Contraception or birth control is a method used by men and women to prevent pregnancy from occurring. Birth control has become very important in the present era to combat unwanted pregnancy and abortion. Technology has advanced, and there are many methods used for contraception nowadays. Some have proved to be effective too. Some very effective forms of contraception are:

1. Birth control pill
This is the easiest way to prevent pregnancy in women, so if one needs to prevent pregnancy, it is advised to take birth control pills within five to seven days after the onset of menstruation. This prevents or slows down ovulation and also makes it unfavorable for the sperm to penetrate through the ovum and fertilize the egg. It also prevents the fertilized egg from getting attached to the uterus. Birth control pills need to be taken as a 21-day or a 28-day course.

2. Intrauterine device
This is a device in the shape of a “T” that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus. This acts as a barrier for the sperms to penetrate and fertilize the egg. The commonly used device is the Mirena device, which is the hormonal IUD that has progestin in it that prevents pregnancy. ParaGard is a copper IUD where copper prevents fertilization and pregnancy.

3. Condoms
This is a commonly-used technique and one of the most effective forms of contraception. Condoms are similar to sheaths or pouches that are worn by the man during intercourse. This filters all the semen and prevents it from entering the vagina. Also, female condoms are available that can be worn by women to prevent pregnancy. The female condom has an inner ring, which is placed deeply into the vagina, and the outer ring, which rests outside the vagina. After intercourse, the semen collected in the female condom is gently pulled out by twisting the outer ring, thus preventing pregnancy. Condoms are widely used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases too.

4. Tubal ligation
This is a procedure opted for by women when they decide not to have children. This is usually done laparoscopically by cutting the fallopian tubes on both sides and tying it, thus blocking the pathway for the sperms to travel through the tube and fertilize the egg. This is considered the most effective form of contraception in women after childbirth.

5. Vasectomy
This is a sterilization procedure done by men. Vas deferens are tubes that carry sperms to the ejaculatory duct during ejaculation. This pathway is interrupted by making tiny cuts in the vas deferens and tying them up, which prevents the transportation of sperms.

6. Cycle planning
A woman is likely to be fertile during ovulation, a phase when the ovum releases from the ovary and passes through the fallopian tube for fertilization; this is usually after seven or eight days after menstruation, so one can refrain from having intercourse during the fertile period.

7. Withdrawal or pulling out
This refers to the act of pulling out the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. This can be truly effective if done properly and prevents leakage of the semen into the vagina.