WHAT ARE THEY?
 

• Vaginal Rings
• Transdermal Patches
• Birth Control Pills

HOW DO THEY WORK?
 

Through different mechanisms, they release progesterone and/or estrogen hormones to prevent ovulation.

PROS:
 

• 99.9% reliable in preventing pregnancy when used properly.
• Kinney Pharmacists can consult, recommend and dispense them, usually on the same day.
• Covered by most health insurance.

CONS:

• Do not prevent sexually transmitted infections.
• Side effects can include headaches and spotting.
• Oral medication must be taken every day.

WHAT IS IT?
 

OPill® is the only US FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
 

It releases progestin hormone to thicken cervical mucus, helping to block sperm from reaching an egg. (It may prevent ovulation, but not in all cycles.)

PROS:
 

• No prescription or pharmacist required.
• Available at all Kinney Drugs and on Instacart.
• Relatively inexpensive.
• Option for people who can't or don't want to take medications with estrogen.

CONS:

• Less reliable than prescription hormonal contraceptives.
• Not an emergency contraceptive (morning-after pill).
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Not covered by insurance.
• Must be taken every day.

WHAT ARE THEY?
 

Thin sheaths of rubber or plastic used as a barrier method of birth control.

HOW DO THEY WORK?
 

They create a physical barrier between partners, stopping sperm from reaching an egg.

PROS:
 

• Available at all Kinney Drugs.
• Effective immediately.
• When used properly, 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. (IRL, it's more like 85%.)
• Protects against sexually transmitted infections.
• No side effects.

CONS:
 

• Not covered by insurance or FSA/HSA.
• Can be incorrectly used, burst, or slip off.
• Can negatively affect the physical experience.