| Natural Methods | Average Success Rate | STD Protection | Average Cost | Prescription Or Doctor's Assistance | Side Effects Or Restrictions |
| Abstinence | 100 percent, while you abstain | Yes | $0 | No | N/A |
| Natural Family Planning/Periodic Abstinence | 84-97 percent, while you abstain | No | $0-$10 | No | N/A |
| Barrier Methods | Average Success Rate | STD Protection | Average Cost | Prescription Or Doctor's Assistance | Side Effects Or Restrictions |
| Condom (Male) | 85-97 percent, as long as condoms are used with each act of sexual intercourse | Yes, but not completely | $0.50-$3 | No | No |
| Condom (Female) | 80-90 percent, only during sexual contact | Yes, but variable | $3 | No | No |
| Diaphragm | 80-90 percent, with appropriate use | Yes, but less than condoms | $20-$30 | Yes | No |
| Sponge | 80-90 percent, with appropriate use | Possible | $3-$4 | No | No |
| Spermicides | 50-75 percent, if used with each act of intercouse; better with condom or diaphragm | Yes, about a 25-percent lower risk of infection | $0.50-$12, depending on quantity | No | May irritate the vagina |
| Hormonal Methods | Average Success Rate | STD Protection | Average Cost | Prescription Or Doctor's Assistance | Side Effects Or Restrictions |
| Birth Control Pills | 98-99 percent continuous, if taken daily | No | $10-$30 monthly | Yes | Yes |
| Lunelle (Monthly Injections) | Up to 99 percent continuous, if taken monthly | No | $30-$55 monthly | Yes, injection also needed | Yes |
| Depo-Provera (Quarterly Injection) | Up to 99 percent continuous, if taken every 3 months | No | 60-$75 every 3 months | Yes, along with injection every 12 weeks | Yes |
| Vaginal Ring | 98-99 percent continuous, if changed monthly | No | $30 monthly | Yes | Yes |
| Skin Patch | 98-99 percent continuous, if changed weekly | No | $30-$40 monthly | Yes | Yes |
| Implants | Up to 99 percent for 5 years | No | $450-$750 per insertion | Yes, provider performs insertion | Yes |
| Intrauterine Devices | Average Success Rate | STD Protection | Average Cost | Prescription Or Doctor's Assistance | Side Effects Or Restrictions |
| Intrauterine Device (Copper IUD) | 98-99 percent for 10 years | No | $200-$300 per device | Yes, provider performs insertion | Yes |
| Intrauterine System (Levonorgestrel) | 98-99 percent for 5 years | No | $395 | Yes, provider performs insertion | Yes |
