|  | Description | | Failure Rate | | Risks | | Routine |
 |
| Oral contraceptives | An estrogen/progestin-based pill that suppresses ovulation | 8% | Dizziness; nausea; changes in menstruation, mood, and weight gain Rare: cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke | Must be taken daily |
|
| Oral contraceptives, progestin-only (minipill) | A progestin-based pill that inhibits fertilization | 8% | Irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, less protection against ectopic pregnancy | Must be taken daily |
|
| Injection (Depo Provera®) | A progestin-containing injection that inhibits ovulation and fertilization | 3% | Irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches | One injection every month or every 3 months |
|
| Vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing®) | A flexible ring inserted in the vagina that releases progestin and estrogen to prevent ovulation and fertilization | 8% | Vaginal discharge, vaginitis, irritation, other risks similar to those posed by oral contraceptives | Inserted by the woman and kept in place for three-week intervals. If expelled for more than three hours during the three-week interval, another method of contraception must be used |
|
| Patch (Ortho Evra®) | A patch worn on the body that releases progestin and estrogen to prevent ovulation and fertilization | 8% | Similar to oral contraceptives-combined pill | A new patch must be applied each week, except for the week of the menstrual period |
|
| Coil (Mirena®) | A device placed in the uterus by a healthcare professional that emits hormones, preventing ovulation | 0.2% | Ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, perforation of the uterus, embedding into the uterus, cramps, bleeding, miscarriage, premature birth, breast cancer, nausea, mood swings, headaches, nervousness, inflammation/pain of vagina/uterus, back pain, weight gain, acne, hypertension changes in menstrual cycle | Remains in place for between 1 and 5 years |
|
| Coil (Paraguard®) | A device placed in the uterus by a healthcare professional that releases copper, preventing ovulation and fertilization | 0.8% | Pelvic inflammatory disease, perforation of the uterus, embedding into the uterus, cramps, bleeding, vaginal discharge, allergic reaction, expulsion, anemia, ectopic pregnancy, life-threatening infection, miscarriage, premature birth, Wilson's disease, vaginal infection, inflammation/pain of vagina/uterus, back pain, pain during sex, fainting, changes in menstrual cycle | Remains in place for between 1 and 10 years |
|
| Male condom | A sheath placed over the penis that prevents passage of sperm | 15% | Irritation, allergic reactions, reduced effectiveness if used with oil-based lubricants | Applied immediately before intercourse and used only once |
|
| Female condom | A lubricated sheath placed in the vagina to prevent sperm from entering the uterus | 21% | Irritation and allergic reactions | Applied immediately before intercourse and used only once |
|
| Diaphragm with spermicide | A dome-shaped rubber disk with a flexible rim that covers the cervix so sperm cannot reach the uterus-a spermicide must be applied to the dome of the diaphragm before insertion | 16% | Irritation, allergic reactions, urinary tract infection, risk of toxic shock syndrome | Inserted before intercourse and left in place for between 6 and 24 hours after. For repeated intercourse, spermicide must be added without removing the diaphragm |
|
| Spermicide alone | A foam, cream, jelly, film, suppository, or tablet that contains nonoxynol-9, a sperm-killing chemical | 29% | Irritation, allergic reactions, urinary tract infections | Instructions vary. Inserted 5 to 90 minutes before intercourse and usually left in place at least 6 to 8 hours after |
|
| Periodic
abstinence/
rhythm method | Deliberately refraining from having sexual intercourse during times when pregnancy is more likely | 25% | None | Requires continuous monitoring of ovulation cycle and body temperature |