You don't have to take a pill every day in order to protect yourself from getting pregnant. There are other non-pill birth control methods that you can take that are safe and effective and will protect you against an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy.

1. The Shot 

Formerly known as Depo-Provera, but more commonly referred to as "the shot", this birth control method only has to be administrated every three months. With the shot, you go to your doctor's office every three months. Your doctor will give you a shot in either your arm or your hip.

The shot contains progestin, which will prevent you from getting pregnant. You may experience some irregular bleeding when you get the shot for the first year or so. If you continue on the shot for an extended period of time, many women do not even get their period, only experiencing a little spotting a few times a year.

The shot is a highly effective means of birth control if you get the shot on-time. One of the biggest upsides of the shot is that you only have to deal with birth control four times a year, not every day. Also, if you decide you want to get pregnant, you simply need to stop getting the shot.

2. Birth Control Implant

If you really don't want to think about your birth control that often, a birth control implant may be for you. With a birth control implant, a small plastic rod is put into your arm. This small plastic rod contains progestin that is slowly released into your body. A birth control implant works for three years. Another benefit of the birth control implant is that many women experience lighter periods while they have the implant. Irregular bleeding may occur during the first year, but after that, periods get lighter and more manageable.

The birth control implant is great because you don't have to think about birth control on a daily basis. It is a great method to use if you are sure that you don't want to get pregnant in the next few years. Birth control pills are not your only option if you don't want to get pregnant. Both the shot and the birth control implant device are longer-lasting birth control methods that require less daily actions and planning than the birth control pill. Talk to your health care provider to see if you can use an alternative birth control method besides the pill.