Birth control is extremely essential to avoid unwanted pregnancies and also to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In the United States alone, more than half of the pregnancies are unplanned, leading to numerous problems later on. There are many different birth control types that one can opt for. This article details six of them so you can make the right choice.

Hormonal birth control methods
These birth control methods prevent natural ovulation in the female partner. Contraceptive pills taken orally are the most common type. Other forms of hormonal birth control methods include hormone patches or vaginal rings.

This type of birth control is best prescribed by a doctor. It may have certain side effects such as nausea, vomiting, weight gain, and changes in the regular menstrual cycle.

Barrier birth control methods
As the name suggests, barrier birth control methods prevent the egg and sperm from coming together for fertilization. These are very common methods of birth control. Some of the most common barrier birth control methods are condoms, cervical caps, and diaphragms.

In some cases, these methods might carry certain risks and side effects. These include the increase in the chances of developing infections in the urinary tract and allergies. However, they are very effective in helping avoid pregnancies and are recommended for the effective prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Emergency birth control
An emergency birth control pill can be taken after sexual activity to prevent pregnancy. For effectiveness, it should be taken within 72 hours of sexual activity. It may cause slight headaches or nausea, so be wary of that.

Surgical methods of birth control
These are permanent in nature and can be performed on a man or a woman. In men, the procedure is a vasectomy, and in women, the procedure is tubal ligation. There are usually very low levels of risk involved, apart from minor discomfort and swelling after the operation. The doctor will advise how soon you can resume sexual activity post the procedure. This is especially important for men as they may continue to possess fertility up to a few weeks post-surgery.

Natural birth control
You have the option of taking natural birth control too. This usually involves keeping a record of the woman’s menstruation to determine which time is the safest for sexual activity. There are many different ways to keep tabs on a woman’s menstruation cycle, including using kits for home testing. As a natural technique, sexual activity is avoided during ovulation to prevent pregnancy. This method is not very highly recommended, as it is not always accurate.

Intrauterine device
An intrauterine device contains hormones that prevent successful fertilization. This device is popularly known as IUDs. They are quite safe but sometimes lead to side effects like headaches and cramps in menstruation. In very rare cases, the uterus might get punctured by the intrauterine device.

These are some of the different birth control types one can avail of. However, it is always best to check with your doctor before using any method to determine which would suit your body the best.