Several measures, known as contraceptives, can be used to avoid unwanted pregnancy, but one must understand that all methods are not equally effective for everyone. The most suitable method of contraception depends on one’s age, overall health, one’s own medical history, their family’s medical background and risk factor of certain conditions, whether the need for birth control is temporary or permanent, and the frequency of one’s sexual activity.

This article lists out some common contraceptive methods that can be used for birth control, but before taking any of these common methods of contraception, a woman must be aware of her menstrual cycle to determine her fertility window. Also, consulting a doctor in case of irregular menstrual flow is recommended, along with a consultation to know which methods would suit one best.

• Hormonal methods
  This contraceptive method is hormone-based, which means it manipulates the hormones in the body to prevent pregnancy by regulating the ovulation period. This method regulates the hormones in the body to contribute to the thickening of the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg, or causes thinning of the walls of the uterus so that the eggs cannot stick to the wall. The common hormonal methods of contraception are hormonal injections, morning-after pills (combined oral contraceptives or progestin-only pills), contraceptive patches, or vaginal rings.
• Sterilization
  This is a more permanent form of birth control is sterilization and mainly requires surgery and hospital care. In this common method of contraception, the procedure intends to completely remove the chances of pregnancy, either by surgically sealing the path between the uterus and ovaries (blocking the fallopian tubes among women) or by blocking the path between the testes and the urethra (among men). The procedure for women is called tubal ligation, while the procedure for men is called vasectomy. Another form of sterilization in women is the blocking of the fallopian tubes through sterilization implants, which is non-surgical.
• Barrier methods
  As the name suggests, these common methods of contraception prevent the sperm from entering the ovaries by putting up a “wall” against them. These contraceptives include condoms for men and internal condoms for women. These forms of contraceptives not only provide the benefit of birth control, but they also prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
• Emergency contraceptives
  Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy in situations when a condom breaks or the effectiveness of any other contraceptive method is doubtful. In such cases, the common methods of contraception are Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) or emergency contraceptive pills. An IUD can be inserted into a woman’s body by a healthcare professional within up to 5 days after having unprotected sex. It is considered to be the most effective form of contraception according to experts. Also, the pill can be taken up to 3 days after the time of unprotected sex.