Contraception, also known as birth control, is used to prevent pregnancy. There are many different birth control methods available to help you and your partner prevent an unplanned pregnancy. You may already know what you are looking for, or you may be unsure where to start, and which method may be the right choice for you. 

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Types of Birth Control

Here are the methods that are available to help you understand the options and narrow down your choices, and you can always review these choices with a health care provider. 

Hormonal Contraception: 

Hormonal birth control regulates the change in hormone levels during a woman’s cycle by using different forms of synthetic hormones that mimic the estrogen and progesterone that is naturally produced in a woman’s body. 

Non-Hormonal Contraception: 

Non-Hormonal birth control can involve creating a barrier between sperm and the egg, changing the chemistry in the reproductive tract or a combination of both methods. 

Natural Methods: 

Natural methods of birth control do not involve medications or devices to prevent pregnancy, but rather rely on behavioural practices and/or making observations about a woman’s body and menstrual cycle. 

Emergency Contraception: 

Emergency contraception is not to be used as a regular method of birth control but, if needed, it can help to prevent unplanned pregnancies.