Birth control or contraception helps in preventing pregnancy. There are various methods of birth control available. It is essential to know about these methods so you can choose the best one. The article provides information on some of the common methods of birth control.

1. Condoms
One of the most common methods of birth control is the use of condoms. Both males and females can use the condom, with the male condom being more popular and easy to use. It is a sheath that is worn on the penis before intercourse. This ensures that sperms in the semen are retained in the condom and do not enter the vagina, thus ensuring birth control. It is 97% effective if used properly. There is a risk of the condom tearing or leakage of semen due to improper use.

2. The pill
This is a birth control method for women. It involves taking a pill that contains hormones that prevent ovulation. This ensures the egg is not produced, and hence there is no risk of conception. It is a method that is more than 90% effective. It is effective if taken properly, i.e. from the first day of the start of the menstrual period. There are side effects of this pill that can be a problem. There is a risk of failure in rare cases.

3. Surgical methods
Surgical methods of birth control are almost permanent in nature. These methods have a very high success rate and have effectiveness of nearly 99%. In males, the method is known as vasectomy. Here, the vas deferens in the testes is sealed off to prevent sperms from mixing with the semen, thus preventing conception. Tubectomy is used in females as a permanent method to prevent conception. It involves blocking the fallopian tubes so that the egg does not enter the uterus. There are very rare instances of this surgery failing. It must be noted that this method is suitable only for people who decide not to have children in the future.

4. Diaphragm
The diaphragm works similar to a condom and is used by females for birth control. It is used with a spermicide, a chemical that kills any sperms that comes into contact with it. The diaphragm is a soft disc-shaped accessory that has to be inserted into the vagina. It is important that the diaphragm should not be removed for six hours after having sexual intercourse. It can even be left for 24 hours. It is around 90% effective as a birth control method.

5. The shot
The shot is an injection given to females to ensure ovulation does not occur. The injection contains a hormone that stops ovulation, thus ensuring there is no egg to be fertilized. It is nearly 99% effective. The injection needs to be given once every three months. Just like the pill, the injection has side effects that potentially include weight gain.

The article listed out the common methods of birth control. These methods have different success rates, and the method appropriate to your requirements can be chosen to ensure that it is effective.