Birth Control Options Explained, Plus Emergency Contraception and When to Get Seen

The most effective birth control methods are the ones you don't have to think about every day: IUDs and the implant, which are more than 99% effective. The shot, pill, patch and ring are also very effective when used on schedule. Condoms are the only method that also protects against sexually transmitted infections. If a method fails or you had unprotected sex, emergency contraception works best the sooner you take it, ideally within 72 hours.

Long-acting methods

• Hormonal IUD: a small device placed in the uterus, lasting 3 to 8 years depending on the type. Often makes periods lighter.
• Copper IUD: hormone-free, lasting up to 10 or more years. Periods may be heavier at first.
• Implant: a small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm, lasting 3 to 5 years.

These are placed by a primary care provider, gynecologist or family planning clinic.

Short-acting methods

• The shot: an injection every 3 months
• The pill: taken every day. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin; mini-pills contain progestin only.
• The patch: changed weekly
• The ring: a flexible ring placed in the vagina, changed monthly

How well they work depends on using them on time. Missed pills and late shots are common reasons they fail.

Barrier and other methods

• Condoms (external and internal): also protect against STIs
• Diaphragm or cervical cap, used with spermicide
• Fertility awareness: tracking your cycle, which takes careful daily attention
• Permanent options: tubal surgery or vasectomy

Emergency contraception

If you had sex without birth control, or a condom broke or you missed pills:

• Levonorgestrel pills ("morning-after pill") are sold over the counter with no age limit and work best within 72 hours, the sooner the better
• Ulipristal needs a prescription and works up to 5 days after
• A copper IUD placed within 5 days is the most effective option

Emergency contraception isn't an abortion pill and won't affect an existing pregnancy.

Side effects that need a visit

Mild nausea, spotting and breast tenderness are common in the first few months of a hormonal method. Get seen if you have pelvic pain, a fever, unusual discharge, a missed period or a positive pregnancy test, or if you think you might have an STI.

What urgent care can do

Urgent care can run a pregnancy test, check pelvic pain, and test and treat STIs, including after a condom breaks. For starting or changing a birth control method long term, a primary care provider, gynecologist or family planning clinic is the place to go.

At an AfterOurs clinic, a standard self-pay visit is $175, and a self-pay in-clinic visit never costs more than $330. We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. See the cost and insurance page.

Go to the ER or call 911 if you have sudden severe belly or pelvic pain, especially with dizziness, fainting or a positive pregnancy test; severe chest pain or shortness of breath; pain and swelling in one leg; a sudden severe headache; or sudden vision changes or weakness. These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy or a blood clot.

Where to find us

Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:

• Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
• Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
• Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
• Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM

Walk in, or book online.