There is no single "best" birth control. There is only the best method for you, right now, at this stage of your life. This guide lays out every modern contraceptive option side by side so you can walk into your MomDoc appointment already informed and ready to have a focused conversation with your provider.
When choosing, think about more than just effectiveness. Consider your daily routine, whether you want hormones, how often you have sex, whether you need STI protection, and when (or if) you want children in the future.
Tier 1: Most Effective (Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women per year)
These are the "set it and forget it" methods. Once placed by your provider, they require zero daily action. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) the gold standard for pregnancy prevention.
Implant (Nexplanon)
- Typical-use effectiveness: 99.95%
- Duration: Up to 3 years
- How it works: A matchstick-sized flexible rod placed under the skin of your upper arm releases a steady, low dose of progestin.
- Best for: Women who want the highest effectiveness with zero daily effort and prefer not to have a device in the uterus.
Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena, Skyla)
- Typical-use effectiveness: Over 99%
- Duration: 3 to 8 years (varies by brand)
- How it works: A small, T-shaped device placed in the uterus releases localized progestin, thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining.
- Best for: Women who want long-term protection and lighter (or absent) periods.
Copper IUD (Paragard)
- Typical-use effectiveness: Over 99%
- Duration: Up to 10 years
- How it works: Copper creates an environment in the uterus that is toxic to sperm. Contains zero hormones.
- Best for: Women who want long-term, hormone-free protection. Also the most effective form of emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex.
Permanent Sterilization (Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy)
- Typical-use effectiveness: Over 99%
- Duration: Permanent
- Best for: Women who are absolutely certain their family is complete.
Tier 2: Very Effective (4–6 pregnancies per 100 women per year with typical use)
These methods are highly effective when used consistently but require your active participation on a schedule.
The Shot (Depo-Provera)
- Typical-use effectiveness: 96%
- Schedule: One injection every 3 months at your MomDoc office.
- Note: Can delay return to fertility for several months after stopping. The only reversible method with this characteristic.
Tier 3: Effective (7+ pregnancies per 100 women per year with typical use)
These are the most popular and flexible methods. Their effectiveness depends heavily on consistent, correct use.
The Pill (Oral Contraceptives)
- Typical-use effectiveness: 93%
- Schedule: One pill taken at the same time every day.
- Options: Combined (estrogen + progestin) or progestin-only ("minipill"). Multiple formulations exist to match your body chemistry.
The Patch (Xulane, Twirla)
- Typical-use effectiveness: 93%
- Schedule: Applied to the skin weekly for 3 weeks, followed by 1 patch-free week.
The Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing, Annovera)
- Typical-use effectiveness: 93%
- Schedule: Self-inserted vaginally; replaced monthly (NuvaRing) or yearly (Annovera).
Tier 4: Moderate Effectiveness (17+ pregnancies per 100 women per year with typical use)
Male Condom
- Typical-use effectiveness: 82%
- Key advantage: The only method that protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
Female Condom
- Typical-use effectiveness: 79%
- Key advantage: Also protects against STIs. Can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex.
Diaphragm
- Typical-use effectiveness: 83%
- Note: Must be used with spermicide. Requires refitting after childbirth.
Cervical Cap
- Typical-use effectiveness: 78%
- Note: Must be used with spermicide each time.
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABM / Natural Family Planning)
- Typical-use effectiveness: 77–98% (varies widely by specific method)
- Note: The CDC reports a 2–23% typical-use failure rate range, depending on the specific FABM method used and adherence. Requires rigorous daily tracking of basal body temperature and cervical mucus. Involves periodic abstinence or barrier use during the fertile window. Symptothermal methods with perfect use can achieve up to 98% effectiveness, while simpler calendar methods have much higher failure rates.
Sponge
- Typical-use effectiveness: 83% (varies based on prior pregnancies)
Spermicide (alone)
- Typical-use effectiveness: 72%
- Note: Most effective when used alongside another method (like a condom or diaphragm).
Choosing the Right Tier for Your Life
The question is not "which method is best?" but "which tier of commitment fits my life right now?"
- If you want zero daily effort: Look at Tier 1 (LARC). IUDs and implants are placed once and work for years.
- If you want daily control: Tier 3 pills, patches, and rings give you flexibility to stop anytime.
- If you need STI protection: Condoms are essential regardless of what other method you use.
- If you want hormone-free options: The copper IUD (Tier 1), condoms (Tier 4), or FABM (Tier 4) avoid hormones entirely.
Your MomDoc provider will walk through your health history, lifestyle, and preferences to help you find the right match. We offer same-day appointments across all 17 Arizona locations.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your MomDoc provider to determine which birth control method is safest and most effective for you.