Birth control is the means of preventing pregnancy through a variety of natural and artificial means. Common methods of birth control include condoms, the oral birth control pill, or the birth control shot. Individuals or couples may choose birth control if they are not ready for a child while other birth control methods have the added benefit of preventing sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. Here are the most commonly used birth control methods used:

1. Condoms
This is one of the most popular birth control methods. It is essentially a plastic sleeve that is worn over the penis. The sleeve creates a barrier to prevent contact between the sperm and egg. This prevents both pregnancy and STIs. Although they are typically made with latex there are material alternatives for people with latex allergies. They are most effective when used properly. The box will have instructions on how to wear them correctly. You should also check the packaging to make sure that they haven’t expired.

2. Birth control shot
This type of birth control is also known as Depo-Provera. The shot contains the hormone progestin. It prevents pregnancy for up to three months at a time. They are 94% effective because not everyone remembers to get their shot regularly. While the birth control shot is less of a “set it and forget it” option than an IUD, it does mean that individuals can regularly reassess what method(s) they do (or don’t) want to use when it comes to preventing pregnancy.

3. Birth control pill
This method is colloquially referred to as simply “the pill”. Birth control pills contain estrogen to thicken the uterine lining and mimic pregnancy. Pills are 99.7% effective which makes them another one of the most popular birth control methods. The downside of these pills is that individuals have to remember to take them every single day at the same time.

4. Diaphragm
A diaphragm is worn internally by someone with a vagina. It is a small cup-shaped device. Fold it in half and insert it into the vagina. This is one of the less effective birth control methods. It’s only about 88% effective because not everyone remembers to wear it every time they engage in intercourse and they might not insert it correctly.

5. IUD
The IUD is an abbreviation for “intrauterine device”. It is inserted into the uterus to regularly release a low level of hormones to prevent pregnancy. IUDs can be left inserted for up to three years and can be safely removed at any time should the individual want to become pregnant in the interim.