Contraception, also known as birth control, includes medications and devices used to prevent pregnancy. The National Institutes of Health recommends choosing a contraception method based on reliability, ease of use and effectiveness, and cost. Some forms of contraception contain hormones that prevent ovulation, or release of the female egg. Women and couples concerned about hormone-based contraception may consider an alternative contraception method that is hormone-free. Several types of non-hormonal birth control options are available without a prescription.
Barrier Contraception
Barrier contraception prevents sperm from fertilizing the female egg by trapping sperm inside a barrier device. Different types of barrier contraception are available; however only male and female condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases as well as pregnancy.
The male condom is a thin shield of latex, polyurethane or lambskin that slips over the erect penis to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. Alternately, a female condom is also available which is inserted inside the vagina before intercourse. The female condom creates a pouch inside the vagina to trap sperm. Both male and female condoms can be purchased without a prescription.
Rhythm Method
The rhythm method, also called natural family planning, allows a woman to estimate days of the month she is most likely to be fertile. She keeps track of the length of her monthly cycle, notes changes to her cervical mucus and basal body temperature to determine fertile days. Intercourse is then avoided during that time, or a contraceptive device used to prevent pregnancy.
The rhythm method allows a woman to control her fertility without devices or medication; however, this method needs to be thoroughly learned and can be unpredictable. A woman may want to meet with her health care provider to learn how to properly use the rhythm method before relying on it for contraception.
IUD
An intrauterine device is a small, T-shaped copper wire that is inserted directly into the uterus. IUDs come either with or without hormones. The hormonal based IUD prevents pregnancy by killing sperm. The non-hormonal type of IUD prevents implantation in the uterus should fertilization occur. Complications can occur with an IUD, such as perforation of the uterus, in which the IUD pokes a small hole in the uterine wall. The IUD may also become dislodged inside the uterus. An IUD is inserted into the cervix by a health-care professional, and can be left in place for five to 10 years, according to American Pregnancy Association.
