Different Forms of Contraceptives

Contraceptives, or birth control, are used to prevent pregnancy. There are different forms of contraceptives available men and women, each with their own challenges and risks. Two main types of birth control are barrier and hormonal, report researchers at the American Pregnancy Association. Other methods include sterilization and abstinence. Couples should consider the effectiveness of the contraceptive, their own lifestyle and limitations as well as religious and health issues when choosing the best type of birth control for them.

Fertility Awareness

Fertility awareness, also called natural family planning (NFP) relies on knowing a woman's menstrual cycles and planning for regular periods of abstinence when she is most fertile. Couples record changes in body temperature and mucus changes in the cervix to determine when sex is safe and will not result in pregnancy. While the effectiveness rate of NFP can run as high as 80 percent for vigilant couples, the Mayo Clinic reports that these techniques can be interrupted by illness, smoking, emotional distress and heating blankets.

Barriers

Barrier forms of contraception include condoms, spermacides and diaphragms. They provide a physical barrier to the sperm from entering the woman's uterus. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that condoms and other barrier contraception methods provide about 85 percent effectiveness. The odds of avoiding pregnancy increase when two forms of birth control are used together, such as condoms and spermicides. Barrier methods require advance planning, but they are widely available and do not require a prescription. Condoms also provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Hormonal

Birth control that relies on changing hormones adds estrogen and progesterone to either stop the production of eggs or to make it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg. Different types of hormonal contraception include birth control pills, patches and implants. The effectiveness rate of hormonal birth control options jumps to between 92 and 99 percent when used according to doctor's orders, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. A prescription is necessary for hormonal contraceptives. Potential side effects of taking any of the hormonal birth control methods includes increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease and blood clots.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control that requires surgical procedures. For women, the procedure is called a tubal ligation and requires the fallopian tubes to be cut or sewn shut. Men can receive a vasectomy, which involved shutting off the flow of sperm. Sterilization is 99 percent effective and does not interrupt sexual enjoyment the way other methods can. The surgeries are relatively safe and can be done on an outpatient basis. Pain following the surgeries is mild and short-lived.