There are many options available to women to prevent pregnancy. The most common is the birth control pill, but there are other choices that may not have the same side effects as the pill. Many women have complaints about birth control pills and look elsewhere for their contraceptive needs.
Implanted Devices
Implanted birth control is a method that many women choose because of the "set it and forget it" way that they work. There are intrauterine devices, such as the IUD and Mirena, which are placed internally in an outpatient setting and prevent pregnancy for anywhere from 5 to 10 years. There is also a series of cartridges called Norplant that are inserted under the skin of your arm and release hormones that prevent pregnancy. These are also easily removed if you choose to become pregnant. Another implanted device that is more of a permanent solution is Essure, which is a device that is implanted to block the fallopian tubes.
Non-pill Options
There is a birth control patch and a birth control shot that deliver hormones that prevent pregnancy. These methods aren't done daily like the pill, but they work similarly using hormones to prevent pregnancy. These also have many of the same side effects as the pill. Some religions don't allow the use of birth control and depend on the rhythm method to avoid pregnancy. This means knowing your cycle very well so that you don't indulge in sexual relations during the fertile time of the month. Condoms, when used properly, are an effective birth control option that women don't have to do themselves. This brings the man into the family planning and prevention actions; there are also female condoms. Condoms also protect against STD's, which makes them a doubly good choice. A doctor can fit a woman for a diaphragm that covers her cervix to prevent pregnancy, however she needs to always have it ready because it has to be in place before intercourse each time to work. There are foams, sponges, films and suppositories that are inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy by blocking and killing sperm.
Sterilization
Sterilization is available for men and women to prevent pregnancy. This method of birth control is considered permanent. It consists of a tubal ligation for women and a vasectomy for men. This option is only for those who are sure they do not want to get pregnant and is not recommended before a woman has two children.
Abstinence
The only definite way to prevent pregnancy is to not have intercourse. Abstinence is a 100 percent guaranteed effective form of birth control without taking pills or using any other contraceptives to prevent pregnancy.
After the Fact
There is one method that needs to be mentioned; even though it is a pill. Plan B will prevent pregnancy for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. Plan B will not terminate a pregnancy, but will prevent the egg from being fertilized if taken in time.
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