An added benefit of condoms is that they protect both parties from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as well as pregnancy. Condoms are made from thin latex, so they occasionally tear during intercourse. When this happens, the chances of pregnancy go up. [1] X Research source Some people have allergies to latex condoms, and choose condoms made of plastic instead.

Female condoms reduce the risk of STDs by protecting the vagina from directly getting touched. Female condoms are slightly less effective than regular condoms, and some people say that they are less comfortable to use. [2] X Research source

Since every woman’s body is a slightly different shape, diaphragms must be fitted to make sure they’re the right size. Talk to your gynecologist or health clinic worker about getting fitting for a diaphragm. Diaphragms are quite effective, but they don’t prevent the transmission of STDs. [3] X Research source

The Pill must be taken every day, at the same time each day, to work properly. Skipping a few days could decrease its efficacy. [6] X Expert Source Jennifer Butt, MDBoard Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 13 March 2020. The Pill causes some women to experience side effects. Different brands of pills have different levels of estrogen and progestin, so your doctor may prescribe a different brand if one seems to be causing negative side effects. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Keep in mind that the pill is meant to be taken daily because it’s out of your system after a day. Once you skip a pill, you have now effectively stopped. [8] X Expert Source Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD, MAOB/GYN & Fertility Specialist Expert Interview. 24 March 2020.

Depo-Provera, or the birth control shot. This shot is administered in the arm once every three months. The shot is very effective at preventing pregnancy, but it has been reported that side effects are possible. [9] X Research source {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/2/2c/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/2/2c/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet1. jpg/aid1383676-v4-728px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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<br />\n</p></div>"} The birth control patch. The patch is usually placed on the arm, back or thigh. It distributes hormones through the skin and has to be replaced every few weeks. [10] X Expert Source Jennifer Butt, MDBoard Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 13 March 2020. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/7/70/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/7/70/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet2. jpg/aid1383676-v4-728px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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<br />\n</p></div>"} The birth control ring. The ring is inserted into the vagina once a month. It releases hormones to prevent pregnancy from occurring. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/9/9b/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet3. jpg/v4-460px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet3. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/9/9b/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet3. jpg/aid1383676-v4-728px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet3. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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<br />\n</p></div>"} The birth control implant. A small rod is inserted in the arm, and it releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to three years. It must be inserted and removed by a health care provider. [11] X Research source {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/f/f8/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet4. jpg/v4-460px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet4. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/f/f8/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet4. jpg/aid1383676-v4-728px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-5Bullet4. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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IUDs are extremely effective and last up to 12 years, although they can cost from $500 to $1,000. If you’re concerned about disrupting your menstrual cycle, consider the copper IUD, which doesn’t interfere with your hormones or cause hormonal birth control-related side effects.

Some people define abstinence as abstaining from all sexual contact, but in order to prevent pregnancy, only vaginal intercourse needs to be avoided. Abstinence requires strong willpower, and some people might find it difficult to rely on this birth control method for long periods of time. It’s important to have another birth control method in place once abstinence is ended.

Fertility awareness often involves three different ways for calculating fertility: the calendar method, the mucus method, and the temperature method. Used together, these three methods are very effective at determining exactly when a woman is fertile. The calendar method requires tracking the different phases of the menstrual cycle on a calendar, then noticing patterns over time and using the patterns to predict when ovulation will occur. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/a/af/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/a/af/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet2. jpg/aid1383676-v4-728px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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<br />\n</p></div>"} The mucus method involves checking vaginal mucus, which changes in color and consistency when a woman is fertile. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/4/45/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet3. jpg/v4-460px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet3. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/4/45/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet3. jpg/aid1383676-v4-728px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet3. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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<br />\n</p></div>"} The temperature method involves checking the body’s basal temperature every day and noticing when it goes up a few tenths of degree, which signals that ovulation has occurred. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/8/8e/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet4. jpg/v4-460px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet4. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/8/8e/Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet4. jpg/aid1383676-v4-728px-Prevent-Pregnancy-Step-8Bullet4. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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<br />\n</p></div>"} The downside of fertility awareness is that it requires a lot of time and attention. If you forget to check mucus or temperature for a few days, you may miscalculate the days during which sex should be avoided. The upside of fertility awareness is that it its completely natural, requiring almost no money, no outside hormones, and no uncomfortable devices.

Emergency contraception is available at most pharmacies and from your healthcare provider. Emergency contraception should not be a replacement for regular birth control; it’s a last resort to be take after unprotected sex.