Know your body
Women's Health
Soft, honest, evidence-based info on what's happening, plus space to track and reflect.
A gentle reminder: This is educational information shared with love, not medical advice. Always talk with your trusted healthcare provider about what's right for your body.
Understanding contraception
Contraception is any method used to prevent pregnancy. What works best depends on your body, your cycle, your plans, and your comfort. Effectiveness numbers below are "typical use" unless noted.
Hormonal methods
- Combined pill (estrogen + progestin), ~91% effective
- Mini-pill (progestin only), ~91%, strict timing
- Patch, weekly, ~91%
- Ring (NuvaRing), monthly, ~91%
- Shot (Depo-Provera), every 3 months, ~94%
- Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena), 3–8 years, >99%
- Implant (Nexplanon), up to 3 years, >99%
Non-hormonal methods
- Copper IUD (Paragard), up to 10 years, >99%
- Condoms (external/internal), 85–79%, also protect against STIs
- Diaphragm + spermicide, ~88%
- Cervical cap, 71–86%
- Spermicide alone, ~72%
Fertility awareness based methods (FABM)
- Track BBT, cervical mucus, and cycle length to identify fertile window
- Symptothermal method: ~76–98% depending on consistency
- Requires daily tracking and a regular cycle
Permanent options
- Tubal ligation / salpingectomy, >99%
- Vasectomy (partner), >99%, simpler procedure
- Salpingectomy may also lower lifetime ovarian cancer risk
Emergency contraception
- Plan B / levonorgestrel, within 72 hours, less effective above ~155 lbs
- Ella (ulipristal), within 120 hours, prescription
- Copper IUD insertion, within 5 days, most effective option
Things that don't work
- Withdrawal alone (high failure rate, ~22%)
- Douching after sex
- Specific positions or standing up
- "Safe day" guessing without tracking
When to talk to a provider
If you have migraine with aura, a history of blood clots, certain cancers, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, some hormonal options may not be safe. A clinician can help you choose the method that fits your health, your values, and your future plans.