There are many birth control options out there but what works best for you may not work as well for others. They all come with their own set of benefits and side effects, and it’s ideal to understand them all before committing to one of the methods. It’s ideal to discuss your options with your healthcare provider and you might also need a prescription for most contraceptives. No method guarantees a 100% prevention, but here are the top 7 most effective contraceptives that you can choose from.

Oral contraceptive
Oral contraceptives are the most common and widely used method for preventing pregnancy. Birth control pills manipulate the menstrual cycle with a combination of estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. This combination prevents the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are both responsible for the development of the egg. It also thickens the mucus surrounding the egg, making it difficult for the sperm to enter. There are different types of pills with different combinations of hormones to choose from and are characterized as monophasic, biphasic, or triphasic.

Vaginal ring
This soft, flexible ring is inserted in the vagina and it releases estrogen and progestin that get absorbed by the bloodstream and prevent the fertilization of the eggs. The function is very similar to that of birth control pills but saves you the effort of keeping track of regular ingestion. The ring only needs to be replaced every 21 days.

The patch
The birth control patch releases estrogen and progestin hormones through the skin, preventing ovaries from releasing an egg. Also, the thick cervical mucus keeps the sperm from reaching the egg. The patch can be worn on the upper arm, abdomen, buttocks, or upper torso and needs to be changed every week, on the same day at the same time for three weeks straight. It must be skipped in the fourth week to allow for the menstrual cycle.

Intrauterine device (IUD)
This method allows you to prevent pregnancy for 3-10 years, and you can choose the IUD type to suit your requirement. The IUD releases hormones to prevent pregnancy, and if you’re looking for an option that doesn’t use hormones, copper IUD makes for one of the most effective forms of contraception.

Intramuscular injection
In an interval of every three months, this method involves taking a progesterone shot on the upper arm, thigh, or buttock to effectively prevent pregnancy. But it’s ideal to consult a healthcare provider before opting for this method since it involves the risk of bone density loss.

Sterilization or Vasectomy
This option is ideal for women who are looking for permanent pregnancy prevention. The method is one of the most effective forms of contraception as it involves blocking the fallopian tubes that prevent the eggs from being fertilized and does not manipulate any hormones. In the case of men, the tubes that carry semen are blocked.

Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a shallow cup, which essentially covers the cervix, preventing the sperm from reaching the uterus. It’s most effectively used with a spermicide and can be reused multiple times.