There are various types of birth control to avoid getting pregnant.
Another term for birth control is contraception.
Some types of contraception are for women, and some are for men. There is temporary contraception, and permanent contraception.
If you are female and do not want to become pregnant, either you or your partner must use some type of birth control to prevent pregnancy from occurring.
Most methods of contraception fall into two categories:
- Barrier
- Hormonal
The other four most commonly used methods of birth control are:
- Abstinence
- Natural family planning
- Sterilization
- Withdrawal
Needless to say, abstinence is the least popular and less used of these methods of birth control. It also probably has the highest incidence of failure, since good intentions tend to fall by the wayside in the heat of the moment.
When you decide to use a type of birth control, you will want to take a look at more than one method to determine which is probably best for you.
Bear in mind, though, that regardless of what type of contraception you use most methods of birth control do not protect you from a sexually transmitted disease.
It’s also important for you to remember that no form of birth control, with the exception of total abstinence, is foolproof.
Here are the most common types of contraceptives:
- Abstinence: This means totally refraining from sexual intercourse.
- Natural Family Planning: This is the Fertility Awareness Method that relies on a woman tracking her fertility through Basal Body Temperature, cervical mucous, cervical position…or all three of these things.
- Barrier Methods: This type includes male condoms, and the female condom, plus the diaphragm. The diaphragm acts as a cervical barrier to prevent pregnancy. Spermicides are also considered barrier methods of birth control, as are cervical caps and contraceptive sponges.
- Hormonal: This includes birth control pills, patches, rings, shots, implants, and hormone medications.
- Withdrawal: This method depends on the penis being withdrawn from the vagina before sperm are ejaculated. It is not at all reliable.
- Sterilization: In the female, this is a tubal ligation of the fallopian tubes. In the male, it is a vasectomy, which is a surgical closing of the tubes that carry sperm.
Before embarking on any type of birth control, take the time to familiarize yourself with each method so that you can make an informed decision about which to use.
The Various Types of Birth Control
All About Birth Control Pills
Natural Family Planning: Taking Charge of Your Fertility
Myths About Getting Pregnant: DIY Methods of Birth Control Exposed