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U Choose what's right for you. There's a lot of birth control options out there.
Take the quiz and find out which ones may be best for you.
The contraceptive quiz is for informational use only and should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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IUD (Intrauterine Device)
Brand names: ParaGard, Mirena
The IUD is a quarter-sized t-shaped device that is inserted in your uterus by a medical provider during an office visit. It may be right for you if you want to prevent pregnancy at least one year and a very effective method that is easy to use. Read more.
The IUD does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
taken out any time
Side effects may include some pain after insertion like cramping and backaches, increased spotting between periods in the first months, irregular periods in the first months (Mirena), heavier periods and worse cramps (ParaGard). Pain relievers can usually reduce cramping and other side effects.
Implant
Brand names: Implanon, Nexplanon
The implant is a matchstick-sized rod that gets inserted in your arm. A provider inserts and removes the implant during office visits. It may be right for you if you want to prevent pregnancy at least one year and a very effective method that is easy to use. Read more.
The implant does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
taken out any time
Side effects may include irregular bleeding and spotting (especially in the first months), fewer and lighter periods for most women, but longer, heavier periods for some women.
Shot
Depo-Provera
The shot is given in the arm, thigh or butt by a provider during an office visit every 12 weeks. It must be given on time every 12 week to be effective. Read more.
The shot does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Side effects may include irregular bleeding and spotting (especially in the first months), fewer and lighter periods for most women, but longer, heavier periods for some women.
Vaginal Ring
NuvaRing
A flexible ring worn in the vagina for three weeks. You get a prescription from a provider but insert yourself at home. Read more.
The ring does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Side effects may include increased spotting between periods, breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting.
Emergency Contraception
Brand Names: Plan B, ella, Next Choice
Pills taken after unprotected sex to prevent fertilization and pregnancy. To be effective, must be taken as soon as possible but no more than 5 days after unprotected sex. The sooner you take emergency contraception, the more effective it is at preventing pregnancy. Emergency contraception does not work if you are already pregnant. If you are at least 17 years old, you can go to the drug store and ask the pharmacist for emergency contraception. If you are younger than 17, a provider can write you a prescription.
Emergency contraception is a great backup plan when you need it but is not the most effective birth control. If you are trying to prevent pregnancy, consider trying one of the other more effective birth control methods. Read more.
The ring does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
Effective
Side effects may include nausea, fatigue, and headache.
Patch
Ortho Evra
A small patch that sticks to your skin for a week. You get a prescription from a provider but stick on yourself at home. Read more.
The patch does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Side effects may include increased spotting between periods, breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting.
Pill
Multiple Brands
A low dose of hormones in a pill, taken every day at the same time. You get a prescription from a provider but take yourself at home. Read more.
The pill does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Side effects may include increased spotting between periods, breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting.
Diaphragm
A reusable silicone dome-shaped cup that covers the cervix to keep sperm out. A provider does the initial fitting and gives a prescription for the right size. You put it in yourself at home each time you have sex. It's best to always use spermicide with a diagphragm. Read more.
The diaphragm does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Side effect may include vaginal irritation. Nonoxynol-9 (the most common spermicide) may increase the risk of HIV and other STDs.
Male Condom
Latex, Polyurethane
Condoms are worn on the penis during sex to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. You put on at home and use a new one each time you have sex. You can get condoms for free from your local health center or buy them at a drugs store. Read more.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Most people can use condoms without side effects. If you are allergic to latex or polyurethane, ask your provider which brands may be best for you.
Female Condom
Polyurethane
Female condoms are worn in the vagina during sex to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. You put in at home and use a new one each time you have sex. You can get female condoms for free from your local health center or buy them at a drugs store. Read more.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Most people can use condoms without side effects. If you are allergic to polyurethane, ask your provider about alternatives.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal is pulling away so the man doesn't ejaculate inside the woman and keeps sperm out of the vagina. Read more.
Withdrawal does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Withdrawal is commonly misused and mistimed, especially among younger and less experienced sexual partners, making it one of the least effective birth control methods.
Sponge
Today Sponge
A foam sponge worn in the vagina and always used with spermicide. You put in at home each time you have sex. You can buy the sponge at a drugstore. Read more.
The sponge does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Side effect may include vaginal irritation. Nonoxynol-9 (the most common spermicide) may increase the risk of HIV and other STDs.
Fertility Awareness
Natural Family Planning
Methods for tracking your period to determine the days of the month you are most likely to get pregnant. You can find supplies online or get them from a local clinic. Read more.
Fertility Awareness does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Natural family planning is commonly misused and mistimed, especially in younger women with irregular periods, making it one of the least effective birth control methods.
Spermicide
Multiple kinds
A liquid, foam or strip that stops sperm from moving to prevent fertilization. You can buy spermicide at a drug store. Read more.
Spermicide does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Side effect may include vaginal irritation. Nonoxynol-9 (the most common spermicide) may increase the risk of HIV and other STDs.
