[Editor’s note: The following is a list of just a few birth control methods approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and highly marketed within the U.S. to women and girls. The last one—Abstinence—has yet to be considered for approval by the FDA.]

Oral Contraceptives—Combined Pill
FDA Approval Date: First in 1960; most recent in 2003
Description: A pill that suppresses ovulation by the combined actions of the hormones estrogen and progestin.
Some Risks: Dizziness; nausea; changes in menstruation, mood, and weight; rarely, cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack, and strokes
Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): None

Oral Contraceptives—Seasonal
FDA Approval Date: 2003
Description: A pill containing estrogen and progestin, taken in 3-month cycles of 12 weeks of active pills followed by one week of inactive pills. Menstrual periods occur during the 13th week of the cycle.
Some Risks: Dizziness; nausea; changes in menstruation, mood, and weight; rarely, cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack, and strokes
Protection from STDs: None

Patch (Ortho Evra)
FDA Approval Date: 2001
Description: Skin patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream.
Some Risks: Dizziness; nausea; changes in menstruation, mood, and weight; rarely, cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack, and strokes
Protection from STDs: None

Injection (Depo-Provera)
FDA Approval Date: 1992
Description: An injectable progestin that inhibits ovulation, prevents sperm from reaching the egg, and prevents the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
Some Risks: Irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches
Protection from STDs: None

Implant (Norplant)
FDA Approval Date: 1990
Description: Six matchstick-sized rubber rods that are surgically implanted under the skin of the upper arm, where they steadily release the contraceptive steroid levonorgestrel over five years
Some Risks: Irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches, difficulty in removal
Protection from STDs: None
***In 2002, Norplant’s manufacturer announced that it will no longer distribute the Norplant system. Women using the system should contact their doctors about what their contraceptive options will be after the five-year expiration date of their Norplant systems.

IUD (Intrauterine Device)
FDA Approval Date: 1976
Description: A T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health professional.
Some Risks: Cramps, bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, perforation of uterus
Protection from STDs: None

Lybrel
FDA Approval Date: 2007
Description: A oral contraceptive pill that would eliminate a woman’s period indefinitely.
Some risks: Not Yet Determined (or released)
Protection from STDs: None