For families who want a sense of control over when to have children---a concept known as family planning---there are many options available, all differing slightly in price, effectiveness and comfort. Whatever method you choose, it's always a smart idea to talk to your doctor about your options and the pros and cons associated with each method.
Condom
One of the most inexpensive and readily available family planning methods is the condom, which is used to prevent semen from entering the uterus and fertilizing an egg. A condom is placed over the erect penis before sexual intercourse. When the man ejaculates, the semen stays inside the condom, which is thrown away after sex. Condoms require no prescription and are available in most drug stores.
Birth Control Pill
The main function of this type of the birth control pill is to suppress ovulation, or the release of an egg. Most birth control pills also thicken the cervical mucus, which aids in preventing pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing an egg that may develop despite the pill. Birth control pills require a prescription from a doctor.
Outercourse
According to Planned Parenthood, "outercourse" is defined as any sexual play that does not involve actual insertion of the penis into the vagina, thus preventing sperm from entering into the uterus. Outercourse could include oral sex, stimulation by hand or body-to-body rubbing.
Natural Family Planning
This method requires no drugs and allows the couple to enjoy normal sexual intercourse, but is more subject to error than other methods. With natural family planning, couples attempt to determine when the woman is ovulating, based on patterns with the menstrual cycle, and avoid having intercourse during those fertile times. Two common ways of determining ovulation are by examining the cervical mucus, which is clearer, slippery and more abundant when a woman is ovulating, and keeping track of the woman's basal body temperature. During ovulation, a woman's basal temperature will rise about .9 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Sterilization
Men and women both have the option of undergoing minor surgical procedures in order to render themselves infertile. For men, this process is called a vasectomy, which prevents sperm from entering into the semen. For women, this process is called tubal ligation, and involves blocking or cutting the Fallopian tubes permanently to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. Both methods are considered permanent.
