When you're making decisions regarding what type of birth control to pursue, there are several factors that come to mind. Obviously it is important to use a birth control method that is effective, or the purpose of using birth control is drastically decreased. The method of birth control has varying levels of ease of use, and depending on your lifestyle and other factors, certain methods may be more appealing than others. In addition, the cost of birth control is another major issue in many people's decision about what kind of birth control to use. Being able to afford birth control is very important, and cost could easily be the sole factor that makes some people decide against certain methods. In looking at the different types of birth control, it is easy to see that there are several differences in their costs.
Condoms are a very popular method of birth control because they are cheap, easy to get, and also protect against STDs. Many other forms of birth control do not protect you from STDs so keep this in mind. Condoms usually range from $3-7 dollars per box, and could be more, depending on the number of condoms in the box, and whether they are basic condoms or have added features, such as being flavored or being extra lubricated. Condoms are frequently given out for free at college campuses and family planning centers, and can be found in machines for a quarter or fifty cents in many bathrooms. Obviously condoms are a fairly inexpensive option, but they also carry a relatively high risk of failure, when compared to other methods. Condoms can break, be put on incorrectly, or spill, all of which could put you at risk for pregnancy. This is why many women opt to use condoms in addition to a hormone method of birth control, as added protection.
The birth control pill is the most common method of hormonal birth control. It's cost can vary from $20-$60 a month, depending on the provider, though at some family planning centers like Planned Parenthood, it's offered for reduced rates or even for free depending on your financial status and employment positions. The pill is extremely effective when taken every day, but if you don't take it at the same time every day, it looses a degree of its effectiveness. Keep this in mind if choosing to use the pill; if you have a busy lifestyle it may be better to pick a method that doesn't require doing something every day. Make sure you will remember to take the pill, too, as forgetting a day lowers the pill's effectiveness.
The patch and the ring offer other methods of birth control that require less time commitment. The patch is applied once a week, while a new ring is inserted once a week, which means you only have to remember your birth control once a week instead of every day. Often the patch and the ring run a bit more expensive than the pill, but again, many family planning centers offer discounts for those with low income.
Depo Provera, or the shot, is another option. This one is frequently even more expensive, over $100, but it lasts for three months, which can balance out the cost to a degree. Obviously you must remember to get the shot every three months, but it requires very little time commitment. Depo Provera has been none for more drastic and common side effects than other methods, so keep that in mind.
Implants are often over $1,000, but one implant lasts up to five years. These are one of the most effective forms of birth control, and require no extra action other than getting the implant in the first place, and eventually having it removed. Though the initial cost is quite steep, the fact that it covers you for so long helps to balance out the cost, and it can actually be a very affordable method of birth control. Insurance can often help cover the cost of the procedure.
There are other methods of birth control, such as coitus interruptus (withdrawal or pullout method) the rhythm method. These methods obviously don't cost anything, but they carry high risks of failure. Even while pulling out, it's possible to still get pregnant, and it's very difficult to know one's cycle perfectly, which leaves room for pregnancy. In addition, should any birth control method fail and you end up having unprotected sex, Plan B exists to protect you against pregnancy. It can be purchased at most pharmacies, and typically costs between $10 and $45.
For much of us, paying out of pocket is necessary, however, sometimes your health insurance will cover the cost of your birth control. The company, Insurance Quotes shows which types of birth control are typically covered, and which aren’t. Should you decide you want to get pregnant at some point, they also discuss the option of maternity insurance.
These costs are important in determining the type of birth control you wish to pursue. Whatever method you decide, make sure it's an effective method that will protect you from unwanted pregnancy.
Birth Control Costs
One of the elements of birth control that we don't often hear about is how much it costs per year to use. Depending on your preferred form of birth control, you might end up paying a monthly price, a yearly fee, or a major one-time purchase. This comprehensive list details how much you might expect to pay while using any of a number of birth control options. Some people suffer adverse reactions to certain birth control types, so if one doesn't work for you, try another within your price range. Some types of birth control are covered under health insurance plan, depending on which plan, and which types of birth control.
