An oral pill – There are two types of oral pills, namely combined oral contraceptive and progesterone-only pills. The combined oral contraceptive consists of the hormones estrogen and progestin. However, the progesterone-only medicines, also known as the mini-pills, only have progestin. They are suitable for women who react to the hormone estrogen. When you start taking the combined oral pill, you need to the pills five days within your first menstrual cycle, to be protected from getting pregnant. However, for the progesterone pills, you need to take them for two days only. Both types of pills prevent ovulation from taking place or rather the process of fertilization. They also thicken the cervical mucus and may also change the uterus lining, therefore preventing implantation from taking place. Besides, for the oral pills to be successful, a user has to use them daily at a specific time.

Implants – Implants are placed under the skin on your arm. They consist of progestin which prevents ovulation. Most implants are the size of a match stick. When being administered, a patient is put under anaesthesia. Most implants can be used for 3 years.
Injections – Also popularly known as the shot, this injection consist of the hormone progestin. A single dose is effective for three months. It is also suitable for breastfeeding mothers and has minimal hormonal effects.

Patches – The patch is a two-inch square piece of a sticky plastic that is put on the skin. The patch has hormones that are drawn to the body through the skin. This method is ideal for women who always forget to take the daily pill. It is also suitable for breastfeeding mothers.

The ring – The ring is a hormonal ring that is inserted into the vagina. You do not need to see a doctor or physician for it to be administered. However, it is only viable for three weeks and removed on the fourth. This is the birth control method that has the least side effects. This because it has less hormone percentage compared to the other methods. If removed and put back, it is effective after 24 hours.

IUDs - Intrauterine devices are hormone-free synthetic progestin devices that are surgically inserted into the vagina. They are viable between 3- 12 years, depending on your preference. This is the safest birth control method for smokers and women suffering from high blood pressure compared to the other hormonal birth control methods. More o, this method is ideal for breastfeeding mothers.

Condoms – Condoms is the only birth control method that prevents both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are put on an erect penis. It is always advisable to remove any air bubble in the condom. Also, make sure that the condom does not burst for the method to be 100% effective. There are different types of condoms which include

Diaphragms – Diaphragms are small silicone that fits over the cervix. They are inserted in the vagina to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. They must be placed over the cervix for them to be effective.

Contraceptive sponges – Contraceptive sponges combine a barrier with a spermicide. They are also inserted in the vagina before intercourse. The sponge must be inserted 24 hours before sex and must be left for 6 hours to be effective.

Fertility awareness – Fertility awareness is mainly done or tracked by the female. You need to have a fertility app on your phone or write down and track your menstrual cycle. More so, it is essential to know how long your cycle is and how many days your period lasts. Besides, you can be able to use a thermometer to monitor your body basal temperature. It is also advisable to note down the secretion changes to know when you have cervical secretions. You are supposed to start counting your cycle on the first day of your period. On the eighth day after your period starts, you are no longer safe. The sperm can survive on the female body for 5 days. Hence, you are advised to abstain from sex during this 5 day or use a barrier method such as condoms. After the 5 days, the safe days start till you get your next period.

Abstinence – Abstinence is the most effective method of birth control. It means refraining from vaginal intercourse 100%. However, you can engage in oral sex and foreplay without vaginal penetration. This is also an excellent method of preventing oneself from getting sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis, syphilis and gonorrhoea.

Withdrawal – Withdrawal is the method. It involves a man removing his penis from the vagina before he ejaculates inside. This method is not safe, especially for men who are unable to pull out promptly. Most physicians do not consider withdrawal as a birth control method. However, when practised with fertility awareness, it can be fully effective.