Types of Contraception

by Marcie Fitzmaurice

Overview

Continued abstinence is the only guaranteed prevention of pregnancy and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. For a contraceptive to work effectively, it must be used correctly and every time there is sex.
Barrier Methods

Spermicide kills or stops the sperm from joining with the egg. The contraceptive sponge, diaphragm, cervical cap and shield, and female or male condom physically block the sperm from entering the cervix and locating the egg.

Rhythm Methods

Refrain from sex, or the use of barrier contraception, during the nine days of a woman's ovulation cycle.
Hormonal Methods

Oral contraceptives, the patch, birth control injection or vaginal ring interferes with ovulation, fertilization or implantation of the fertilized egg.
Implantable Devices

Implantable rods release hormones into the body to change the uterine lining and cervical mucus to prevent fertilization. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are placed inside the uterus; copper IUDs release copper to prevent fertilization, and hormonal IUDs release hormones and function like the implantable rod.
Permanent Birth Control

For women, a sterilization implant is the first non-surgical method of sterilization. Surgical methods include, for women, the cutting, tying or sealing of fallopian tubes; for men, a vasectomy is performed to prohibit sperm from going to the penis during ejaculation.
Emergency Contraception

After unprotected sex, women can take emergency oral contraception to prevent pregnancy.