Birth Control

CHOICES offers many different types of birth control and its team of experienced and knowledgeable health care providers created the ESPC Model to help you to select the type that is right for you.

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ESPC Model

E–Effectiveness: Some methods are less than 50% effective; others are over 99% effective. How important is it for you to avoid pregnancy?

S-Safety: There are benefits and risks to every type of birth control and every patient reacts differently. By taking your health history into consideration, a CHOICES health care professional will recommend the safest type of birth control for you.

P-Personality: The CHOICES counseling staff and dedicated health care providers will take the time to get to know you in order to help select the method of birth control that best suits your needs, likes, dislikes, and lifestyle.

C-Cost: Birth control ranges in price from $0-$1,500 depending on which method you choose. Most insurances will cover the cost of your birth control. If you qualify, you can get free birth control by enrolling on-site at CHOICES for the New York State Family Planning Benefit Program or Family Planning Extension Program.

Make an appointment online, walk in for a same-day appointment or call a CHOICES representative to have a confidential conversation about your birth control needs. Remember at CHOICES our specialty is YOU!

New Birth Control Is Now Available!

Opill, OTC Birth Control

Phexxi, Hormone-Free Birth Control

Birth Control Methods

Birth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods may work in a number of different ways in preventing sperm from getting to the eggs. View the list below of the many types of birth control.

Male Condom

How Well Does It Work
82-99% Effective

How to Us?
Use a new condom each time you have sex.

Pros
Widely available, low cost and easy to use. Protects against HIV and other STIs. Can be used while breastfeeding. Latex-free condoms are available.

Cons
Can decrease sensation or interrupt the “heat of the moment.” Can break or slip off if put on incorrectly.

The Ring (Nuvaring)

How well does it work
91-99% Effective

How to use?
Insert a small ring into the vagina. Change ring each month.

Pros
One size fits all. Private. Does not require spermicide. Can make periods more regular and less painful. No pill to take daily. You can become pregnant right after stopping the ring

Cons
Can increase vaginal discharge. May cause spotting the first 1-2 months of use. Does not protect against HIV and other STI’s.

The Patch

How well does it work
91-99% Effective

How to use?
Apply a new patch once a week for three weeks. No patch in week 4.

Pros
Can make periods more regular and less painful. No pill to take daily. You can become pregnant right after stopping the patch.

Cons
Can increase vaginal discharge. May cause spotting the first 1-2 months of use. Does not protect against HIV and other STIs.

Female/Internal Condom

How well does it work
79-95% Effective

How to use?
Use a new condom each time you have sex

Pros
Widely available. Can be used for anal and vaginal sex. Good for people with latex allergies. Protects against HIV and other STI’s. Can be used while breastfeeding.

Cons
Can decrease sensation. May be noisy. May be hard to insert. May slip out of place during sex.

Progestin IUD: Liletta, Kyleena, Mirena

How well does it work
>99% Effective

How to use?
Must be place in uterus by a health care provider.

Pros
Mirena and Kyleena can be left in place for up to 5 years. Liletta may be left in place up to 3 years. No pill to take daily. May improve period cramps and bleeding. Can be used while breastfeeding. You can become pregnant right after it is removed.

Cons
May cause lighter periods, spotting, or no period at all. Does not protect against HIV or other STI’s.

Paragard

How well does it work
99% Effective

How to use?
Must be placed in the uterus by a health care provider.

Pros
May be left in place up to 10 years. No pill to take daily. Can be used while breastfeeding. You can become pregnant right after it is removed.

Cons
May cause more cramps and heavier periods. May cause spotting between periods. Does not protect against HIV or other STIs.

Tubal Ligation

How well does it work
99% Effective

How to use?
The procedure is done by a surgeon, takes 30 minutes or less, and the patient is asleep during it. The surgeon severs or blocks the fallopian tubes, which permanently prevents pregnancy by stopping the sperm from getting to the egg.

Pros
One-time procedure for women who are absolutely sure they never want to get pregnant again. No hormones are involved, which may be a benefit to women looking to avoid hormones.

Cons
No changing your mind—once it’s done, it’s done. Must have time off for recovery the day after surgery (and possibly longer, depending on the person). Must avoid heavy lifting and exercise for two weeks after the procedure. While rare, there is always a chance of complications arising with surgery. Some pain or discomfort is normal during recovery. Does not protect against HIV or other STIs.

Diaphragm

How well does it work
88-94% Effective

How to use?
Must be used each time you have sex. Must be used with spermicide. A health care provider will fit you and show you how to use it.

Pros
Can last several years. Cost very little to use. May protect against some infections, but not HIV. Can be used while breastfeeding.

Cons
Using spermicide may raise the risk of getting HIV. Should not be used with vaginal bleeding or infection. Raises risk of bladder infection.

The Implant (Nexplanon)

How well does it work
>99% Effective

How to use?
A health care provider places it under the skin of the upper arm. It must be removed by a health care provider.

Pros
Long lasting (up to 3 years). No pill to take daily. Often decreases cramps. Can be used while breastfeeding. You can become pregnant right after it is removed.

Cons
Can cause irregular bleeding. After 1 year, you may have no period at all. Does not protect against HIV or other STIs.

