Birth Control Methods - Types of Contraception

Birth Control Methods There are three basic methods of birth control, generally separated by factors such as ease-of-use and level of outside influence required to implement the particular type of contraception. The category requiring the least outside assistance is natural birth control. Natural contraceptive methods are free and relatively easy, although many would argue the ease with which abstinence is practiced. Over the counter contraceptive methods are typically easy to obtain and implement, usually requiring little more than a trip to the corner drugstore or supermarket. Finally, prescription methods require the supervision and permission of a licensed medical practitioner, making them typically more expensive and difficult to obtain.

Natural Birth Control

The cheapest and arguably easiest method of contraception is abstinence. It is, in fact, the only method of birth control that guarantees with 100% certainty the prevention of pregnancy. Two other behavioral practices -- withdrawal and "outercourse" -- fall under the category of natural birth control. However, in both cases, sexual play is involved and the risk of ejaculate entering the vagina prevents either method from being a sure fire preventative.

Over The Counter (OTC) Birth Control

Available without a prescription, most over the counter contraceptives can easily be obtained at one's local pharmacy or super market. Male condoms are most common and, in fact, can be purchased online. A number of online retailers offer condoms in a variety of styles and sizes, and condoms can even be bought in bulk over the internet. The male condom is a sheath, typically latex or silicon, that covers the penis, thus blocking the sperm from entering the vagina upon ejaculation. Learn more about condoms.

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Female condoms function in a similar fashion as male condoms, though somewhat "in reverse". The female condom is a plastic pouch, inserted into the vagina, designed to collect the male ejaculate, preventing the sperm from reaching an egg. Learn more about female condoms.

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Spermicides, usually gels, jellies, suppositories, foams or creams, are also available OTC. Spermicidal products are designed to stop the effectiveness of the sperm through a chemical agent, usually nonoxynol-9. The sperm is prevented from fertilizing an egg, thus preventing impregnation. Spermicides are generally considered to be less effective than condoms and are, in fact, recommended to be used in tandem with a condom for improved effectiveness.

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The sponge is yet another method of birth control available over the counter. The sponge itself is a soft foam circular device inserted into the vagina, designed to block the sperm from passing to the uterus. It also contains a spermicide (see above) designed to further immobilize the sperm. Removed from the market several years ago, the sponge is once again available as an over the counter contraceptive. Learn more about the sponge.

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The morning after pill, or "Plan B One-Step", is an approved OTC birth control method, intended for emergency contraception. Plan B One-Step is a pill containing the progestin hormone levonorgestrel and is designed to be used "the morning after" unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The "morning after" moniker is somewhat misleading in that this emergency contraception method can be employed up to three days after unprotected sex, not just the next morning. Learn more about the morning after pill.

Prescription Contraceptives

As the name implies, prescription contraceptives require a visit to a health care professional. The most commonly prescribed birth control method is The Pill, the common name for oral contraception. The birth control pill as proven to be one of the most effective methods of contraception and is, by far, the most commonly used of all contraceptives. Learn more about birth control pills.

The birth control patch, or Ortho Evra Patch, is another prescription form of contraception. As the name suggests, the patch is applied to the skin whereby it releases synthetic estrogen and progestin to provide protection against pregnancy. Learn more about the birth control patch.

Other prescription methods of contraception include diaphragms -- flexible cups inserted into the vagina to block the opening of the uterus, as well as various intrauterine devices, or IUDs -- designed to function as barriers against sperm.

Condoms

Condoms are proven safe and effective as contraception devices and are readily available over-the-counter at local pharmacies and markets. Condoms may also be purchased online ... see Condoms

Female Condoms

The female condom is another safe and effective over-the-counter method of birth control, available at most drug stores, clinics and online retailers ... see Female Condoms

Birth Control Pills

Perhaps the most well known and frequently used method of contraception, the pill is an oral contraceptive medication available by prescription only ... see Birth Control Pills

Morning After Pill

The morning after pill is an emergency contraceptive treatment used within the first few hours after unprotected sex or failure of preemptive birth control methods ... see Morning After Pill

Birth Control Patch

The birth control patch is a prescription-only contraceptive that works in much the same manner as the birth control pill in preventing unwanted pregnancy ... see Birth Control Patch

Contraceptive Sponges

Contraceptive sponges are over-the-counter birth control devices designed to block sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. Spermicide is also released to further immobilize sperm ... see Contraceptive Sponges