To use a male condom correctly:

1. Choose the correct size.
2. Place the condom on the head of the erect penis. If uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back first.
3. Pinch the tip of the condom to remove any air.
4. Unroll the condom down the penis, being careful not to tear it.
5. After intercourse, hold the base of the condom in place before pulling out of the vagina.
6. Remove the condom and dispose of it. Never reuse a condom.

Most male condoms are made of latex, but other types are available for those with a latex allergy. If using a lubricant, check that it is compatible with the kind of condom being used. For example, latex condoms can only be used with water-based lube.

Condoms are available over-the-counter (OTC), without a prescription, from supermarkets, drugstores, or online. Latex-free condoms are also available to buy online.

2. Female condoms

Female condoms are also available without a prescription. They can be used instead of a male condom, but should never be used with one.

According to the CDC, female condoms are about 79 percentTrusted Source effective for contraception.

Many drugstores now sell female condoms, but if local stores do not stock them, they are available online.

3. Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception that a person places inside the vagina. It is important to apply spermicide to the diaphragm before each use.

When used with spermicide, the CDC estimate that the diaphragm is close to 90 percentTrusted Source effective.

A person must insert the diaphragm a few hours before intercourse, leave it in place for 6 hours after sex, and remove it after 24 hours. Diaphragms do not protect against STIs.

4. Cervical cap

A cervical cap (sold as FemCap in the United States) is a soft silicone cup that is placed deep inside the vagina. It covers the cervix to stop sperm from reaching an egg.

This effectiveness of the cervical cap varies according to sources, but Planned Parenthood estimate that its effectiveness ranges from about 70 to 85 percent. It does not protect against STIs.

Cervical caps are available in drugstores and online.

5. Sponge

The contraceptive sponge is a method of birth control that a person can buy without a prescription. Made of polyurethane foam and containing spermicide, the sponge is placed deep inside the vagina to block entry to the uterus.

Used alone, the sponge is 76 to 88 percentTrusted Source effective, but using it with a condom further reduces the risk of pregnancy and STIs.

Contraceptive sponges are available to buy online.

6. Spermicide

Spermicide is a chemical that inactivates sperm. It is available to buy without a prescription and is used with forms of barrier contraception, such as condoms, but not with the sponge.

If used alone, spermicide should be inserted close to the cervix at least 10 minutes before sex. It remains effective for 60 minutes and is approximately 71 percentTrusted Source effective.

Spermicide gels can be found at drugstores or purchased online. Talk to a doctor about the most effective ways to use spermicide as a contraceptive.

Hormonal forms of birth control prevent conception by stopping ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries. This type of contraception does not protect against STIs. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Most hormonal contraceptives are only available with a prescription from a doctor and, except for emergency contraception, it is not usually available online.

7. Contraceptive pills

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Birth control pills are one of the most commonly used methods of contraception in the U.S.

There are various brands of pill available, and according to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, they are over 99 percent effective if taken as prescribed.

However, with typical use, they are approximately 95 percent effective.

There are two forms of the pill:

• The combined pill, which contains estrogen and progestin: These should be taken daily, as per the instructions. The pill pack often contains some pills that are free of hormones. When taking these pills, a person will have a monthly period.
• The mini-pill, which contains only progestin: A person must take this pill at the same time every day without a break. Someone taking the mini-pill will not necessarily have a scheduled period.

8. Patches

According to the NHS, the contraceptive patch is 99 percent effective when used correctly. With typical use, it is closer to 90 percentTrusted Source effective.

A person can place a contraceptive patch on the:

• back
• buttocks
• stomach
• upper arm

A person must wear each patch for 3 weeks, before removing it for 1 week to allow for a menstrual period. There is a small risk of skin irritation.

9. Injection

The contraceptive shot (Depo-Provera) is usually given by a doctor every 12 weeks. According to the CDC, when used correctly, and assuming that a person gets their shot on time, it is over 90 percentTrusted Source effective at preventing pregnancy.

According to Planned Pregnancy, it may take up to 10 months, or sometimes longer, for fertility to return to normal after a person stops getting the contraceptive shot.

10. Vaginal ring

According to the NHS, the birth control ring known as the NuvaRing is over 99 percent effective when used correctly, but is typically less than 95 percentTrusted Source effective due to human error.

This small, plastic ring is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks. It releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy.

The ring must be removed for 7 days to allow for a menstrual period before a inserting a new ring.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants are long-term contraceptive devices. The NHS state that they are over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy because there is little room for human error. However, they do not protect against STIs.

11. IUDs

An IUD is a small device that a doctor inserts into the uterus. There are two types of IUDs:

• Hormonal: Once fitted, an IUD lasts for at least 5 years before it needs replacing. IUD’s do not completely stop ovulation but act as contraception by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm entering the uterus, as well other hormonal changes. Brand names include Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla.
• Copper-based: Sold as ParaGard, this hormone-free IUD is covered in copper wire, which destroys sperm trying to enter the uterus. One IUD can prevent pregnancy for approximately 10 years.

Adverse reactions include spotting between periods, irregular periods, and menstrual cramps.

12. Implants

Implants are another form of hormonal birth control. A nurse or doctor inserts a matchstick-sized rod into a person’s arm to protect against pregnancy.

Implants work by releasing the hormone progestin into the body, which prevents ovulation. The CDC estimate that implants are also greater than 99 percentTrusted Source ef