The regular pill is a combination of two different medications, that provides a prevention to pregnancy by changing the horomones in the body to continue the menstrual cycles. Not all contraception options include a menstrual cycle, but some are dependent on the person's body and it's reaction. Many people begin their journey on the pill when they experience painful or heavy menstrual cycles in their younger years when first experiencing a menstrual cycle regularly. Having this ability to access the pill to regulate the horomones of your menstrual cycle may be an option for you, but make sure to talk with your doctor extensively about other options as well. 

Nexplanon is a horomonal birth control implanted in the arm, that can be removed surgically when the patient no longer needs it or within 3-5 years. The implantation in the arm sometimes scares people away from this option, but the implantation is included with a guarenteed local anesthic to numb the area. (A person on our team has one, "I felt a slight burn/pinch during insertion. It was sore and bruised the week after. No where similar to an IUD insertion, pain level wise. I also got mine done at Planned Parenthood for free!") Some people have a consistant or inconsistent menstrual cycles, but the majority of users do not experience a menstrual cycle during the use. ("You may experience longer or shorter bleeding during your periods or have no bleeding at all." @Nexplanon)

This device is a T shape that sits in the cervix between the vaginal canal and uterus. There are hormonal and non-hormonal options for the IUD, however people have different side effects depending on their own body. The IUD also does not guarantee the lack of a menstrual cycle, but some people report inconsistent or lack of a menstrual cycle. Many OBGYNs do NOT provide a local anesthetic for an IUD placement, and many people report immense pain during and following the procedure. It is best to ask your doctor ahead of time if they provide any local anesthic for a IUD placement and see what's best for you!

Condoms are a typically made of very thin latex (rubber), polyurethane or polyisoprene, that is in a shape that will cover the penis like a tight sock. Condoms are made with several different types of lubricants, some even have spermicide in the lubricant to have an added protectant. As many people will discuss, condoms are not always comfortable for the user or other participants in a sexual act; however, this does not given someone the right to refuse to wear a condom when asked by the other participant(s). Condoms also only have a 98% effectiveness at preventing pregnancy when used correctly and do not break. Condoms can only be used once per erection. So for every new erection you need to put on a new condom. Condoms also protect from STD transmission but are not always going to be 100% effective, so still get tested often when having sexual intercourse with new individuals. 

A Vasectomy is a procedure performed on people assigned male at birth who still have the ability to ejaculate sperm that can be fertile. It is done by making a small incision in the skin surrounding the testes, and snipping the small tubes that transmit sperm through the penis to ejaculate. This procedure prevents pregnancy when the AMAB partner with a vasectomy participates in intercourse, by lack of sperm in the ejaculated fluids. 

Spermicide typically comes in a gel form that you can insert to the vaginal canal before sexual intercourse that could result in a pregnancy. Definitely make sure you talk to your doctor about how to effciently use this type of contraceptive as it can be around 80% effective when correctly applied. Make sure that is you are using this form of contraception that you conside using a condom as well, or another form of contraception. This is considered an older form of contraception but still exists for our needs. 

Some people also use a method of tracking their cycle and seeing when they are able to have intercourse without a high chance of pregnancy. For many this is due to a bad reaction or experience with the hormonal contraceptive effects on the body, and for some it's a personal choice. Many people do not want to have other bodily changes that can come along with some of these contraceptive options, and this is a good way for them to continue to engage in their sexual lives without fear of pregnancy. 

Opill's Story: "The first prescription birth control pill changed lives across the country. It gave people more control over their reproductive health and helped them plan for the future. But prescription oral contraceptives can be difficult to access for many individuals — especially those at a higher risk of unintended pregnancy. After nearly a decade of research and collaboration, Opill became the first prescription-free daily birth control pill in the US. This approval marks a major step forward in reproductive health and will help more people access the safe, effective contraception they deserve."