Learn About Your Options
You shouldn’t have to pay for birth control – it’s free. To find out more information about how you can be covered for the birth control method of your choice click here.
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Pill
How it works: One pill by mouth every day at the same time
Combination Pill: The most common pills are combined with both estrogen and progestin, and are also known as combined oral contraceptives (COCs).The combined pills can treat many other conditions not related to pregnancy prevention such as heavy or irregular bleeding. They are also protective for uterine and ovarian cancers. The combined pill may cause some nausea or breast tenderness early on.
Progestin Only Pill: Progestin only pills, sometimes called “mini-pills” or POPs, are less common but a great option for someone who can’t use estrogen and wants to take daily pills. They are commonly used by people who are breastfeeding. Progestin only pills may cause irregular bleeding and spotting.
NEW UPDATE! A daily progestin only pill called Opill is now available at certain pharmacies without a prescription! This birth control pill is over-the-counter (OTC) and suitable for anyone who wants to reduce their risk of pregnancy. And it’s covered by Illinois Medicaid. When taken at the same time every day (within 3 hours), this pill can reduce the risk of pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus and decreasing ovulation. With a progestin only pill, an expected side effect is non-cyclic and irregular bleeding. This pill does not have estrogen, as some people with certain conditions should not use estrogen. Pills do not protect you from STIs /HIV, use condoms to decrease your risk. To learn more about Opill, see their website.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
How Long Does it Last?
How Much Does It Cost?
To get started, find a free or low cost birth control pill provider here on ICAN!.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Patch
How it works: Band-aid like patch worn on the skin, new patch each week for 3 weeks, then one week off
Like the combined pill, the estrogen and progestin of the patch have similar benefits and side effects but the active hormones are absorbed through the skin instead of being swallowed like a pill. The patch can treat many other conditions not related to pregnancy prevention, such as heavy or irregular bleeding. The patch also reduces the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers. The patch may cause some nausea or breast tenderness early on.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
How Long Does it Last?
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but costs for this method can range from $0 – $150+ per month.
To get started, find a free or low cost birth control patch provider here on ICAN!.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Ring
How it works: Plastic ring worn inside the vagina, removed once a month
Like the combined pill, the estrogen and progestin of the ring have similar benefits and side effects but the active hormones are absorbed at a low dose through the vagina. The ring can treat other conditions not related to pregnancy prevention, such as heavy or irregular bleeding. The ring also reduces the risk of uterine and ovarian cancers. The ring may cause some nausea or breast tenderness early on. Some people use the ring continuously to avoid having periods, but check with your provider first. The monthly ring lasts one cycle (3 weeks in, 1 week out, replace with new ring for the following month), while the annual ring is good for the entire year (3 weeks in, 1 week out, replace with same ring). The type of estrogen hormone is the same in both the monthly and yearly ring, but they have different types of progestin hormone.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
The monthly ring is changed every 3 weeks and it’s removed on the 4th week.
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but costs for this method can range from $0 – $2,000+ per year.
To get started, find a free or low cost birth control ring provider here on ICAN!.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Patient controlled: Patient decides when to start/stop, but requires a prescription from a provider.
Shot
How it works: Shot in the belly, arm, or bum every 3 months
The depo shot is progestin only and may cause spotting and irregular bleeding. Some people may not bleed at all, and this is normal. For some, weight changes may occur (gain or loss).
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
The depo shot is injected every 3 months.
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but costs for this method can range from $0 – $150+ every three months.
To get started, find a free or low cost birth control shot provider here on ICAN!.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Provider dependent: To start or stop this method, you need to see a provider for the injection or there may be a injection you could do on your own but requires a prescription.
Implant
How it works: Match size plastic rod inserted by a skilled provider in the underside of upper arm, lasts for 4+ years, may be removed anytime sooner
The implant may cause spotting and irregular bleeding early on, this can last for a few months or for the entire time you are using the implant. Some people may eventually not bleed at all. It’s impossible to predict how your bleeding will happen, but this is a normal and expected effect. The implant is not noticeable to others.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
The implant lasts up to 5 years. It can be removed anytime sooner.
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but costs for this method can range from $0-$1,300+.
To get started, find a free or low cost birth control implant provider here on ICAN!.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Provider dependent: To start or stop this method, you need to see a provider for the insertion and removal.
IUD
How it works: Tiny T-shaped device inserted by a skilled provider in the uterus, lasts from 3-12 years, may be removed anytime sooner.
There are two classes of intrauterine devices (IUDs): one without hormones (has copper) and one with progestin. The copper one lasts up to 12 years and the expected side effects are heavier bleeding and stronger cramps with your menstrual cycle. The progestin ones are expected to cause spotting and non-cyclic bleeding, although some people may eventually not bleed at all, usually after 3-6 months of continuous use. For this reason, the progestin IUD is also FDA-approved for treatment of heavy uterine bleeding. The insertion may cause you to feel a strong pinch to severe cramps. It may be normal to continue cramping for a few hours to days. There are ways to minimize the pain, so ask your provider about your options. Removals are usually quicker and less painful than insertions. The IUD is not noticeable to others and doesn’t interfere with tampons or intercourse.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
The IUD lasts between 3 to 12 years. The hormonal IUDs last 3-7 years and the copper IUD lasts 12 years. It can be removed anytime sooner.
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but costs for this method can range from $0-$1,300+.
To get started, find a free or low cost IUD provider here on ICAN!.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Provider dependent: To start or stop this method, you need to see a provider for the insertion and removal.
Cervical Cap/Diaphragm
How it works: Reusable barrier inserted through the vagina to cover the cervix, must be used with spermicide and placed before sex
These barrier methods must be used with spermicide each time you have sex for maximum effectiveness. Some people have irritations to the spermicide. This method has no hormones.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
The cervical cap/diaphragm is used at the time of sex.
