If your biological sex is female then you have a lot of options for birth control. It's a good idea to talk to a health care professional about what will work best for you. The information below is a good place to start.
These mimic natural hormones in the woman's body. Most hormonal methods stop ovaries from releasing an egg every month.
Brand | Effectiveness | Cost |
Pill | 92% | $15-$20 / month |
Patch | 92% | $15 / month |
NuvaRing | 92% | $15 / month |
Depo-Provera (Depo shot) | 97% | $40 / 3 months |
Condoms prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.
Type | Effectiveness | Cost |
Male condom | 85% | $0.50 – $1 each |
Female condom | 79% | $5 each |
IUDs are a small, t-shaped device that's inserted into a woman’s uterus by a doctor.
Type | Effectiveness | Cost |
Copper IUD | 99.2% | $75-$180 every 5 years |
Hormonal IUD | 99.9% | $385 every 5 years |
These don't require the use any products to prevent pregnancy.
Method | Effectiveness | Cost |
Not having sex | 100% | $0 |
Withdrawal/ Pulling Out | 73% effective | $0 |
Breastfeeding a newborn baby | 99.5% for six months | $0 |
Fertility awareness method* | 75% | $0 |
*The fertility awareness method predicts fertile and infertile times in your menstrual cycle.
Emergency contraception is taken after sex. It's more effective the sooner it's taken, but can still help up to five days after unprotected sex.
Insider Tip
If you're on income assistance, the Mirena IUD is covered through Pharmacare.
If you're status Aboriginal, several birth control methods are covered through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program.