Contraceptive Types

Contraceptives, also known as "birth control," are used to prevent a woman from getting pregnant. Being that it takes sperm from the male to become pregnant, contraceptives are made for both sexes. Most types are temporary, but there are some that are permanent. In some cases, contraceptives can also help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Abstinence

Abstinence is the voluntary avoidance of any kind of sex. According to the American Pregnancy Association, this is the only method that is 100 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Fertility Awareness

The fertility awareness method is also known as "natural family planning (NFP)." During the course of a monthly menstrual cycle, there is a time when a woman is most fertile. This is usually around the 7 to 10 day mark. This is the time that an egg is getting released from the ovaries (ovulation) and sex is abstained from to prevent pregnancy. Any other time during the cycle, regular sexually activity is carried out.

Pills

Birth control pills, also known as "oral contraceptives," are taken by women only and you need a prescription. They come in progestin only pills or combination pills that contain both progestin and estrogen. They are used for 21 or 28 days. With the 21 day pills, you take the hormone pills for 21 days, then for the last 7 days, you do not take any. With the 28-day pills, you use the pills with hormones for 21 days, then use placebos on the last seven. Birth control pills prevent an egg from being released from the ovaries and they also prevent sperm from reaching the uterus by thickening its mucus. These cannot prevent the spread of STDs.

Spermicide

Spermicide is a substance that comes in the form of a jelly, suppository or foam. This chemical kills sperm cells and prevents pregnancy.

Condoms

Condoms are made out of thin rubber material and they are worn over the penis to prevent sperm from getting to the egg. Not only can these help prevent pregnancy, but they also offer protection from sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms also come in female forms as well. These are inserted into the vagina and the vaginal canal and cervix get covered up to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent birth control method used for women. The fallopian tubes are where the egg travels to reach the uterus during ovulation. In a tubal ligation procedure, the tubes are either blocked with clips, burned or cut. Eggs are then not able to travel through the tubes and sperm is also blocked.

Vasectomy

The male version of a permanent contraceptive is a vasectomy. In this procedure, a doctor will make small incisions on the sides of your scrotum to locate the vas deferens. These are small tubes that carry sperm to semen. A small part of the vas deferens gets removed and they get sowed shut. Sperm is then unable to reach the semen and you will be sterile.