Artificial ways of preventing pregnancy are known as contraceptives or birth control methods. Couples can consult an expert to decide the best contraceptive for them, depending on their age, health, medical history, frequency of sex, and desire to have children. Here, we discuss some effective modes of birth control by dividing them into three categories: LARC, hormonal methods, and barrier methods.

1. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
As the name suggests, LARC methods remain effective for years together. They are reversible and the most popular choice among women. The following are the methods in this category:

• Intrauterine device (IUD)
  An intrauterine device or IUD is a T-shaped device placed inside the woman’s uterus to release the progestin hormone (levonorgestrel). This hormone thickens the cervical mucus, restrains the sperm from reaching the egg, thins the uterine lining, and prevents the release of eggs. Copper UIDs are also available, which do not release hormones. Instead, it releases a tiny amount of copper that prevents the egg from becoming fertilized. If, by chance, fertilization occurs, the device prevents egg implantation in the uterus lining.
• Implants
  Implants are another effective mode of birth control. These are basically flexible matchstick-sized rods made of plastic. The rod is surgically inserted in a woman’s upper arm and releases progestin. The implants can be inserted for up to five years.

2. Hormonal methods
In this method, hormones are injected or taken orally (via pills) to regulate or stop ovulation and avert pregnancy. They offer short-term protection and can be categorized as follows:

• Injectable birth control
  Here, the hormone progestin (Depo-Provera®) is injected into the woman’s arm or buttocks every three months. It suppresses ovulation and prevents the sperm from reaching the egg.
• Progestin-only pills (POPs)
  These pills are required to be taken by the woman every day. They contain only one hormone and hinder ovulation or sperm function.
• Combined oral contraceptives (COCs)
  Unlike POPs, which have only one hormone, COCs use two hormones – synthetic estrogen and progestins – to inhibit ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. Women can take these drugs through pills, skin patches, or a vaginal ring.
• Contraceptive patch
  This is a thin plastic patch stuck on the skin of the lower abdomen, outer arm, and buttocks and releases a hormone into the bloodstream. The patches are changed every week for three weeks.

3 . Barrier methods
Barrier methods are considered among the most popular and effective modes of birth control. They avert sperm from entering the uterus and are of two types:

• Male condoms
  These are thin disposable sheaths made of latex or polyurethane and worn over the penis. They collect sperm and prevent it from entering the female body. Male condoms also prevent STDs.
• Female condoms
  These are thin and soft plastic disposable pouches partially inserted into the vagina before intercourse to restrain sperm from entering the uterus.

These effective modes of birth control are pretty helpful and, if used correctly, help couples plan a family. In some instances, they also prevent STDs.