Unplanned pregnancies can be stressful. However, unwanted pregnancies can be dealt with care and much better if proper birth control precautionary measures are undertaken. Also called contraception, there are several common methods of contraception available. However, not all methods are safe for everyone. There are factors that must be considered before opting for a contraception method. What degree of fail-proof protection method would you want, the amount of effort you want to make to prevent pregnancy and does missing your periods in case you are a woman affect you are some of the factors that you must take into account while planning birth control measures.

Any medical procedure or intervention to prevent unplanned pregnancy that occurs through unprotected sex is a contraceptive method. Some of the common methods of contraception include various devices, sexual practices, medications, agents or surgical procedures to prevent contraception or pregnancy. Certain methods are more reliable than others. How well a measure works depends on how carefully it is used.

Here we discuss some of the common methods of contraception that are popular and that sexually active people must be aware of:

• Male condom
  Made of latex, condoms are placed over the penis during sexual intercourse such that it forms a barrier to prevent the sperm from entering the vagina. It is also effective in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is also effective in 80% of cases. Condoms are easily available in pharmacies, supermarts, and other regular outlets.
• Female condom
  Made of polyurethane, the female condom has a flexible ring attached to one end that stays outside the vagina. The other end is attached behind the pubic bone to hold the condom in place. Also called femidom, these are used in combination with other methods too.
• Cervical Cap
  It is a thimble-shaped latex device that is meant to fit into the cervix to block sperm from entering into the uterus, during sexual intercourse. If used with a spermicide, it is nearly 90% effective.
• Sponge
  A contraceptive sponge is placed inside the vagina. It has a depression that fits over the cervix. An applicator is used to place foam into the vagina. The foam is a spermicide that destroys the male sperm, and the sponge acts as a barrier to stop the sperm from entering the uterus.

In addition, men and women must consider factors such as the person’s age, the number of children they want, and other existing medical conditions to identify the best suited contraceptive methods. Consulting a gynecologist will also help in choosing the appropriate method of contraception.