Barrier birth control methods include condoms, diaphragms and sponges. You'll need a prescription for a diaphragm.

Hormonal methods include birth control pills, patch, vaginal ring or shots (such as Depo-Provera). You'll need a prescription for hormonal birth control.

There are two main types of intrauterine devices (IUDs) that can be inserted into your uterus by your physician: a copper IUD and a hormonal IUD.

If taken regularly, birth control today is very effective. For example, the birth control pill provides protection against pregnancy in 99.9 percent of patients. This would be similar for condoms and spermicidal jelly as well as the IUD. Remember that if you also want to protect against sexually transmitted infections, condoms are still your number one choice.

In addition to a risk of getting pregnant even while using birth control, certain methods have other side effects. For example, birth control pills with estrogen can lead to a higher risk for heart attack, blood clots and stroke in women who smoke, especially those over 35 years of age.