Abstinence

Avoiding all activities that lead to the exchange of body fluids.

Cervical Cap

A thick, thimble-shaped cap that fits over the cervix. It blocks sperm from entering the uterus. Must be used with a spermicide.

Female Condom

Looks like a long deflated balloon. The woman inserts it into her vagina before sex. Protects against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Male Condoms

A latex sheath that is rolled over a male’s penis before sex. Condoms prevent semen and other secretions from entering the partner’s body. Protects against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Contraceptive Patch

Looks like a square bandage. Slowly releases hormones through the skin. The hormones prevent ovulation and create a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Each patch is worn for seven days before changing to another patch. Can be worn on the back, upper arm, buttocks, or stomach (never on the breasts).

Contraceptive Sponge

A disposable sponge that contains a spermicide. The sponge fits over the cervix and absorbs sperm, preventing it from entering the uterus. The spermicide in the sponge then kills the sperm.

Depo-Provera

A birth control shot containing  progestin only (no estrogen). It stops the ovaries from releasing an egg every month, and it thins the lining of the uterus. The shot is given in the buttocks every 12-13 weeks.

Diaphragm

A thin rubber dome that fits over the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus. Must be used with a spermicide.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Hormonal IUD: A T-shaped device that is placed into the uterine cavity. Emits a hormone that causes the uterine lining to thin and the cervix to thicken.

Copper IUD: The copper wire changes the chemistry in the uterus and destroys sperm.

Oral Contraceptives (the Pill)

Birth control pills contain an estrogen and progestin hormone. They protect against pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary, and they thin the uterine lining.

Tubal Ligation

A surgical procedure which blocks a woman’s tubes that carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus.

Spermicide

A gel, foam, film, or suppository that is placed in the vagina, near the cervix. It kills sperm before it can enter the uterus and fertilize an egg.

Vaginal Ring

A thin, flexible, transparent ring that is inserted into the vagina. It releases progestin and estrogen hormones for three weeks. The hormones prevent ovulation and thicken the cervical mucous.

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure that is performed on a man. A small portion of the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles is cut and sealed. No sperm can get into the semen.

Withdrawal

This is not a form of birth control! The man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. This method is risky and results  in pregnancy in 1 out of 5 users.

Click here for more information about how effective these options are: How Effective Are They?

Reference:

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Sexuality and u.ca. Contraceptive Methods. Retrieved February, 2005 from http://www.sexualityandu.ca/eng/parents/CN/methods.cfm