Birth control is a safe and easy way to prevent pregnancy.
Some types of birth control can also help treat certain health problems or provide other health benefits — like making periods lighter and less painful.
There are lots of different birth control methods that work in different ways. It’s important to find the right one for you.
How well does birth control work?
 | The Implant (Nexplanon) | IUD (Skyla) | IUD (Mirena) | IUD (ParaGard) | Sterilization |
| Works, hassle-free, for up to… | 3 Years | 3 Years | 5 Years | 12 Years | Forever |
 | The Pill | The Patch | The Ring | The Shot (Depo-Provera) | |
| For it to work best, use it… | Every. Single. Day. | Every Week | Every Month | Every 3 Months |
 | Pulling Out | Diaphragm | Fertility Awareness | Condoms (Internal + External) | |
| For each of these methods to work, you or your partner have to use it every single time you have sex. |
This chart is modeled after Bedsider.org +
The Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health's birth control chart.
Download a copy of their fact sheet here
99% of sexually active women have used some form of birth control or contraception in their lifetime.
(CDC, 2013)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is birth control expensive?
Most birth control methods are available either free or low-cost.
Our partner organization Take Control Initiative actually sponsors free long acting birth control options for folks in our community. They will even get you a ride to the clinic!
Is birth control safe?
All FDA-approved birth control methods have gone through extensive research showing they are safe to use and effective at preventing pregnancy. Some even have other benefits, like making your periods shorter, giving you periods with less cramping, and improving acne.
What about condoms?
Condoms are great and can be used along with any other method of birth control!
Condoms protect against STIs, don’t require a prescription, and are inexpensive or free.
You can receive free condoms at any Tulsa Health Department location.
Visit our Find a Clinic page to see your nearest location.
Do my parents have to know about the appointment?
Youth 19 and under can receive confidential sexual and reproductive health care at all of our partner clinics.
Whether you’re looking for birth control, condoms, or STI testing, you can probably get it for free and confidentially.
Can it be confidential?
Visit our Find a Clinic page to see your nearest location for confidential clinic services.