Birth Control

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How does Depo Work?
Depo contains a hormone, called progestin, similar to the one your body makes. While using Depo, it stops your ovaries from releasing eggs. Without an egg, you cannot get pregnant. No method of birth control works 100%. 4 out of 100 people using Depo for a year get pregnant.

How do I use Depo?
Give yourself a Depo shot in the belly or thigh. Use condoms as a backup for 7 days after your first shot of Depo. Give yourself the shot every 3 months (every 13 weeks). You can store Depo at room temperature.

When is the next shot considered late?
Depo works best if you take a new shot every 13 weeks. Depo still works if you are two weeks late for your next shot.

What if I am late taking a shot and had unprotected sex?
If your last shot was more than 15 weeks ago, consider taking Emergency Contraception (EC) right away. EC can prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after sex, and it works better the sooner you take it. It can take up to 2 weeks after having unprotected sex before a pregnancy test turns positive. You can still take the next shot. Depo won’t harm an early pregnancy. Make sure to take a pregnancy test 2 weeks after you’ve had unprotected sex. Depo changes the timing of your period and can make it hard to know when you’re pregnant.

What if I am late taking a shot and did not have unprotected sex?
If you haven’t had unprotected sex, it’s fine if you’re late for your next shot. Use a back-up method (like condoms or abstinence) for 7 days.

What do people like about Depo sub-q: the do-it yourself shot?
Depo is safe and effective birth control. It prevents pregnancy for 3 months. Some people who take testosterone prefer to avoid methods that contain estrogen, and Depo only contains the hormone progestin. The shot lowers your risk of cancer of the uterus. Depo is safe while breast/chestfeeding. You can take it yourself at home.

How will Depo affect me?
You won’t have a regular cycle. You may have spotting between periods, you may have no period at all, or you may bleed longer than you normally do on your period. After you stop Depo, it can take up to a year for your period to return to normal. You may have weight gain, bloating, headaches, and/or mood changes. Talk to your clinician about treating side effects. Your bones may become slightly thinner while you take Depo. This generally goes back to normal once you stop taking the shot. Talk to your clinician if you are concerned about your fracture risk. For many people it can take months for fertility to return to normal after stopping Depo. If you want to get pregnant in the next year, Depo may not be the best method to choose now. If you don’t want to get pregnant, you can use a new form of birth control after stopping Depo.

Where can I get Depo sub-q: the do-it yourself shot?
Available at pharmacies with a prescription from your clinician. Your clinician may also be able to give it to you directly.

Cited Resources

1. Reproductive Health Access Project. (2024). 2024-08 Depo Sub-Q user guide. Retrieved from https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-07-Depo-Sub-Q-User-Guide_Final.pdf

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!

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.

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.

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.

A vasectomy is a safe, semi-permanent method of male birth control. Each year, approximately 500,000 men in the U.S. choose this low-risk, outpatient procedure. It is a highly effective (approx. 99%) option that allows patients to return home the same day and resume their routines in a matter of days. It is a great option for individuals or couples who are certain they do not want to have children in the future. Below you will find everything you need to know about vasectomy, including what to expect, aftercare tips, the associated risks, and answers to common questions.

Learn more