ParaGard is the only IUD without hormones available in the U.S. It’s made of plastic and a small amount of natural, safe copper.

Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of a synthetic hormone to thicken your cervical mucus and keep sperm away from the uterus.

The implant is a tiny, barely noticeable rod inserted in your upper arm. It keeps the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens cervical mucus.

The pill is taken orally once a day, at the same time every day. Most release hormones that keep your ovaries from releasing eggs.

Branded as NuvaRing, this is a small, bendable ring that you insert into your vagina. The ring prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs.

Depo-Provera is an injection that prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs. It is taken every three months.

A thin, beige piece of plastic, the patch is placed on your skin once a week and prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs.

Condoms slip over the penis to prevent pregnancy and lower the risk of STIs. They must be correctly used every time you have sex.

A diaphragm covers the cervix and keeps sperm out of your uterus. For a diaphragm to work effectively, it must be used with spermicide.