Women can select the best birth control method depending on their need and after considering the side effects of each birth control method. There are many different types of birth control methods such as body rhythm method, use of contraceptive as barrier, hormonal methods such as oral contraceptive, use of devices and permanent methods such as surgery and sterilization implant. There are also certain emergency contraceptives available in market, which can be taken by women who had unprotected intercourse.
Natural method - The natural method is not very safe but it can be used in case no other method is available. A woman is fertile in not more than nine days each month and the method requires carefully analyzing the days of monthly cycle and basal temperature, to prevent fertilization. If the cervical mucus is clear during these days and temperature is more by 0.4F-0.8F, then the woman is ovulating and one should not have an intercourse.
Barrier such as contraceptive sponge - It is foam like structure, which releases spermicides to kill sperm and it needs to be placed on the cervix and left for six hours to prevent fertilization.
Cervical cap - A shield called cervical cap can be used to cover the cervix and spermicides are used along with it to kill the sperms.
Female condom - It can be used to keep inside the body and it is made from polyurethane and it is inserted eight hours before having an intercourse. Each time new condom is used.
Oral contraceptive - The oral contraceptive contains hormones such as estrogen and progestin, which can be taken to prevent release of eggs and it can also bring changes in the lining of the uterus. Extended pills can also reduce the number of monthly cycles in a year.
Progestin pill - Oral contraceptive having only one hormone progestin can be taken which prevents the sperms from joining the eggs and it stops the ovaries from producing eggs. Mini pill is preferred by women, who cannot take estrogen pills and who have the problem of blood clot.
Injections - There are certain injections, which can be used to control the release of ovaries. The shots may be taken in every three months but it should not be taken continuously for two years because it may damage bone density.
Vaginal ring - It is a ring like structure, which can be used to stop the release of eggs from the ovaries and it also makes the cervical mucus thick to prevent fertilization.
Intrauterine devices - The intrauterine devices are in the form of T-structure. It can be found in two types: copper IUD and hormonal IUD. The copper IUD can stay in uterus for five to ten years, and it release copper into the uterus to prevent the implantation of fertilized eggs, and hormonal IUD releases the hormone progestin, which prevents the ovaries from releasing the eggs.
Essure - It is a method, in which, a thin tube is inserted into the vagina and the tube forms scar tissues around the coil. The growth stops the fertilization of egg.
Surgical sterilization - The fallopian tubes are closed by cutting, tying or blocking, in surgical sterilization.
