The Best Birth Control for You Now

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Whether you’re still in single mode or done with the whole kid thing, there are new ways to prevent a whoops pregnancy. Find the option that fits your life.

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You at every age

Levi Brown

Staying loyal to a great doctor or a genius hairdresser—that’s just smart. But when it comes to birth control, sticking with the same method throughout the years isn’t always the right move. "Your contraceptive should fit your health, lifestyle, and values," says Michele Curtis, MD, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. That’s because the more comfortable you are with your birth control, the more likely you are to use it consistently—meaning less risk of an unintended pregnancy.

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Dating but not with a long-term partner

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Your best bet: Condoms plusa backup method

Whether you’re 25 or 45, condoms are a must to guard against STDs. But since condoms also have a higher failure rate than other forms of birth control, it’s wise to double up. Hormonal contraceptives—the Pill, patch, or vaginal ring—are highly effective. As a bonus, they can also help regulate periods, reduce PMS symptoms, and lower the risk of some cancers.

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More back-up methods

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If you want to avoid an estrogen-containing method, you can pair condoms with an intrauterine device (IUD)—either the hormone-free copper ParaGard or the progestin-containing Mirena. Other good options include Implanon, a progestin-releasing implant that’s inserted in the upper arm for up to three years; and Depo-Provera, a progestin injection that’s given every three months.

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Having sex relatively infrequently

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Your best bet: a barrier method

Condoms or another barrier method like a diaphragm are probably the easiest options for sporadic protection, says Sharon Mass, MD, an OB-GYN at Morristown Memorial Hospital in New Jersey. An IUD or hormonal methods are also good if you want continuous protection.

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Know your risks

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But keep in mind that it’s a mistake to go on and off hormonal methods frequently. "The main risk with the Pill, the patch, and the ring is blood clots, and the risk is greatest in the first year," explains Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD, professor and associate chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Florida College of Medicine–Jacksonville. "If you go on and off these methods, the risk likely occurs every time you restart."

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Thinking about getting pregnant in the next year or two

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Your best bet: A barrier method or a hormonal contraceptive

You’ll want a method that’s easily reversible—you can stop it with little hassle—and doesn’t cause a long delay until you ovulate again. Condoms are an obvious choice, but hormonal contraceptives also fit the bill. "Most people resume ovulation within two to three cycles after stopping a hormonal method," Dr. Mass says.