There are various ways to prevent pregnancy. There is no best way to do it. Each method has its pros and cons. When choosing a method it is best to know about each method, how comfortable you are using each method as well as possible side effects of each method. Contraception or birth control are grouped into different methods according to how they work. There are barrier methods, hormonal methods and implantable devices. 

The barrier method prevents sperm from reaching the egg. There are male and female condoms, diaphrams, cervical caps and shields and contraceptive sponge. This method is often accompanied by the use of spermicide, a substance that kills sperm.

The male condom is a thin sheath of latex or polyurethane placed over the male penis. Most condoms are lubricated with spermicide but some are not lubricated at all. These condoms must be changed with each sexual activity. Meaning if the couple is having vaginal intercourse then one condom is used, but if they also have anal intercourse then another condom is needed. 

The female condom is a thin sheath of polyurethane placed inside the womans vagina. It comes packaged with a lubricant. This condom may be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse but needs to be change each time intercourse occurs. Do not use a male and a female condom at the same time. Female condoms are for vaginal intercourse only. 

The diaphram, cervical cap and shield cover the cervix to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus. The diaphram is a shallow latex cup. The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped cup. And the cervical shield is a silicone cup that creates a suction to help fit against the cervix. The diaphram and the cervical cap come in a variety of sizes. You will need a doctors appointment to be fitted for these. The cervical shield comes in a one size fits all. Before placement you will need to add spermicide gel or foam. These devices need to stay in place for six to eight hours after intercourse for full effectiveness. 

The contraceptive sponge is disk shaped sponge made out of polyurethane cells. It already contains spermicide so there is no need to add it. Before use the sponge must be wet with water and not saliva. The sponge provides twenty-four hour protection but needs to be left in place for six hours and removed within thirty hours of placement. 

Hormonal methods of contraception prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization and/or implantation of a fertilized egg. This method mimics estrogen and/or progestin naturally produced by females. Contraceptive that include estrogen prevent ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovaries. Contraceptives that include progestin create a hostile environment in the uterus so that sperm and fertilized eggs will not survive. Hormonal methods include the pill, the patch, the shot and the ring.

The pill is taken orally on a daily basis. It must be taken at the same time every day. There are a variety of contraceptive pills so talk with your doctor about your options and which is right for you. If you are a smoker, over the age of 35, or have a history of blood clots you may be advised not to take the pill and use an alternate method. When taking antibiotics the pill becomes less effective so back up will be needed. Some possible side effects include nausea, weight gain and irritability.

The patch is a beige square that releases estrogen and progestin in the womans body. It is applied in one of four places on the body: the lower abdomen, the outer arm, the buttocks, or the upper body, front and back excluding breasts. The patch is worn for a duration of seven days. You change the patch each week on the same day for three weeks. The fourth week is patch free and you have your menstrual. Possible side effects include headache, nausea and skin irritation at the application site.

The shot is an injection given by your doctor that releases enough progestin to last three months. The shot is given either in the outer arm or the buttocks. The shot should not be used for more than two consecutive years because it causes a loss of bone density. Possible side effects include dizziness, breast tenderness and weight gain.

The ring is a thin transparent ring that is placed in the vagina. It is worn for three weeks in a row and removed the fourth week for a menstrual. The ring distributes both estrogen and progestin directly into the uterus. Possible side effects include sinus infection, yeast infection and vaginal irritation.

Intrauterine devices or IUD's are small, t-shaped devices inserted in the uterus and left in place for a few years. There is a hormonal and non-hormonal method. The hormonal method is called Mirena and the non-hormonal method is called ParaGuard. Mirena may be used for up to five years. It releases progestin into the uterus. ParaGuard releases a small amount of copper into the uterus. It can last for five to ten years.