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An internal(female) condom is a pouch you insert into your vagina. It may seem a bit odd , but it gives you more control than a male condom when it comes to preventing pregnancy and STIs.  

External (male) condoms are one of the most popular forms of birth control out there. They slip over a man’s erected penis to prevent pregnancy, keeping his sperm inside the condom and out of your vagina. Use this for decreasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Cervical caps & Diaphragms  are shallow, dome-shaped cups made of latex or silicone.  They are inserted up to 6 hours before sex and are meant to cover the cervix.  These should always be used with a spermicide gel/foam.

The Patch (Xulane/Ortho Evra) is like a square Band-Aid and contains both estrogen and progesterone and comes in one—and only one—color (Beige). You stick the patch on your torso every week for three weeks and take it off for one week at which time you have “your period”. Repeat.

“The Pill”is a pill  (how’s that for stating the obvious) and comes in many different brand names and colors based on the level and type of estrogen and progesterone. You have to take daily at the same time for it to work to prevent pregnancy.

The Ring (NuvaRing) is a small, bendable ring with estrogen and progesterone that you insert into your vagina. You leave it in place for three weeks at a time, then take it out for the fourth week where you get your “period”. Repeat.

The Shot (Depo Provera) is just what it sounds like—an injection  of the progesterone hormone.   Once you get it, your birth control is covered -there’s nothing else you have to do except be sure to make an appointment every 3 months.

The Implant (Nexplanon ) is a teeny-tiny rod with progesterone that’s inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It’s so small, in fact, most people can’t see it once it’s inserted—which means it can be your little secret, if you’re so inclined.

IUDs are T- shaped plastic devices  (about the size of a quarter) inserted in the uterus.  They last 3-12 years but can be removed sooner.  One type has no hormones and the others have progesterone.