There are many different types of birth control or contraceptive methods that are safe, affordable, effective, and can fit different lifestyles and budgets. There are hormonal, non-hormonal, and also natural methods of birth control.

Unfortunately, there is some confusion between birth control methods, or contraception, and abortion. Birth control, in all forms, whether it is hormonal, non-hormonal, or natural, prevents conception. But an abortion takes place after fertilization, or conception has already occurred.

Contraceptive methods are not abortions, and abortions are not contraception. The following article will explore the different types of birth control methods, abortion rates, and why women have abortions.

Birth control is an umbrella term for the many different types of methods and products that people will use to prevent conception or pregnancy. In today’s modern age, there are, fortunately, many different types of birth control methods that can fit anyone’s lifestyle or budget. The problems with birth control in today’s world are less a matter of possibility and effectiveness, but problems stemming from a lack of access and education. However, some types of birth control are more effective than others. No single birth control method on the chart has a 100% effective rate.

Contraception, or birth control, is divided into different types:

Hormonal Methods

There are birth control products that use combined hormones, such as the patch, the pill, or vaginal ring. There are also progestin-only birth control pills and injections.

Intrauterine Devices

There are copper and also hormonal IUDs that can be inserted by a doctor and offer protection from pregnancy for several years.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods include products such as male and female condoms, spermicides, diaphragms, cervical caps, and sterilization (vasectomy and tubal ligations).

Natural Methods

Natural methods of birth control include abstinence, the fertility awareness method, or FAM, withdrawal, and also the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM).

Emergency Contraception

There is also emergency contraception available either over the counter or from a doctor. Emergency contraception can be given in either a pill form or as an intrauterine device after intercourse to prevent conception.

• 99% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 who have had sexual intercourse have used at least one contraceptive method.
• 60% of all women of reproductive age are currently using a birth control method.
• The number of desired children for the majority of families is two children. To achieve this, the average woman will need to use birth control for up to three decades.
• 70% of all women of reproductive age who are sexually active but do not want to become pregnant are at risk of unintended pregnancy if birth control methods fail.