Types of Birth Control

Some kinds of birth control work better than others. And different methods suit different people. Let's dive in to the various types of birth control that are available to you.

Facts

What is Sterilization?

Sterilization is a birth control method with very low failure rate. Both men and women can be sterilized.

Diaphragm and birth control sponge

A diaphragm has a medium failure rate. It's a soft rubber dome that fits over the cervix, blocking sperm from getting into the womb. A birth control sponge (also known as contraceptive sponge or the sponge) is a birth control method with a medium failure rate.

What are Spermicides?

Using spermicide is a birth control method with a high failure rate. Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm in the vagina.

How to wear a condom?

A condom is a thin, tube-like cover worn over the male penis during sex (in case of male condoms) or inserted into the female vagina before sex (for female condoms). Let's find out more about them.

What is IUD?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small contraceptive device which is inserted into the uterus. It is of two types: Hormonal and Copper IUD.

What is Copper T?

The Copper-T IUD, which is often sold under the name 'Multiload' is a non-hormonal birth control device that sits in your uterus or womb. It’s a t-shaped piece of plastic wrapped with a coil of copper-wire. That's why some people call it the 'coil'.

What is Hormonal IUD/Mirena?

The hormonal IUD is put in place by a doctor, and can stay in the body for up to five years. It works by giving off a steady low dose of the hormone progestogen (levonorgestrel).

How to talk about condoms!

It’s one thing to know about condoms but another thing actually to use them. If you’re worried about talking about condoms with your partner, there’s a good chance that your partner is worried too.

Outercourse/Sex without penetration

Outercourse can mean different things to different people. Some people consider outercourse as any sex play without sexual intercourse (when a man inserts his penis into a woman’s vagina). For others, outercourse means sex play without any penetration (oral, anal, vaginal).

What is the pill?

It’s a pill that women swallow every day. Combined birth control pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin. 'Mini-pills', or progestin-only pills, only contain progestin.

What is withdrawal/pull out method?

Withdrawal is when a man pulls his penis out of a woman’s vagina before he ejaculates – the moment where semen comes out of his penis. It’s also known as the pull out method or coitus interruptus.

What is abstinence?

In general, abstinence means not having sexual intercourse. You can enjoy being sexual and intimate without having sexual intercourse.

What is Emergency contraception/I-pill /Unwanted 72?

You’ve had intercourse without using contraception, even though you don’t want to be pregnant. Or you think something could have gone wrong with your contraception – perhaps you forgot to take your pill, or a condom burst. What can you do?