There are many different birth control methods available today, including: condoms, spermicides 
, diaphragms , intra-uterine devices, the birth control pill or patch and other hormonal contraceptives.
Barrier methods
Barrier methods include all devices that mechanically prevent the sperm from reaching the ovum, such as condoms, diaphragms or cervical caps .
Generally, when used in combination with a spermicidal preparation, they are reliable in preventing fertilisation. As these methods are used at the time of sexual intercourse, these are perfectly suitable for people who do not want to take hormonal medication to prevent pregnancy.
Intra-uterine device
An intrauterine contraceptive device – or IUCD as it is commonly called – is a small device placed in the uterus by a doctor. The popular term for an IUCD – ‘coil’ – is based on the coil-shaped design of early IUCDs. The effectiveness of IUCDs is comparable to other long-term methods: they are more than 99% effective. Some IUCDs contain hormones, while others do not. Different IUCDs have different lengths of use – some are effective for one year, while others are effective for five to ten years. Contrary to popular belief, IUCDs do not cause infertility or ectopic pregnancies
. Some women report heavy or irregular periods and discomfort, although these side-effects usually disappear after some months.
Hormonal methods
All hormonal methods are based on the same principle: small amounts of hormones prevent the ripening and release of eggs from the ovaries. The way these hormones are administered varies substantially, so a suitable pill can be selected for most women.
Birth control pill
This pill is a tablet taken orally for either 21 days, usually followed by a pill-free period of a week, or continuously. The pill releases hormones from the gastro-intestinal tract into the bloodstream. The pill is available in many doses and many types of hormones.
Injections
An occasional injection in the buttocks or arms with a low dose of hormones that is released into the system, suppressing ovulation (the ripening and release of an egg cell) over time.
Implant
Implants are hormone-filled capsules inserted just under the skin of the upper arm. They contain a hormone that may prevent pregnancy for three to five years.
Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is a doughnut-shaped drug-delivery system that can be folded and inserted high into the vagina for three weeks out of the month, where it slowly releases hormones. These hormones are then absorbed into the bloodstream.
Patch
This is a transdermal patch applied to the skin that delivers hormones through the skin into the bloodstream. Each patch is worn for one week and a total of three patches are worn for three consecutive weeks. No patch is worn during the fourth week.
Surgical methods
These surgical procedures can be used in men and women and are usually intended to result in permanent infertility. A reason to undergo surgical sterilisation, could be risk for hereditary disorders.
In men, the tube which connects the testicles to the prostate is cut and closed on both sides. This procedure is called a ‘vasectomy’ and prevents the sperm produced in the testicles from being ejaculated via the semen.
In women, the ‘Fallopian tubes’ are closed by a procedure called ‘tubal ligation’. The Fallopian tubes usually allow passage of the sperm to fertilise the ovum and release the – possibly fertilised – ovum into the uterus.
