Any medication, method, or device used to prevent pregnancy is referred to as birth control. There are several types of birth control available today, which can often confuse first-timers. Before learning about different types of birth control, it’s important to know that there is no single “best” birth control for every man or woman. The right choice depends on various factors. Read on to understand more about some of the common birth control types.

1. Barrier contraception
This is one of the most commonly used forms of birth control. Barrier contraception includes male and female condoms, spermicide, diaphragms, and cervical caps, all of which are designed for one-time use. Although each type of barrier contraception works differently, essentially, they all act as barriers, preventing sperm from meeting an egg. It’s vital to learn to use these contraceptives correctly to minimize the possibility of pregnancy. One of the advantages of condoms—the most popular type of barrier contraception—is that they also protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

2. Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception comes in handy when another birth control fails during intercourse or when a couple engages in the sexual act without using birth control. Pills are the most common form of emergency contraception. Plan B is an over-the-counter pill that works up to 3 days after intercourse, while Ella is a prescription pill that can prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after intercourse. The copper IUD is also effective as an emergency contraceptive when used within 5 days of sex, but it needs a visit to the doctor as well.

3. Short-acting hormonal contraception
This type of contraception includes birth control pills, patches, shots, and vaginal rings. Depending on the type chosen, they need to be used or replaced daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly. All forms of short-acting hormonal contraception require a prescription. They work by changing estrogen and/or progesterone levels in a woman’s body, minimizing the chances of pregnancy. These types of birth control are more effective than barrier contraception, but they come with a few side effects.

4. Long-acting reversible contraception
Copper IUDs, hormonal IUDs, and hormonal contraceptive implants are the most common forms of long-acting reversible contraception. Copper IUDs are effective for up to 10 years, hormonal IUDs up to 5 years, and hormonal implants up to 3 years. All three methods are 99% effective for preventing pregnancy. Long-acting reversible contraceptives are popular choices among women who aren’t planning to have kids soon, but implants and IUDs can be removed if a couple wants to conceive.

5. Permanent contraception
Permanent contraception is a popular choice among couples who don’t want to have kids in the future. Surgical procedures like vasectomy (for men) and tubal ligation (for women) are among the most common types of permanent birth control methods. Although these procedures are reversible in some cases, the return of fertility is not guaranteed. Additionally, it’s important to know that these procedures don’t impact sexual function in men or women, and recovery usually takes only a few days.