by: Kyla Horn, Program Manager, AAEKY
There are many types of birth control methods available, from the IUD, to condoms, the pill, the patch, and more! Over the last few years, five new birth control methods have become available. With so many options to choose from, you can find the method that suits your needs and lifestyle. However, we know it can get confusing. How effective are they when it comes to preventing pregnancy? How often does this need to be taken? How long do I need to leave it inserted?
Here we have highlighted five of the newest birth control methods that you may be interested in learning more about:
Annovera. A soft, flexible silicone vaginal contraceptive ring that can be used for up to one year. It is placed by the user in the vagina for 21 days and then removed for seven days. After these seven days, Annovera goes back in the vagina. Something that sets Annovera apart from Nuvaring, another popular contraceptive ring option, is that it does not require refrigeration and contains less estrogen than Nuvaring. When used as directed, Annovera is 97.3% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Twirla. A transdermal, combined hormonal once-weekly contraceptive patch with lower dose of estrogen than other patches. It has reduced effectiveness for patients with a BMI between 25 to 30 and is not recommended for those with a BMI greater than or equal to 30. A new patch is placed by the user weekly for three weeks. After three weeks, no patch is worn for one week. Then, the cycle is restarted with a new box of patches. For those with a BMI less than 25, it is 95% effective with perfect use.
Slynd. A daily, progestin-only birth control pill that contains a higher dose of drospirenone than combined oral contraceptives that use it. Unlike other progestin-only pills, Slynd has a 24-hour missed pill window giving users more flexibility in timing. Active pills are taken for 24 days followed by inactive pills for 4 days. It is 96% effective with perfect use.
Phexxi. A vaginal gel that prevents pregnancy by maintaining the vaginal pH within its naturally acidic range, keeping it inhospitable to sperm and reducing sperm mobility. It is self administered up to one hour before sex and does NOT prevent pregnancy when administered after. It is 93% effective with perfect use and 86% effective with typical use.
Caya. A one-size-fits-most, contoured, silicone diaphragm. Caya is filled with one teaspoon of spermicide and inserted before sex. It should be left in for 6 hours after sex, but no longer than 24 hours total. It is 84% effective with perfect use.
Are you interested in learning more about the different methods?
Bedsider.org – The world’s largest online birth control support network. Bedsider provides youth-friendly information on all birth control methods through the interactive method explorer. You can also find other articles that address a variety of questions on sex, relationships, and reproductive health. You can also use the clinic finder tool to search for clinics near you that provide birth control.
Where to access birth control?
BCBenefits – A contraceptive access fund. If you live in Kentucky and are currently uninsured (or do not want to use your parent’s insurance), you could be eligible for:
a free virtual birth control visit with one of our telehealth partners and a free one-year supply of the birth control pill mailed directly to you
reimbursement for an in-person visit with any health provider to get the birth control method of your choice
free roundtrip ride to cover travel to and from an in-person appointment
If you live in Kentucky and are currently insured, you may qualify for:
a free roundtrip ride to cover travel to and from a birth control appointment with your healthcare provider
To learn more about or sign up for BCBenefits at: