How Many Types of Contraceptives Are There?

There are currently about 15 different types of methods of contraception that can be used to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. When it comes to a woman choosing a birth control that works for her, she will need to consider her lifestyle, her overall health, her risk of being diagnosed with certain diseases, her age, how often she participates in sexual activity, how many different people she is sexually active with and whether or not she wants to have children in the future.

Birth control pills

Also known as oral contraceptive pills, this reversible birth control option is a great choice for women who have a lifelong partner and may want to have children later in life. Birth control pills work by preventing the release of eggs and are about 99 percent effective when it comes to preventing pregnancy.

Birth control rings

Also known as vaginal contraceptive rings, this reversible birth control option is recommended for women who prefer do-it-yourself methods. Birth control rings work when they are inserted into the vagina so they can slowly release hormones that prevent ovulation.

Birth control injectables

Also known as contraception injection, this reversible birth control option is often chosen by women who want simplicity. Birth control injectables work when hormones are injected deep into a woman's muscle; the effects of this injection tend to last about three months and it is considered to be more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.

IUDs

IUD stands for intra-uterine device, a reversible birth control option recommended for women who want a long-term birth control option. An IUD is a small mechanism that works once it is placed inside the uterus and avoids the fertilization of an egg by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.

Condoms

Condoms are available for both males and females and are a good choice for women who are not sexually active very often. A condom works by acting as a sperm barrier and, if worn correctly, is about 97 percent effective.

Tubal ligation

More commonly known as getting one's 'tubes tied', this permanent birth control option is a good choice for women who do not want to have any more children or never want to have children. Tubal ligation works by having a surgical procedure performed to close off the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from reaching the uterus.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a permanent birth control option and is recommended for women who never or no longer want to get pregnant. The sterilization process works when a medical professional uses a special device to close off a woman's fallopian tubes, preventing egg release.

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception services fall into a special category and are an option for women who have either failed to use birth control or the birth control method they used did not work. Emergency contraception works by taking two doses of pills about 12 hours apart and prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg and preventing the sperm from reaching an egg if one has already been released. The pills should be taken within 72 hours after sexual activity to have a higher chance of being effective.