The 7 Most Effective Forms of Birth Control, According to Scientists

Types of contraception now include a variety of inexpensive and long-term options. These are the forms of birth control most recommended by scientists.

By Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi
Jul 24, 2023 9:00 PMJul 24, 2023 8:52 PM
Birth control pills
(Credit: WindNight/Shutterstock)

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This article was originally published on Aug. 26, 2022.

On Mad Men, the TV drama set in 1960s New York City, secretary Peggy Olson visited a gynecologist and asked to start oral contraceptives. The physician noted she wasn’t married and said he’d fill the prescription, although he worried the freedom might turn her into a “strumpet.”

“I’ll warn you now, I’ll take you off this medicine if you abuse it,” the physician says.

Times have changed since Peggy paid $11 for her monthly prescription ($111 in today’s money) and promised the doctor she wouldn’t run around to get her “money’s worth.” Contraception options now include a variety of inexpensive and long-term options. Here are seven methods scientists say are the most effective.

1. Intrauterine Devices (IUDS)

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