Hormonal methods involve using hormones to prevent ovulation
(the release of eggs from the ovaries), alter the cervical mucus, and/or affect the uterine
lining, making it difficult for sperm to travel to the egg or for a fertilized egg to get a
foothold, i.e., implant.

Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives): These are daily pills that contain hormones
to prevent pregnancy.

Effectiveness: 91% effective with typical use.

 Contraceptive Injections: A shot of hormones (usually progestin) is given every three
months to prevent pregnancy. This method is ideal for women who don't want to
take daily oral contraceptives.
Effectiveness: 94% effective with typical use.

Contraceptive Implants: Implants are small rods placed under the skin of the arm,
releasing hormones to prevent pregnancy. They last for up to 3 years, offering long-
term protection without the need for daily action.

Effectiveness: 99% effective.

Contraceptive Patches: These small patches use the skin to administer hormones to
prevent pregnancy. One patch is worn for each week, straight and then there is a
week without patches.

Effectiveness: 91% effective with typical use.

Vaginal Ring: A flexible ring that is placed inside the vagina, releasing hormones to
prevent pregnancy. To allow for periods, you wear it for three weeks and take it off
for one week.

Effectiveness: 91% effective with typical use.

To prevent pregnancy, IUDs—tiny, T-shaped
contraceptives—are inserted into the uterus. They can be either non-hormonal or
hormonal.

Copper IUD: This non-hormonal device is wrapped in copper and works by creating a
hostile environment in the uterus to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. It can be
used for a decade.
Effectiveness: 99% effective.

Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena): These IUDs release hormones that thicken
cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. They can last between 3 to
7 years, depending on the type.

Effectiveness: 99% effective.

Permanent contraception options are intended for individuals
who do not wish to have children in the future. These methods are irreversible.

Tubal Ligation (Female Sterilization): Tubal sterilization is a surgical procedure
where the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or sealed to prevent eggs from traveling to
the uterus, thus preventing pregnancy.

Effectiveness: Over 99% effective.
Consideration: This is a permanent decision, and while tubal ligation reversals are sometimes
possible, they are not always successful.

Vasectomy (Male Sterilization): This is a surgical procedure for men in which the vas
deferens(the tubes that carry sperm) are cut or sealed, preventing sperm from
mixing with semen during ejaculation.

Effectiveness: Over 99% effective.
Consideration: Vasectomy is also a permanent decision.

Fertility awareness methods involve tracking your
menstrual cycle and identifying your fertile days (when you are most likely to get
pregnant). These days, you either use barrier techniques or refrain from unprotected
intercourse.
How it works?

You monitor your cycle, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus to identify
when you're ovulating.

Effectiveness: It's about 76-88% effective, but it requires careful tracking and
consistency.

After unprotected intercourse or a contraceptive failure
(such as a condom breaking), emergency contraception is used to avoid pregnancy.

The Morning-After Tablet: To avoid getting pregnant, this pill can be used up to 72
hours after unprotected intercourse. It functions by either inhibiting fertilization or
postponing ovulation.

Effectiveness: 75-89% effective, depending on how soon it is taken after unprotected sex.

Copper IUD as Emergency Contraception: A copper IUD can also be used as
emergency contraception when inserted by a healthcare provider within 5 days of
unprotected sex.

Effectiveness: More than 99% of the time, emergency contraception works.

Natural family planning methods involve tracking the natural
fertility cycle and avoiding sex on fertile days.

Calendar Method: Based on the observation of your menstrual cycle, you avoid
unprotected sex during the fertile days.

Withdrawal Method: The male partner withdraws before ejaculation to prevent
sperm from entering the vagina.

Effectiveness: The failure rate of these methods can be high, especially when not used
consistently and accurately.