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but costs for this method can range from $0-$250+ for the Cervical cap, plus the cost of spermicide.
To get started, find a free or low cost cervical cap provider here on ICAN!.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Vaginal Gel
How it works: Vaginal gel used before sex to alter the pH, preventing sperm from reaching egg
This gel is inserted into the vagina 1 hour before sex and must be used each time. This is a new product, but is considered very safe and is free from hormones.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
The vaginal gel is used at the time of sex.
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but costs for this method can range from $0-$380+ per 12 pack.
To get started, find a free or low cost vaginal gel provider here on ICAN!.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Patient controlled: Patient decides when to start/stop, but requires a prescription from a provider.
Fertility Awareness
How it works: Tracking daily symptoms to identify days to avoid unproteced sex based on body temperature, cervical mucus, and period cycle
This method can be tracked in an app or on a calendar and requires no supplies or hormones. It is also a very effective way to track ovulation for anyone trying to get pregnant.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
Fertility awareness method means daily recording of symptoms and temperature.
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but the cost for this method is $0, and/or the cost of a tracking app of your choice.
If you have questions about starting this method, find a free or low cost provider here on ICAN! and get answers.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Patient controlled: Patient decides when to start/stop.
Tubal Ligation
How it works: One time permanent surgical procedure to prevent eggs from traveling
This surgical procedure usually requires general anesthetic (i.e. going to sleep) and is usually done in the hospital. It may be reversible, in some cases, with another major surgery – you should only have a tubal ligation if you are very sure you do not want any / more children. This surgery requires some recovery time and has associated risk of bleeding, infection or injury to nearby organs such as the bladder or bowel.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
Tubal ligation means cutting the fallopian tubes and your doctor will likely remove the tubes completely to reduce your chance of ovarian cancer.
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but costs for this option can range from $0-$6,000+.
To get started, look for Erie Health Centers (a free or low cost provider) here on ICAN!.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Provider dependent: To start or stop this method, you need to see a provider. But because it’s considered permanent, it is very hard to stop (reverse).
Vasectomy
How it works: One time permanent surgical procedure to prevent sperm from traveling
This surgical procedure requires local numbing medicine and can be done in a clinic without a scalpel. Recovery time is relatively short. It may be reversible. but requires major surgery. Post procedure, you must wait 3 months and have your semen checked before a vasectomy is fully effective.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
Vasectomy means cutting the vas deferens and this is permanent and rarely reversible.
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but costs for this option can range from $0-1,000+.
To get started, look for Erie Health Centers (free or low cost providers) here on ICAN!.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Provider dependent: To start or stop this method, you need to see a provider. But because it’s considered permanent, it is very hard to stop (reverse).
Withdrawal/Pull Out Method
How it works: Pulling out the penis before ejaculation into the vagina
This method requires no supplies and is free of hormones. It does require partner(s) cooperation.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
Pulling out is used at the time of sex
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Patient controlled: Patient decides when to start/stop.
Condoms
How it works: Thin sheath placed over erect penis before sex
This method is free of hormones, reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections and can be available without a prescription. Condoms must be used and removed properly every time you have sex.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
Condom is used at the time of sex
How Much Does It Cost?
This method can range from $2-6 for pack of 3.
If you have questions about this method, find a free or low cost birth control pill provider here on ICAN! and get answers.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Patient controlled: Patient decides when to start/stop.
Internal Condoms
How it works: Thin, soft barrier pouch with a ring at the end, placed inside the vagina before sex. Also commonly used for anal sex.
This method is made of nitrile, free of hormones, and reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Usually requires a prescription though could be purchased on line directly from the one manufacturer in the USA.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
Internal condom is used at the time of sex
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but costs for this method can range from $0-$3 per condom.
To get started, find a free or low cost birth vaginal gel provider here on ICAN.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Patient controlled: Patient decides when to start/stop.
Emergency Contraception (EC)
How it works: Oral pills or IUD used as soon as possible within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex to decrease the chance of pregnancy.
There are two types of pills and two types of IUDs that can be used after unprotected sex. The sooner you use one of these methods, the higher the chance of preventing pregnancy. IUDs are a good option if you are interested in using a long term method. Both the IUD with progestin (brand name Liletta) or IUD with copper (brand name Paragard) are safe to use up to 5 days after unprotected sex. The more commonly known type of EC pill, sometimes known as Plan B or Next Choice is available without a prescription and without age restrictions. If you have Medicaid, you can also get it at no cost without a prescription, but you have to ask the pharmacist to “use the standing order for EC”. Another type of pill, brand name Ella requires a prescription and is more effective for anyone over 165 pounds. Ask your provider for a prescription and get it filled ahead of time. Emergency contraception works differently than abortion pills. Emergency contraception pills are not the pills used for an abortion. Emergency contraception works by stopping the release of the egg (ovulation) or preventing the egg and sperm to join, decreasing the chance of a pregnancy. The abortion pill ends a pregnancy.
How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Efficacy for pregnancy prevention (out of 100 users with TYPICAL use over one year)
How Long Does it Last?
The pills can be taken each time you think you may be at risk of pregnancy (i.e., condom breaks, forgot your pills, mistimed your cycle). The IUD can be used long term, for the duration of the device (6-12 years depending on the type you select), but can be removed sooner.
How Much Does It Cost?
With Illinois programs and participating providers, there shouldn’t be any out-of-pocket costs to you; but costs for emergency contraception pills can range from $0-$50+.
To get started, find a free or low cost emergency contraception provider here on ICAN!.
How Does This Option Get Started or Stopped?
Depending on the method, patient can decide or it requires a provider visit.
Birth Control Options Charts
Download our printable birth control charts, and compare birth control options.
