how to prevent pregnancy.

METHODS

(1) condoms
(2) Keep emergency contraception on hand.
(3) Diaphragm
(4) Track your ovulation.
(5) Sponge

(1) condoms

When used correctly, male condoms are more than 80 percentTrusted Source effective against pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

To use a male condom correctly:

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

If you have a problem like your condom breaks, or if have unprotected sex, you can avoid pregnancy with an emergency contraceptive pill,
also known as the morning after pill. It prevents or delays ovulation.

If you wait too long, it may not be work as well. You have to take it within 72 or 120 hours of having sex, depending
on which pill you choose. The sooner you take it, the more likely it is to work.

(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) Track your ovulation.

Tracking your monthly fertility cycle could help you prevent pregnancy. If you find out which days you’re fertile with tools like your basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and a calendar, you can avoid having sex so you’re less likely to get pregnant.

But it isn’t so easy to get it right. Every woman’s cycle is different, and it takes time to understand it correctly.
Natural family planning is the least effective method of birth control. Most doctors suggest you try another option.

(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.