Birth control is largely classified depending on how the sperm are prevented from reaching the egg. So, the different types of birth control methods prevent pregnancy in different ways. Different birth control methods are suitable for different people and situations, so it is important to know about the common ones:
Types of birth control
The different types of birth control can be categorized into two classes, depending on how they work. The first prevents ovulation temporarily so that the woman cannot conceive, while the second prevents the sperm from reaching the egg by forming a barrier between the two. Birth control methods include cervical caps, diaphragms, condoms, and creams that destroy sperm:
- Surgical sterilization: This is a permanent option of birth control for both men and women. If a person opts for this method, they will never be able to have children naturally. It involves surgical procedures like vasectomy for male sterilization and tubal ligation for females. If a woman opts for tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are cut and tied to prevent pregnancy permanently.
- Birth control pill: These are medicines that can be taken by women regularly to prevent pregnancy. This stops the egg from moving out of the ovary. With the use of these medications, the eggs do not mature and reach ovulation, preventing pregnancy.
- Condoms: Also, known as the barrier method, this form of birth control can be used by both men and women, but male condoms are more commonly used. This birth control method is used to prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive system.
- Birth control patches: These patches are one of the different types of birth control methods. They contain the female hormones estrogen and progestin, which are slowly released into a woman’s bloodstream to affect the menstrual cycle. When used correctly, they are effective in preventing pregnancy.
- Birth control implant: This is a birth control method that can be used by women. It looks like a tiny thin rod, much like a match stick, and it is inserted into a woman’s arm by a healthcare professional. It gradually releases hormones into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.
- Vaginal ring: It is a small soft plastic ring that is placed in a woman’s vagina. By releasing a continuous dose of hormones, it helps prevent pregnancy.
Natural birth control methods
These types of birth control include:
- Tracking the menstrual cycle and avoiding sexual intercourse without protection on days of ovulation
- Using the hormone cycle method to control the hormones responsible for a pregnancy.
- Using cervical mucus examination or ovulation test kits like strips to test a urine sample at home.
The different types of birth control mentioned here are ideal for family planning, and some of these even help prevent sexually transmitted diseases to an extent.