Traditional Methods

• Abstinence: Complete avoidance of sexual activity that could lead to pregnancy
• Withdrawal (Coitus Interruptus): Involves withdrawal of penis from the vagina just before ejaculation. This is perhaps the oldest known contraceptive method, but depends on male partner cooperation. It's not reliable and may fail if semen escapes before ejaculation or is left on external sex organs. Men need good self-control for this method to succeed.
• Rhythm/Calendar Method: Requires predicting ovulation by recording menstrual patterns, body temperature, or changes in cervical mucus. Intercourse is avoided on fertile days. Although many claim knowledge of this method, only a small proportion can actually identify the fertile period. It can't be used by women with irregular periods, after childbirth, or during menopausal years.

Barrier Methods

• Male Condoms: A thin rubber or latex sheath rolled on the erect penis before intercourse, preventing semen from entering the woman. About 95% effective if used correctly, can be used by all age groups safely, requires no medical examination, and provides protection against both pregnancy and STIs.
• Female Condoms: A vaginal pouch made of latex with rings at each end. The closed end is inserted inside the vagina as an internal anchor while the outer portion protects external genitalia. It's reliable, hypoallergenic, and female-controlled, protecting against both unwanted pregnancy and STDs.
• Diaphragms/Cervical Caps: Devices inserted into the vagina to block sperm from entering the uterus.

Hormonal Methods

• Oral Contraceptive Pills: Combined pills contain estrogen and progesterone, taken daily by women. They work by preventing egg release, thickening cervical mucus, and altering tubal motility. Almost 100% effective if taken regularly, they're easy, convenient, woman-controlled, and don't interfere with love-making. They also often result in regular monthly cycles with reduced pain and bleeding.
• Injectables: These inhibit ovulation and increase cervical secretion viscosity to form a barrier to sperm. They're 99% effective, easily administered, and suitable during lactation. They offer non-contraceptive advantages like recession of ovarian cysts or breast lumps. However, menstrual cycles may become irregular, spotting can occur, or periods may cease altogether while using injectables.
• Patches, Rings, Implants: These deliver hormones through the skin, vagina, or under the skin.

Long-Acting Methods

• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): A small flexible plastic device, usually with copper, inserted into the womb. It prevents the fertilized egg from settling in the womb, with copper ions having spermicidal activity. IUDs are 95-98% effective and don't interfere with intercourse.

Permanent Methods

• Female Sterilization (Tubectomy): A permanent surgical method where fallopian tubes are cut and ends tied to prevent sperm from meeting eggs. Very reliable, requiring only one day of hospitalization.
• Male Sterilization (Vasectomy): A surgical method blocking vasa deferentia that carry sperm from testes to penis. Simple and reliable, not requiring hospitalization. Doesn't affect health, sexual vigor, or interfere with intercourse.

Myth 1: Natural methods don't work

Reality: Fertility awareness methods can be effective when used perfectly. For this to work, the person needs to have a regular, predictable cycle, be familiar with their cycle, know when pregnancy is most likely, and use birth control or avoid sex on fertile days. This method requires dedication, including checking vital signs and cervical mucus every morning.

Myth 2: Birth control causes infertility

In reality, most forms of contraception have no lasting impact on your ability to conceive once you stop using them. Your fertility typically returns to normal quickly after discontinuation.

Myth 3: Breastfeeding is reliable contraception

This is more myth than fact. While breastfeeding can suppress fertility, the effect is unreliable. Breast-feeding is often irregular, and 60% of women start menstruating by the third month postpartum. It's not reliable when the baby sleeps through the night or in cases of breastfeeding difficulties. Many women conceive during this period before menstruation returns.