Cervical Cap
FemCap
A reuseable silicone cup that covers the cervix to keep sperm out. A provider does the initial fitting and gives a prescription for the right size. You put it in yourself at home each time you have sex. It's best to always use spermicide with a diaphragm. Read more.
The cervical cap does not protect against HIV or STDs. Always use a condom.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Side effect may include vaginal irritation. Nonoxynol-9 (the most common spermicide) may increase the risk of HIV and other STDs.
Abstinence
Continuous abstinence prevents pregnancy by keeping sperm away from the vagina. Abstinence is the only birth control method that's completely effective when used correctly. Read more.
Abstinence does protect against HIV and STDs.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
There are no side effects of abstinence when used continuously. However, if you are thinking about having sex soon, you may want to prepare and consider one of the other birth control methods to prevent pregnancy.
Sterilization
Tubal ligation, vasectomy
A surgery that closes tubes that carry the egg to the uterus (for women) or closes the tubes that carry semen (for men). This surgical operation is done at a hospital or clinic for women and men who are certain they do not want to have any more children. Most providers would encourage teens and young adults to consider one of the other long lasting reversible methods (IUD, implant) before considering sterilization.
Sterilization is not reversible. Like all medical procedures, there are risks. Your provider will discuss specific risks and potential side effects for your procedure. Read more.
Sterilization does protect against HIV and STDs.
Effectiveness based upon typical use.
effective
Sterilization is not reversible. Like all medical procedures, there are risks. Your provider will discuss specific risks and potential side effects for your procedure.
These birth control methods are all more than 90% effective. *Based upon typical use effectiveness.
Want to prevent pregnancy for at least one year? These birth control methods are the easiest to use and most effective. They can last up to 10 years but be taken out whenever you want.
Based on your quiz answers, these methods may be right for you.
How To Pay For It
Maryland has expanded its free family planning (birth control) program for women who aren't covered with other health insurance. There is no minimum age for the program and you don’t need a parent's signature to apply. The program covers counseling, medical exams, follow up visits and a birth control method such as the IUD, implant, shot, pill, patch, ring or permanent sterilization. You must be a US citizen or legal resident and live in Maryland. Enrollment takes about 45 days to process. If you are eligible, you will get a card to take to any provider who accepts the purple and white Medicaid card.
To find out if you're eligible for free birth control, contact Health Care Access of Maryland (HCAM) at (410) 649-0500
Find Answers
Click on one of the most effective birth control methods for answers to commonly asked questions
IUD- What if I get an IUD, but want to get pregnant sooner than the 5 or 10 years that it's good for?
You can have your IUD removed whenever you're ready to get pregnant. The hormones in your body should go back to normal quickly and you can start trying right away
- Is it safe to have the hormones from the IUD inside you all the time?
Yes, the hormones used in the Mirena IUD is used in other birth control methods. It's been used by a lot of women, and it's safe.
- Does the IUD protect against STIs?
No, the only way to protect against STIs if you're having sex is a latex or polyurethane condom. Doubling up with the IUD and condoms is a great option.
- Will it hurt to have sex when I have an IUD inside me?
You may be a little sore immediately after insertion, but the IUD should not cause pain during sex.
- Can the IUD hurt my partner?
No, the IUD can't hurt your partner, and it's rare that if they can even feel the strings. The IUD strings soften over time, and if it's a problem, your healthcare provider might be able to trim them.
- I'm worried that if I don't bleed regularly with the IUD or implant then I won't know if I get pregnant.
It's totally normal to stop having your period with the IUD or Implant, which many women look at as an added benefit.
- Can the IUD move out of place or fall out completely?
Rarely, the IUD can expel or push out of your body. It's uncommon and not usually dangerous, but talk to your provider as soon as it happens.
- Is it safe to have an IUD inside me?
Yes, the IUD is safe and approved for preventing pregnancy. It is also one of the most widely used methods in the world.
- The ParaGard IUD has copper, right? Is it safe to have the metal inside you?
Yes, the small dose of copper is safe as long as you are not allergic.
- Is there anything I can do if my periods are heavier and my cramps are worse since I got my IUD?
If you've only had the IUD for a few months or less, it could lessen or go away on its own. Talk to your provider about potential side effects or any questions.
- I'm thinking about getting the implant. But what do I do if I want to get pregnant in less than the 3 years it lasts?
You can have your Implant removed whenever you're ready to get pregnant. The hormones in your body should go back to normal quickly and you can start trying right away.
- Does it hurt to get the implant?
It shouldn't. You get an injection of numbing medicine through a small needle before your health care provider inserts the implant which only takes a few minutes. That area of your arm may be sore or bruised for a couple days.
- Does it hurt to get the implant removed?
It shouldn't. You get an injection of numbing medicine through a small needle before your health care provider removes the implant which only takes a few minutes. That area of your arm may be sore or bruised for a couple days.
