Birth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods may work in a number of different ways. These include:

• Preventing sperm from getting to the eggs - condoms, diaphragms, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) work this way
• Keeping the woman's ovaries from releasing eggs that could be fertilized - birth control pills work this way
• Sterilization, which permanently prevents a woman from getting pregnant or a man from being able to get a woman pregnant

Your doctor can help you select the best form of birth control for you.

Types of birth control

• The Birth Control Pill
• The Mini Pill - Progesterone Only
• The Birth Control Patch 
• The Birth Control Vaginal Ring 
• Intrauterine Device (IUD)
• The Progesterone Intrauterine Device
• Tubal Sterilization
• Birth Control Cervical Cap
• Birth Control Sponge 
• Diaphragm
• Spermicide
• Birth Control Injection
• Vasectomy
• Male Condom
• Birth Control Implant
• Fertility Awareness Method
• Female Condom

• How To Choose A Birth Control Pill
• Questions About The Pill
• Emergency Contraception
• Contraception after Pregnancy

 

From: Contraception. 2011 May; 83(5): 397–404.

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Other methods

• Abstinence
• Natural Family Planning
• Withdrawal