If you are not ready for a pregnancy or do not want any more children, then a sure-fire method to avoid it is the use of contraception. There are different kinds of birth control methods and in each, the effectiveness varies. Here are some of the most common ways that are used:-

Hormonal Birth Control Method

Estrogen and progesterone are the two hormones that control the menstrual cycle in women. In this type of contraception, you will be required to use hormonal medications which include the two hormones that control your periods. It is available as pill, injections, intrauterine devices that contain hormones, vaginal ring and patch. This method is around 99 percent effective.

Use Of Barrier

This method is used to stop the entry of sperm into your reproductive system. There are various types in this category. One of them is the use of diaphragm, which is a molded rubber or plastic which has to be inserted into the cervix. Cervical cap, a cup-shaped plastic or rubber device is also used, and it is placed in the woman by a medical practitioner. Another easier method is the use of a condom or a sponge. Sponge is a device made of polyurethane while a condom is a shield which is worn over the penis. The last two types are available at medical stores. The barrier method work around 90 percent of the time.

Natural Methods

In this method of contraception, the sperm does not come into contact with ovum and you do not have to use any external paraphernalia, such as the ones mentioned above, to stop pregnancy. There are two types in this category. One is the withdrawal method, wherein the man removes his penis before ejaculating into the vagina. However, this method is not 100 percent fool proof. Another way is by having sexual intercourse during the safe days. This period is of 14 days and is calculated from the first day of your periods. If you intend to resort to this method, then it is better to have a calendar wherein you need to make a note of the dates of your menstrual cycle. This is 100 percent effective.

Sterilization

This is a permanent solution for those of you who do not want to get pregnant after the birth of your children. It is a surgical procedure which makes a person loses his capacity to reproduce. There are both male and female sterilization procedures. In the case of female sterilization, a small incision is done by the medical practitioner in the woman's abdomen and the fallopian tubes are blocked off or cut. This surgery is done by administering local anesthesia. Male sterilization or Vasectomy stops the vas deferens, which carries sperms during ejaculation, from entering the semen so that sperm is never released.

Family planning gives you the option to decide when you want to get pregnant and also helps you to limit the number of children. So, enjoy your life as much as you want and take a decision on your family size with the help of contraception.