NonHormonal.com

Compare Birth Control methods

Select methods from the list to compare facts side by side.

Side-by-side comparison

Method	Copper IUD A small copper device placed in the uterus that works for up to 10 years and is over 99% effective.	Vaginal pH Modulator A prescription gel used before sex that keeps vaginal pH acidic to disable sperm.
Efficacy	99.2% typical use Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	86.3% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	$0–$1366 Insurance: Usually	$0–$280 /per package Insurance: Usually
Duration	Up to 10 years	Single use (effective for 1 hour)
Reversibility	Reversible	Reversible
STI Protection	No	No
How it works	Releases copper ions into the uterus that make the environment toxic to sperm and may prevent implantation if fertilization occurs.	A gel containing lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate maintains an acidic vaginal pH that disables sperm and reduces their motility. It also acts as a physical barrier to sperm movement.
Prescription	Required Prescription required	Required Prescription required
Who provides it	OB-GYNs, family medicine doctors, midwives, nurse practitioners, physician assistants	Telehealth prescribers, OB-GYNs, family medicine doctors, nurse practitioners
Available Products	5 products	1 product
Side effects	Heavier or longer periods (especially first few months) Increased cramping Spotting between periods Small risk of uterine perforation at insertion	Vaginal burning or irritation Increased risk of urinary tract infection Rare allergic reaction
Who shouldn't use this	Active pelvic infection or PID Uterine anomaly preventing insertion Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder) Known copper allergy Current pregnancy	Active vaginal infection Recurrent UTIs (use may increase risk)