Withdrawal (Pull-Out Method)

How well does it work
78-96% Effective

How to use?
Pull penis out of the vagina before ejaculation (that is, before coming).

Pros
Costs nothing. Can be used while breastfeeding.

Cons
Less pleasure for some. Does not work if penis is not pulled out in time. Does not protect against HIV or other STIs. Must interrupt sex.

Abstinence

No vaginal sex. No pregnancies. It is as simple as that. There are still plenty of options that will please both you and your partner without the worry of an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. But don’t forget about sexually transmitted infection (STIs) that can be spread without engaging in vaginal sex.

The Pill

How well does it work
91-99% Effective

How to use?
Must take pill daily

Pros
Can make periods more regular and less painful. Can improve PMS symptoms. Can improve acne. Helps prevent cancer of the ovaries. You can become pregnant right after stopping the pills.

Cons
May cause nausea, weight gain, headaches, change in sex drive. May cause spotting, which may last for many months. Does not protect against HIV or other STIs.

Over the Counter Birth Control Pill

Opill, is a new over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill available without a prescription. Opill is 93% effective with typical use and offers a convenient daily option for women looking to prevent pregnancy. This progestin-only pill (often called the “mini-pill”) is a great option for those who prefer a simple and effective birth control method without needing a doctor’s visit. It is easy to access since no prescription is needed, it’s hormone-based but does not contain estrogen, and it’s safe for many women who might not be able to take other types of birth control. It must be taken at the same time every day to stay effective, and it may cause side effects like irregular periods or spotting. With the O-Pill, birth control is now more accessible than ever. Purchase online here or check here to find a local pharmacy that is carrying O-pill.

Emergency Contraception (Plan B)

How well does it work
58-94% Effective

How to use?
Works better the sooner you take it after unprotected sex. You can take EC up to 5 days after unprotected sex.

Pros
Can be used while breastfeeding. Available at pharmacies and Choices. Women of any age can get some brands without a prescription.

Cons
May cause stomach upset or nausea. Your next period may come early or late. May cause spotting. Does not protect against HIV or other STIs. May cost a lot.

The Shot (Depo-Provera)

How well does it work
94-99% Effective

How to use?
Get shot every 3 months

Pros
Each shot works for 12 weeks. Private. Usually decreases periods. Helps prevent cancer of the uterus. No pill to take daily. Can be used while breastfeeding.

Cons
May cause spotting, no period, weight gain, depression, hair or skin changes, change in sex drive. May cause delay in getting pregnant after you stop the shots. Side effects may last up to 6 months after you stop the shots. Does not protect against HIV or other STIs.

Hormone-Free Birth Control Gel

CHOICES is now offering Phexxi, a new birth control gel that’s safe and easy to use. Unlike other options, Phexxi doesn’t use hormones and can be applied only when needed. It works by keeping a healthy balance in the vagina to help prevent pregnancy.

It is 86% effective against preventing pregnancy and may have possible mild side effects, like itching or burning for some users. Ready to try a unique option for those seeking hormone-free birth control that fits into your lifestyle? Contact us to make an appointment to see if Phexxi might be the right choice for you!

Rhythm (Natural Family Planning)

How well does it work
76-99% Effective

How to use?
Predict fertile days: by taking temperature daily, checking vaginal mucus for changes, and/or keeping a record of your periods.

Pros
Costs nothing. Can be used while breastfeeding. Can help with avoiding or trying to become pregnant.

Cons
Must use another method during fertile days. Does not work well if your periods are irregular. Many things to remember with this method. Does not protect against HIV or other STIs.

Spermicide

How well does it work
72-82% Effective

How to use?
Insert more spermicide

Pros
Can buy at many stores. Can be put in as part of foreplay. Comes in many forms: cream, gel, sponge, foam, inserts, film. Can be used while breastfeeding.

Cons
May raise the risk of getting HIV. May irritate vagina, penis. Cream, gel, and foam can be messy.

Progestin: Only Pill

How well does it work
91-99% Effective

How to use?
Take pill every day in the same two-hour time frame

Pros
Can be used while breastfeeding. You can become pregnant right after stopping the pills.

Cons
Often causes spotting, which may last for many months. Does not protect against HIV or other STIs.

Take The Birth Control Quiz

Which birth control is right for me?

Learn more about what type of birth control might be best for you by taking the birth control quiz below. Please note: This quiz is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Book an appointment at CHOICES to see a licensed health care provider and make the final decision on what method is best for you by calling 718-786-5000 or booking online.

Schedule Your Appointment

Our team of board-certified medical professionals and support staff offer safe, trusted, comprehensive care and services at the highest level. Our state-of-the-art facility is located in the heart of Jamaica Queens, NY.

Schedule an appointment with CHOICES today.

(718) 786-5000

Book Appointment

Birth Control

ESPC Model

New Birth Control Is Now Available!

Opill, OTC Birth Control

Phexxi, Hormone-Free Birth Control

Birth Control Methods

Take The Birth Control Quiz

Which birth control is right for me?

Schedule Your Appointment

Our speciality is...you.

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(718) 786-5000