The sooner you use it, the better it works.
- Available at walk-in clinics, Sexual Health Centres or pharmacies
- No prescription needed
- When used in the first 48 hours after unprotected sex, it's 85 per cent effective in preventing pregnancy
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
