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Barrier Methods of contraception prevent pregnancy by forming a physical barrier between sperm in the vagina and the opening to the uterus (or cervix). Barrier methods are not as effective as hormonal methods of birth control such as the pill. However, their effectiveness can be increased by using the method correctly and consistently. It is important to make sure you understand the instructions for using each type of method and that you use it every time you have intercourse. Examples of barrier methods include condoms, the diaphragm, the cervical cap, and spermicidal foam or inserts.

The Pill is an oral contraceptive, and is taken once a day to prevent pregnancy. The pill, since first becoming available in 1960, has been improved many times since then. It is a very safe form of contraception. The pill contains substances such as estrogen and progestin, which prevent the ovary from releasing an egg each month. The health benefits of the pill include protection against the following: ovarian and uterine cancer, pregnancy outside the uterus, breast and ovarian cysts, anemia, and painful or irregular periods. The pill also does not cause birth defects and does not stunt growth, nor does it cause significant weight gain or harm future ability to have children. It can even be used while breastfeeding if milk production is firmly established. Women who smoke cigarettes are at increased risk for problems with blood clots, and for this reason, smokers are not given the birth control pill after the age of 35. A nonsmoker may take birth control pills as long as she wants.

Natural Family Planning relies on fertility awareness and abstinence during the fertile portion of a woman's menstrual cycle. It is non-mechanical and non-chemical. This method, also known as the rhythm method, requires abstaining from intercourse during the woman's potential fertile period, which generally lasts from 5 to 15 days during each menstrual cycle. Methods of pregnancy prevention include calendar rhythm, body temperature charting, and cervical mucous testing. Women using natural family planning must be aware that ovulation can occur without regularly established periods. The words Natural Family Planning, Rhythm Method, Safe Period, Fertility Awareness, and Periodic Abstinence are also often used interchangeably.

An IUD is a small plastic device that is inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is best suited for women with families who want convenient, effective, and potentially reversible contraception. The IUD is recommended for women who have at least 1 child, are in a stable, mutually faithful relationship (to minimize chance of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases that might cause pelvic inflammatory disease), and have no history of or suspicion of pelvic inflammatory disease or infection of the internal organs.

Depo-Provera contains a progesterone hormone that prevents ovulation, the process by which an egg is release from the ovary. It is similar in its contraceptive action to the birth control pill, even though it doesn't contain estrogen like the birth control pill does. It is actually more effective than the birth control pill for pregnancy prevention. It is injected into the arm or buttock muscle, where it dissolves slowly and is released into the body over time. The drug's birth control effect lasts for 3 months, and a reinjection of Depo-Provera is recommended every 12 weeks for its effectiveness to last. Side effects that might occur with this birth control method are irregular bleeding or no periods whatsoever, and a small amount of weight gain.

Tubal Ligation is a permanent method of contraception that requires surgery. Sterilization is chosen by individuals or couples who are certain they do not want any more children. A physician performs the procedure under anesthesia in the operating room. The fallopian tubes, which carry the sperm to the egg for fertilization, are either cut, burned, or obstructed. This surgery does not affect the workings of the ovaries or the uterus. It can be done on an outpatient basis, or during hospitalization after the delivery of a baby.