Birth Control
When choosing a contraceptive method, it is important to consider your health as well as your preferences. The different types of contraception include the following:
Long-acting
Copper intrauterine device (IUD), hormone IUD, contraceptive implant, and sterilization, are in this group, because they can be used for up to three to ten years, depending on the type of contraceptive. With the exception of sterilization, these methods are reversible and non-permanent.
Short-acting
Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), vaginal ring, contraceptive injection, and the contraceptive patch are fall into this group. These can be used daily, weekly, monthly, or every three months, depending on the contraceptive type. All of these methods are reversible and non-permanent.
Barrier
Male and female condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge are all barrier methods that work to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg so that pregnancy can be prevented. Their effectiveness is highly user-dependent.
Spermicides and gels
Spermicides that are used to kill sperm or stop their movement and are used right before sex or up to an hour before sex, are examples of the contraceptives in this group. There are many types of spermicides on the market, including a gel that also functions as a vaginal pH regulator.
Fertility-awareness methods
These methods rely on knowing when you are fertile and are often based on basal boy temperature and cervical mucus.
