I’m a smoker. What birth control options are best for me?

I smoke tobacco and want to know what birth control I can use.

Sep 01, 2021 Updated: Aug 28, 2025

For most people, the risk of blood clots is low when they use the combination pill, the ring, and the patch. But smoking increases this risk. If you are over 35 and smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day, the combination pill, patch, and ring are not safe options for you. If you’re over 35 and you smoke less than 15 cigarettes a day, talk to your provider about whether these birth control methods are safe options for you.

Still not working?

People who smoke can always use the IUD, implant, shot, progestin-only pill, and any method that is hormone free, like condoms.

Want to learn more?

Select one of the related topics to find more.

IUD safety side effects birth control shot (Depo-Provera) birth control patch birth control pill birth control ring implant (Nexplanon)

Related methods

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

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
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
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
Birth control pill
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use, but you have to remember to take it every day.