Birth Control Pills
Description: You take a pill every day, and stock up on new pills every 28 days.
Costs: Depending on what brand you use, it can cost between $15 and $50 a month, or $180 to $600 per year. Family planning clinics may offer them for less. Often covered partially or in full by insurance.
Effectiveness: 92-98% effective. (all effectiveness statistics from Planned Parenthood).
Birth Control Patch
Description: You stick a patch on your body every week (except the week of your period).
Costs: $15-50 a month, or $180-600 per year. Family planning clinics often offer birth control patches for significantly less.
Effectiveness: 92-98% effective. Less effective for women over 198 lbs.
Cervical Cap
Description: A small, reusable silicone cup covered in spermicide that fits over the cervix.
Costs: $70 per cap, plus ~$1 for each use (for spermicide application). Should be replaced every year, so $70 per year, plus doctor's fee if applicable.
Effectiveness: 75-85% effective. Less effective for women who have already had a child.
Condoms
Description: Disposable latex sleeves that fit over the penis (male condoms) or inside the vagina (female condoms).
Costs: About $0.50-$1 each for male condoms and about $2-4 for female condoms. On average, $100-150 per year. Many non-profits and clinics offer condoms for free.
Effectiveness: 85% effective when used correctly.
Diaphragm
Description: Reusable dome-shaped rubber bowl that fits over the cervix.
Costs: $60-80. Should be replaced every two years, so $30-40 per year, plus doctor's fee. Often covered partially or in full by insurance.
Effectiveness: 85-95% effective.
IUDs
Description: Semi-permanent T-shaped device inserted into the uterus.
Costs: Up to $400 plus doctor's visit. A single IUD can stay for 5 years (if it releases progesterone) or 10 years (if not). So $40-80 per year plus doctor's fee.
Effectiveness: 99% effective.
Nuva-Ring
Description: A small ring put inside the vagina once every three weeks.
Costs: $15-50 per month, or $180-600 per year. Family planning clinics often offer them for less.
Effectiveness: 95% effective.
Shot (Depo-Provera)
Description: A shot is given by a doctor once every three months.
Costs: $35-75 per shot, plus any doctor's fees, so $140-300 per month. Often covered partially or in full by insurance.
Effectiveness: 97% effective.
Sterilization/Vasectomy
Description: A woman gets her fallopian tubes cut, a man gets his vas deferens cut.
Costs: $1500-6000 for female sterilization, $750-1000 for vasectomy. May be covered by insurance plans.
Effectiveness: 99.9% effective
Always Be Prepared
It's important to know your financial options if your choice of birth control fails and you end up getting pregnant. First, if you're nervous about getting pregnant even with birth control, and you know you don't want to have an abortion, you can apply for Maternity Insurance to help with costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth. You can also opt for emergency contraception (also known as "Plan B") if you know that your birth control failed (the condom broke, etc). There is also always the possibility of abortion, depending on how late in term your pregnancy is.
Emergency Contraception
Description: Known as the "morning after pill," this will abort a potential pregnancy within seventy-two hours of having unprotected sex.
Costs: $10-70 per pill. Health insurance plans often cover this cost.
Abortion (up to 11 weeks)
Costs: $350 during the first month, plus $100 for each subsequent week. Currently insurance plans do not cover any abortion procedures.
Abortion (2nd trimester)
Costs: Can cost from $1500 to $3000, depending on how late in the pregnancy you are and whether there are any complications.
Maternity Insurance
Many insurance plans consider pregnancy a pre-existing condition, and require you to take a special health insurance plan in order to be covered in the event of a pregnancy. As of this writing, you need to have regular health insurance in order to be covered. There are no stand-alone maternity insurance plans. Maternity insurance plans cost on average $30/month more than regular plans.