- I'm spotting from the implant. What can I do to stop it?
If you've only had the Implant for a few months or less, it could lessen or go away on its own. Talk to your provider about potential side effects or any questions.
- Will the implant show?
No, but you can feel it if you press where it was inserted.
- I'm using the implant. Are the side effects like feeling moody, bloated, and nervous going to go away?
If you've only had the Implant for a few months or less, it could lessen or go away on its own. Talk to your provider about potential side effects or any questions.
- Will the shot make me fat?
There is a possibility of weight gain on the shot since it can increase your appetite and make you eat more.
- How often do I have to get the shot?
You have to get the shot 4 times a year or every 3 months. It's really important for you to get each shot on time, so websites like bedsider.org offer to send you a phone or email reminder.
- Am I going to stop having my period on the shot?
It's totally normal to stop having your period with the shot, which many women look at as an added benefit. If you were late getting a shot, consider taking a pregnancy test.
- Is the birth control pill dangerous?
No, birth control pills are very safe if you are healthy. Heavy smokers or women with some medical conditions shouldn't take the pill because of potential risks.
- What can I do if I'm on the pill and breaking out with acne?
Most pills actually help with acne, so you could talk to provider to see about switching to another kind of pill.
- Can I use the pill to control when I have my period?
Yes, it's safe and possible to use the pill to control your bleeding. Be sure to talk to your provider first.
- Can I swim or take a shower while I'm wearing the patch?
Yes, it's really rare that the patch falls off.
- Can I wear the patch all the time and not get my period?
It's not recommended since hormone levels from the patch may be a little higher over time than with the pill.
- Can I keep the ring in all of the time and not get my period?
Yes, it's safe and possible to use the ring to control your period. Just use a new ring every three weeks without a 1-week break. Be sure to talk to your provider first.
- Will I be able to get the ring out by myself?
Absolutely, you insert and remove the ring yourself. It's easy but could take some practice.
- The condom broke. What should I do?
Use emergency contraception as soon as you can if the condom broke, spilled, or wasn't used the whole time. Emergency contraception is effective up to five days after sex, but the sooner the better. You may also want to get tested for STIs.
- Is emergency contraception the same thing as the abortion pill?
No, emergency contraception works by preventing pregnancy form starting and not if you're already pregnant. If you accidentally take emergency contraception before you know you're pregnant, it won't hurt you or the pregnancy.
- How will emergency contraception pills affect my next period?
It depends on when you took emergency contraception during your monthly cycle. Your period may be a little early, a little late, or right on time. Consider taking a pregnancy test if your next period is more than 2 weeks late.
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Know what u want? Call with confidence!
- Choose your clinic. Here some of the places where you can get birth control in Baltimore.
- Call and ask for an appointment for birth control. Know your school or work schedule so they can pick the appointment time best for you.
- If you know what method you are interested in, ask the person on the phone if it is available. If not, as if they can help you find another clinic.
- If you have health insurance, be prepared with your insurance card to answer additional questions. It is easiest to have this information on the call; however, most clinics will schedule your appointment even if you don't have all the information with you when you call.
- Whether you have health insurance or not, it's important to ask how much the visit costs. If you can't afford the appointment, ask the person on the phone what to do. Many clinics have special programs so you can get what you want, even if you can't pay.
- To be sure you don't forget your appointment time, write it down your planner or put a reminder in your phone! If you need to reschedule your appointment, just call the clinic back and ask for a new appointment.
- On the day of your appointment, be on time and bring your insurance card (if you have one).
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Eastern Health District
620 N. Caroline Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 396-9401
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Healthy Teens & Young Adults
1374 W. North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-0353
For teens and young adults only -
Baltimore City Health Center
330 N. Howard Street
Baltimore, MD, 21201
(410) 576-1414
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Harriett Lane Clinic
200 N. Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21287
(443) 287-8946
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Druid Family Health Center
1515 W. North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-0186
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Lansdowne Health Center
3902 Annapolis Road
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 887-1003
Special Teen Hours -
Dundalk Health Center
7700 Dunmanway
Baltimore, MD 21222
(410) 887-7182
Special Teen Hours -
Eastern Family Resource Center
9100 Franklin Square Drive
Baltimore, MD 21237
(410) 887-0400
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Essex Health Center
1538 Country Ridge Lane
Baltimore, MD 21221
(410) 887-0246
Special Teen Hours -
Woodlawn Health Center
1811 Woodlawn Drive
Baltimore, MD 21207
(410) 887-6803
Special Teen Hours -
Towson Health Center
1714 Joan Avenue
Baltimore, MD, 21234
(410) 665-9775
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Owings Mills Health Center
9129 Reisterstown Road
Owings Mills, MD, 21117
(410) 363-1655
Special Teen Hours -
Adolescent & Young Adult Clinic
120 Penn Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 328-8336
For teens only
But Wait, There's More
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