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Welcome to a comprehensive guide to contraception. Here you’ll learn about different birth control methods, how to use them, and their pros and cons. Our goal is to give you reliable information so you can make the best choice for your needs.
Contraception—also called birth control—includes all measures taken to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods aim to interrupt the natural process of reproduction, either by preventing an egg from being fertilized by a sperm cell or by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. There is a wide range of contraceptives and methods that differ in how they work and how they are used.
Birth control plays a crucial role in family planning and sexual health. It allows individuals and couples to decide for themselves if and when they want to have children. Effective contraception can prevent unintended pregnancies, which in turn has positive effects on the health and social well-being of women and families. In addition, certain methods—such as condoms—help protect against sexually transmitted infections.
There is a broad spectrum of contraceptive methods that differ in mechanism, reliability, and how they are used. Common options include:
Hormonal methods such as the pill, the mini-pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring, which prevent ovulation or make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus by supplying hormones.
Barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, which create a physical barrier to prevent sperm and egg from meeting.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)—both copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs—are also effective methods of contraception.
The pill is one of the most commonly used hormonal contraceptives. It contains hormones that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. Variants include the combined pill, which contains estrogen and progestin, and the mini-pill, which contains progestin only. The pill must be taken daily to provide reliable protection against pregnancy. User error can reduce its effectiveness.
The hormonal IUD is a small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus that works for up to five years. It continuously releases small amounts of hormone that thin the uterine lining and thicken cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to enter. A benefit is its long duration of action (up to five years). However, side effects such as irregular bleeding can occur. In contrast to the copper IUD, the hormonal IUD works via hormones and affects the cycle.
The mini-pill is a progestin-only method that must be taken at the same time every day. It primarily works by thickening cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus. In some women it may also suppress ovulation. The mini-pill must be taken at the same time each day to remain effective. User error can increase the risk of pregnancy. It is an alternative for women who cannot tolerate estrogen.
The condom is a barrier method that protects against sexually transmitted infections. A condom is rolled over the penis to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. It is one of the few methods that also helps prevent STIs. Correct use is essential for safety: put it on before intercourse over the erect penis and remove it carefully after ejaculation to avoid leakage. A condom can reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
The diaphragm is a barrier method used together with a spermicide. The diaphragm is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to cover the cervix and prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It is usually used with a spermicide to increase effectiveness. Proper fitting and placement are necessary to provide reliable protection. After intercourse, it should remain in place for a specified time. It is an alternative to condoms.
Sterilization is a permanent method of contraception. It involves surgically blocking the fallopian tubes in women or the vas deferens in men to prevent fertilization. In female sterilization, the fallopian tubes are cut or sealed so that an egg can no longer reach the uterus. In men, the vas deferens are cut to prevent sperm from entering the ejaculate. Sterilization is highly effective but should be considered a final decision in family planning. Pregnancy afterward is unlikely.
Natural family planning is based on observing the menstrual cycle but has a higher Pearl index (failure rate). Also known as fertility awareness, it uses cycle tracking to identify fertile days. Techniques include the temperature method, cervical mucus method, and calendar method. Compared with hormonal or barrier methods, these approaches have a higher failure rate because effectiveness depends heavily on consistent and correct use. Natural methods use no hormones and do not alter the body.
The copper IUD and copper chain are hormone-free options that can work for up to five years. These devices are inserted into the uterus. They create a local inflammatory reaction that impairs sperm motility and thus prevents fertilization. An advantage is that they contain no hormones and therefore do not affect the natural cycle. The copper IUD can remain in place for up to five years; the copper chain for up to five. They are long-term options for preventing pregnancy.
The cervical cap is a less common barrier method that requires careful fitting. The cap is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to cover the cervix. Made of silicone, it is used with a spermicide to increase effectiveness. It is less common than other methods such as condoms or the pill and requires fitting by a clinician. It is a hormone-free option but not widely used. The cervical cap can be an alternative method of contraception.
Chemical contraceptives kill sperm, are less effective than many other methods, and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. These products contain substances that kill sperm or reduce their motility. They are typically inserted into the vagina as creams, gels, suppositories, or foams. They form a barrier intended to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Because they are less effective than hormonal or barrier methods, they are often used together with other methods such as a diaphragm or cervical cap to increase protection against pregnancy. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Chemical methods destroy sperm, while barrier methods create a physical block. Condoms provide dual protection. Chemical contraceptives work by killing or immobilizing sperm; barrier methods like condoms or diaphragms physically prevent sperm and egg from meeting. Chemical methods are generally less effective and do not protect against STIs. Barrier methods—especially condoms—offer dual protection by preventing pregnancy and reducing the risk of STI transmission.
Chemical contraceptives may cause allergic reactions, disrupt the vaginal microbiome, and do not protect against STIs. Use can be associated with risks and side effects. Some women may experience allergic reactions to ingredients, leading to irritation or inflammation. Chemical methods can also disrupt the natural vaginal flora and increase infection risk. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms occur. They offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections and may affect the cycle.
