There are several contraceptives that one can choose from according to their comfort and suitability, but it’s always advisable to consult a doctor and understand one’s options. Depending on one’s age, health condition, and nature of sex life, a doctor might be able to guide them to the most effective form of contraception. One can also use a combination of more than one method.

Let’s look at the two popular and time-tested forms of contraception

1. Sterilization
Sterilization is among the most effective forms of contraception, but the effects cannot be reversed. Female sterilization is called tubal ligation and is 99% effective, and male sterilization is referred to as vasectomy, which eliminates the chances of conception. Both procedures are effective three months after they are performed. Let’s take a look at both of these procedures:

• Tubal ligation
  This refers to the surgical procedure of tying up the fallopian tubes in women to prevent pregnancy. Ovulation naturally occurs even after female sterilization, but the procedure prevents the union of the sperm and egg. This means it does not bring about any changes in menstruation or cause any hormonal changes either.
• Vasectomy
  In a vasectomy, doctors block the tubes that carry sperm, preventing them from leaving the body. Since the sperm needs to mix with the egg for conception, this procedure eliminates the chances of pregnancy by keeping the sperm from entering the woman’s body.

2. Condoms
There are two types of condoms: external and internal. Both of these provide protection not only from unwanted pregnancy but also from several Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). One of the barrier birth control methods, condoms are cheap, readily available, and simple to use. The correct usage of external condoms reduces the chances of pregnancy by 98%, but this decreases to 95% with internal condoms. Wearing condoms (that have not expired and are intact) from the beginning till the end of the sexual interaction is essential for effective results.

• External condoms
  External condoms are thin sac-like objects worn around an erect penis. They are made of a variety of materials but serve the same purpose of preventing the sperm from entering the vagina and mixing with the egg, effectively preventing pregnancy.
• Internal condoms
  Internal condoms are used either inside the vagina or in the anus. Internal condoms are made of plastic and perform the same task as external condoms by collecting semen in the pouch and preventing the sperms from meeting the eggs to prevent pregnancy.

There is a range of effective forms of contraception available, including birth control implants, intrauterine devices, injections, vaginal rings, birth control pills, diaphragms, and cervical caps. Preventing pregnancy can be more effective by using a combination of a few methods in some cases.