I've been using withdrawal but want something more effective. What are my options?

Apr 18, 2016 Updated: Aug 28, 2025

If you want to stick with a method that doesn’t require talking to a health care provider, condoms and the over-the-counter birth control pill are more effective and available with a prescription.

If you don’t mind visiting your health care provider for a prescription or procedure, you might want to check out one of the most effective methods: IUD, implant, shot, ring, patch, or pill.

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birth control effectiveness withdrawal (pull out) method

Related methods

Dive in and learn all the details about these related birth control methods.

birth control
Withdrawal (pull-out method)
Very effective if you do it correctly (but that can be hard to do). Hormone-free, zero cost, zero side effects.
birth control
Birth control patch
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you only have to worry about it once a week.
birth control
Implant (Nexplanon)
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private.
birth control
Birth control shot
Very effective if you use it correctly. Lasts for months, is private, and is a good hormonal option for those who can't take estrogen.
birth control
Birth control ring
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you don't have to worry about it every day.
birth control
IUD
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private (though some partners can feel the strings). You can choose hormonal or non-hormonal.
birth control
Birth control pill
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use, but you have to remember to take it every day.