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May 19, 2013
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Birth Control Methods

Medical Author:
Omnia M Samra, MD
Medical Editor:
Bryan D Cowan, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Lee P Shulman, MD

Is birth control right for me?

If you are of childbearing age, you may consider using a form of birth control to prevent becoming pregnant. The practice of preventing pregnancy is as old as human existence. For centuries, humans have attempted to avoid pregnancy at certain times of their lives to accommodate their careers, marital situations, and preferences.

Today, the voluntary control of fertility is of paramount importance to modern society. From a global perspective, countries currently face the crisis of rapid growth of the human population that has begun to threaten human survival.

Keep in mind that doubling time cannot be used to project future population size because it assumes a constant growth rate over decades when growth rates are constantly changing. Nevertheless, these figures do provide a picture of how fast the population is growing at present.

The ability to control whether and when you become pregnant can affect your ability to achieve your own goals and can contribute to your sense of well-being.

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See the Entire Birth Control FAQs Topic Guide »

Birth Control Methods

What Are the Types and Option of Birth Control?

Discuss your birth control needs and preferences with your health care provider. Many methods are available from your doctor and can be arranged for during an office visit. Some options, such as a diaphragm (used with spermicide) or a cervical cap (also used with spermicide), require fitting, which can also be done during an office visit. An intrauterine device (IUD) must be placed by a health care professional.

Examples of types and options of birth control include:

Continuous Abstinence

Natural Family Planning/Rhythm Method

  • Barrier Methods
  • Contraceptive Sponge
  • Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, and Cervical Shield
  • Female Condom
  • Male Condom

Hormonal Methods

  • Oral Contraceptives - Combined pill ("The pill")
  • Oral Contraceptives - Progestin-only pill ("Mini-pill")
  • The Patch
  • Shot/Injection
  • Vaginal Ring

Implantable Devices

  • Implantable Rods
  • Intrauterine Devices

Permanent Birth Control Methods

  • Sterilization Implant
  • Surgical Sterilization

Emergency Contraception

SOURCE: womenshealth.gov. Birth Control Methods.

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The practice of contraception is as old as human existence.

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