Types of Birth Control

Some kinds of birth control work better and are more effective than others. And different methods suit different people. Let's dive into the various types of birth control that are available to you.

Facts

Condom

A condom is a rubber sheath that fits over the penis and stops sperm from getting into the vagina.

How to put on a female condom

Female condoms are a great alternative to male condoms. They might seem a bit intimidating at first, but with a practice, you will be a pro soon.

The pill

The pill is an effective birth control method that women take every day. There are two different types of it.

Emergency contraception

E-pills, also called morning-after or emergency contraception pills, are drugs you can take when you have had unprotected sex and think that you could be pregnant.

Shot (Injectables)

There are two types of birth control shots: the combined shot and the one-hormone shot.

Natural family planning

Natural family planning is a birth control method with a high failure rate. It means ways to avoid having sex when you are most fertile.

Abstinence: not having sex

In general, abstinence means not having sexual intercourse (when a man inserts his penis into a woman’s vagina).

Spermicide

Using spermicide is a birth control method with a high failure rate. Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm in the vagina.

Birth control sponge

A birth control sponge (also known as contraceptive sponge or the sponge) is a birth control method with a medium failure rate.

Diaphragm

A diaphragm has a medium failure rate. It's a soft rubber dome that fits over the cervix, blocking sperm from getting into the womb.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a birth control method with very low failure rate. Both men and women can be sterilized.