Birth Control - Methods

Methods

Birth control includes barrier methods, hormonal contraception, intrauterine devices (IUDs), sterilization, and behavioral methods. Hormones can be delivered by injection, by mouth (orally), placed in the vagina, or implanted under the skin. The most common types of oral contraception include the combined oral contraceptive pill and the progestogen-only pill. Methods are typically used before sex but emergency contraception is effective shortly after intercourse.

Determining whether a woman with one or more illnesses, diseases, risk factors, or abnormalities can use a particular form of birth control is a complex medical question sometimes requiring a pelvic examination or medical tests. The World Health Organization publishes a detailed list of medical eligibility criteria for each type of contraception.

• Birth control methods

• An unrolled male latex condom

• A polyurethane female condom

• A diaphragm vaginal-cervical barrier, in its case with a quarter U.S. coin to show scale

• A contraceptive sponge set inside its open package

• Three varieties of birth control pills in calendar oriented packaging

• A transdermal contraceptive patch

• A NuvaRing vaginal ring

• A hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) against a background showing placement in the uterus

• A split dose of two emergency contraceptive pills (most morning after pills now only require one)