Women have the choice to prevent pregnancies through the use of birth control. Some forms of birth control, like birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs), contain hormones that alter a woman's body; when use properly, the hormones will forestall pregnancy. A non-hormone option, condoms, prevent the transmission of both sperm and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Birth Control Pills
According to Planned Parenthood, hormone birth control pills are effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies. When used correctly, birth control pills are 99 percent effective; however, when a woman misses taking a pill, the effectiveness drops to 92 percent. Two types of synthetic hormones are present in birth control pills: estrogen and progestin. Both of these hormones act on the woman's body in two ways, according to Planned Parenthood: first, the hormones prevent the release of the egg from the woman's ovaries (ovulation); second, the hormones change the uterine lining, preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg. Women can choose from progestin-only birth control pills, or pills that contain both hormones, such as combination pills and extended cycle pills.
Intrauterine Device
Another type of hormone-based birth control, according to Planned Parenthood, is an intrauterine device (IUD). An intrauterine device can be constructed two ways: a plastic intrauterine device which contains progestin, or a copper intrauterine uterine. Both types of intrauterine devices are T-shaped and are inserted into the woman's uterus. The intrauterine device has the same effects as hormone birth control pills: The intrauterine device prevents both ovulation and implantation, according to Planned Parenthood.
Condoms
For women who do not want to use hormone birth control, they can choose from either the male condom or the female condom. According to Planned Parenthood, some types of condoms have a coating of spermicide, which prevents pregnancy by immobilizing sperm. Male condoms are put over a man's erect penis, while the female condom is inserted into the woman's vagina. Not only does the condom catch the sperm so it does not impregnate the woman, but it can prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
