Birth Control Methods

Birth control can be achieved by three primary methods — surgical, hormonal control, and barrier methods.

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization, severing the vasa deferentia without affecting testosterone levels or sexual function.

Female sterilization may involve tubal ligation, tying both uterine tubes using clips or clamps, or cutting them.

Hormonal birth control methods include combined estrogen and progestin pills, progestin-only pills, transdermal patches, vaginal rings, and emergency contraception.

Intrauterine devices or IUDs, available in copper or hormone-releasing varieties, are long-term birth control devices inserted into the uterus. However, these may face expulsion or cause discomfort.

Barrier methods like male and female condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, often used with spermicides, could be effective and also add protection against STDs.

Periodic abstinence strategies, such as the rhythm and sympto-thermal method or STM, rely on tracking fertility indicators but may have varying success rates due to menstrual cycle irregularity.