Abstinence - refraining from sex is the best way of contraception and is the only method that is 100 percent foolproof. The couple should not have vaginal sex during the period of abstinence, but other sexual forms of display of love like foreplay, may be continued. For obvious reasons this is not a long term solution.

Withdrawal method - the withdrawal method, medically called coitus interruptus, is another temporary method of birth control. In this method, the man withdraws his penis from the woman's vagina before ejaculating. However, this method has a high rate of failure for two reasons. Firstly, it does not provide satisfaction to the couple and secondly, a small amount of sperm may be ejaculated in the vagina before the penis is removed resulting in pregnancy.

Rhythm method - In this method, the couple abstain from sex during the fertile period of the woman's menstrual cycle. In women who have a menstrual cycle of 28 days, the 14th-16th days of the cycle are the most fertile as it is during this time that ovulation, takes place. The unsafe period extends from the 11th -18th days of the cycle keeping in view the lifespan of the sperms and the ovum. The days just after a period finishes are considered the safest. This method is not very reliable since most women do not have regular, predictable cycles.

Condoms - condoms generally refer to synthetic rubber sheaths that cover the penis. Female condoms are also available that cover the external genitals and walls of the vagina. Condoms prevent the semen from being deposited in the vagina and thus prevent the contact of the sperm with the egg.

Diaphragms - a diaphragm is a dome shaped rubber barrier that can be inserted into the vagina and it fits snugly onto the cervix.

Cervical cap - It is used with a spermicidal cream or jelly, which performs the dual function of killing any sperm and providing lubrication. However, these should always be used after consultation with the doctor since their use can be harmful in certain conditions like urinary tract infections.

Intra-uterine devices - IUD's are small devices that are inserted and left inside the uterus as a measure against conception. An IUD is most commonly a T-shaped device made of plastic with copper wires around all its arms (Copper T). It can be placed inside the uterus only by a trained professional and can remain active over a period of ten years.

Hormonal treatment - hormonal treatment is given in the form of hormone injections. These shots are given every 3 months. This is a progestin injection which is given in the arm or the buttocks.

Oral contraception - or birth control pills, are the most common form of contraception. These pills are taken everyday for a specified period of time to prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptives work by preventing the ovaries from releasing the eggs. The pills use a combination of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which are taken for 21 to 25 days in a month.

Sterilisation - it is a surgical method of birth control for both men and women. The most common procedure is the tying up of the tubes i.e., the Fallopian tubes in women (tubectomy) and the vas deferens (vasectomy) in men. Surgical sterilisation may be performed by removing the ovaries, all or part of the fallopian tubes or the uterus itself (hysterectomy).