Birth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy. There are numerous methods and devices that can be used to not only prevent pregnancy but to also prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods, such as condoms and diaphragms, are designed to block sperm from reaching the egg. This type of method has a success rate of 80-89 percent, according to the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC).
Hormonal Methods
Hormonal methods, such as the pill, the patch and depo shots, are designed to interrupt or prevent ovulation and fertilization. According to the NWHIC, hormonal methods have a 85- to 99-percent success rate.
Implant Methods
The intrauterine device (IUD), a T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilization, is the most common implant method of birth control. Such methods of birth control have a 99-percent success rate according to the NWHIC.
Sterilization Methods
Sterilization methods are surgical procedures that cut the fallopian tubes in women to block the eggs from traveling to the uterus. In men, the vas deferens are cut to block sperm. These methods are 99 percent effective, according to the NWHIC.
Traditonal Methods
The most common traditional method of birth control is abstinence. Avoiding sex is the best method for preventing unwanted pregnancies because of its 100-percent success rate.
