Contraception, or birth control, is a way to prevent pregnancy. Contraception stops a sperm from meeting with an egg, which is how a pregnancy starts. There are different types of contraception. No form of birth control is 100% effective. Each type of contraception works differently – some are more effective than others.
There are 2 main types of contraception – those that contain hormones and those that don’t contain hormones. Read more about the different types of contraception below.
The ideal contraception method for you depends on many factors including:
- how well they work
- convenience
- your health
- your fertility plan (whether or not you want a baby)
- side effects
- sexually-transmitted infection (STI) protection.
Some may be suitable for you and some may not. Each has their pros and cons. For more detailed information, see which contraception is best for me?
Video: Contraception – an introduction
There are a wide range of contraceptives you can choose from. This video provides an explanation of the common types so you can be more informed and choose the one that is right for you.