Match your summer vibe to your best birth control method

Summer is here, bb! Do you have your summer energy locked in? Whether your vibe is being poolside, passport-ready, laid-back and chill, situationship’d up, or deep in your soft era, there’s a birth control method that can match your mood and your needs.

When it comes to birth control, there’s no one-size-fits-all method that’s right for everyone. You might be looking for a method that is super good at preventing pregnancy, while your bestie is looking for a method that helps with their acne. The good news: there are tons of options. Whether you want something long-lasting and low-effort, prefer something hormone-free, or want something that helps with your period, you have options.

Use our guide below to explore which birth control options fit your summer vibe.

1. Your vibe: You’re an on-the-go baddie. From traveling to working to just living life, you stay booked and busy. You have your passport ready for all your summer travels. Forgetting your birth control? Never part of the plan.

• Your birth control match: The implant, the shot, or the IUD

• Why it works: These long-acting methods are perfect for people who can’t (or don’t want to) remember to use their birth control every day or every time they have sex. With these methods, no need to pack a bunch of extra BC for every trip. The implant and IUD can last for years and the shot only needs to be taken every three months. So once they’re in, they’ve got your back.
  
  

2. Your vibe: You’re the organized one in the friend group. You love routine and knowing what’s coming next. (That’s why Google Calendar is your BFF, ofc). Whether you’re spending your summer on the beach or hitting up a park picnic hang, chances are pretty high you were part of the planning committee.

• Your birth control match: The pill or the ring

• Why it works: If you like having a sense of control and don’t mind building your method into your routine, the pill and ring are both great options. Bonus: both the pill and ring can be used to manage or skip your periods if you’re not in the mood for that beach-week surprise.
  
  

3. Your vibe: For you, summer was made for flirting—and maybe a situationship or two. You’re a free agent that likes to keep their options open. You like to keep your schedule ready for whatever fun comes your way.

• Your birth control match: Condoms or internal condoms + emergency contraception as your safety net

• Why it works: You’re flexible, you’re in the moment, and you deserve a method that keeps up. If your situationship is giving spontaneous, you’ve got options to stay cute and covered this summer. You can keep condoms on deck for STI and pregnancy protection and EC, like the morning-after pill, handy as a solid backup for those just-in-case moments.
  
  

4. Your vibe: Who said fall is the only cozy season? This summer, you’re chillin’ at home with the AC on blast. But just because you’re prioritizing some R&R doesn’t mean you’re not down for a good frisky time.

• Your birth control match: The patch or fertility awareness

• Why it works: The patch is changed once a week and blends well into a relaxed, stay-home routine. If you’re sticking close to home this summer, you can make space for methods that take a little more attention and tracking, like fertility awareness methods. You’ll have the privacy to check in with your body and track what’s working for you.
  
  

5. Your vibe: You are fully in your soft era and thriving. You’re staying hydrated, focusing on getting in touch with yourself, and choosing peace this summer and beyond. Your sex life is just one piece of your wellness routine.

• Your birth control match: The diaphragm, spermicide and gel, or cervical cap

• Why it works: You like having options that feel on your terms—no hormones, no long-term commitment, just protection you can insert when you want it. These methods offer control and keep you in touch with your body.
  
  

6. Your vibe: Your summer is feeling extra hot with your relationship. You’re boo’d up and spending all your extra time on cute dates, cuddling up, and getting sweaty with your partner.

• Your birth control match: Pull-out method + condoms and emergency contraception as solid backups

• Why it works: You and your boo have been using the pull-out method since you went exclusive, and we love that for you. Just remember: you have to pull out before ejaculation, every single time, for the pull-out method to be effective. If you’re wanting a little extra security, having EC and condoms on hand might be a good idea.
  
  

7. Your vibe: You’re more focused on getting social than sexual this summer. Spending some quality time with your friends, fam, and even yourself is your idea of a dreamy summer.

• Your birth control match: No method right now

• Why it works: Sex isn’t a part of your summer plans. And if you ever change your mind, there are plenty of methods to choose from, including options you can keep on hand like condoms.
  
  

8. Your vibe: You are THEE boss babe. You’re all about making informed choices, from which ice cream scoop to get on a hot day to what to goes in and on your body.

• Your birth control match: Talking to a provider about sterilization or exploring all your options

• Why it works: You’re in tune with your needs and your goals, and you’re not afraid to speak up in the exam room. You might be considering a permanent birth control solution like tubal ligation or vasectomy (if you’re sure pregnancy isn’t on your radar now or in the future). Or maybe you want to explore multiple methods before committing. Either way, you know your body best, and a supportive provider should respect that.

What’s the best method for you?

TBH, the best birth control method is the one that works for your body, your life, and your vibe—this summer and beyond. You can always switch things up, try something new, or stack methods for extra peace of mind (think condoms + pill, or patch + EC on standby).

Ready to find your birth control match for real? Check out our method explorer to compare your options, or find a provider who can walk you through it all, answering any questions you may have—no pressure or shame.