How Much Does Each Type of Birth Control Cost
Without ongoing education, our knowledge of birth control is frozen in time. In The State of Birth Control, Lifehacker talks about the history of contraception in the US and explains what everyone needs to know about their options, the latest medical advances, and legal access. Follow the full series here .
Not getting pregnant can be difficult and expensive. First, you have to choose which type of birth control best suits your specific needs and desires, and then you have to pay for it. While the Affordable Care Act requires most private insurance plans to fully cover contraceptives, 25% of insured patients reported that they had to pay part of their costs for reasons such as contacting an out-of-network provider or choosing a method, which has not been covered.
One in five of those without insurance reported having to change birth control methods because of the cost. Costs can vary greatly, from $0 to over $1,000 per year, depending on the type of birth control you have and whether you have health insurance. According to the CDC, the most common methods of birth control are tubal sterilization (18.1%), birth control pills (14.0%), long-acting reversible contraceptives such as IUDs and implants (10.4%), and male condoms ( 8.4%).
Types of birth control
Birth control can be divided into two categories: reversible and irreversible. Reversible options include options that are taken daily, weekly, or monthly, and options that last months to years. Irreversible options are when a doctor performs an operation that sterilizes you forever.
For reversible options, it’s generally best to compare prices by looking at how much it costs per year, while non-reversible options are a one-time fee that provides a lifetime benefit.
Reversible contraceptive options
Reversible contraceptive options can range from short-acting options, such as condoms, to longer-acting options, such as birth control shots, which provide contraception for three months, or an intrauterine device (IUD), which can last three to three months. 10 years depending on type. The goal of reversible contraception is to prevent pregnancy in the short term without affecting fertility in the long term.
How much do condoms cost
Condoms can be purchased without a prescription at a wide variety of stores , including gas stations, convenience stores, pharmacies, and grocery stores. Depending on the brand, the price will vary, but the price of three packs will range from $3 to $6, and buying them in packs of 12 or more will usually bring the price down to under $1 per condom . From a financial point of view, condoms have the advantage that they are a product for individual use, which can be easily purchased in the quantity you need and at any time.
How much do birth control pills cost
The price for a 30-day supply of birth control ranges from $22 to $79 , depending on which brand and type of birth control you choose. On average, an uninsured person using birth control pills pays $268 a year for drugs. 67% of insured people report not paying out of pocket for birth control pills.
How much does a contraceptive patch cost
The birth control patch works by releasing a combination of pregnancy-preventing hormones . Users will wear the patch for three weeks, then take it off for one week before putting on a new patch. The cash fee for a pack of three patches for three months costs about $140, with an annual cost of $560.
How much does a contraceptive ring cost
A birth control ring is a small, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina, where it slowly releases a combination of hormones into the body. Depending on the brand, the ring is worn for 3-6 weeks, after which it is removed. The cash price of a vaginal ring averages $167 per month. People whose health insurance does not fully cover it report spending an average of $400 a year.
How much do birth control vaccines cost
A contraceptive injection containing the hormone progestin provides a contraceptive effect for 12 weeks. For those who are not insured, the initial visit will typically cost $50 to $200 , with additional injections typically costing $20 to $40.
irreversible contraceptive options
The goal of irreversible methods of contraception is to provide a permanent method of preventing unwanted pregnancy, whether it be tubal sterilization, in which the fallopian tubes are blocked or removed, or vasectomy, in which part of the vas deferens is removed.
How much does tubal sterilization (“tubal ligation”) cost?
During a tubal sterilization procedure, the doctor either blocks or removes the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the uterus. This prevents fertilization and implantation of eggs in the uterus, thus preventing pregnancy. For uninsured patients , tubal sterilization surgery can cost up to $6,000 . For patients with insurance, most, if not all, of the costs are usually covered.
How much does a vasectomy cost
During a vasectomy, the doctor removes part of the vas deferens, the tiny tubes that transport mature sperm from the testicles to the penis. Without insurance , the procedure will cost about $1,000 . However, a vasectomy is not considered a significant health benefit and, as such, does not require insurance. Check with your provider to find out what is covered.