Contraception allows you to choose when and if you want to have a baby. Some forms of contraception also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections.
There are several types of contraception, which work in different ways. Barrier methods, such as condoms, create a physical barrier against sperm (and STIs). Women can also use hormonal methods of contraception, such as the pill, or mechanical contraceptive devices, such as an IUD (intrauterine device).
Before recommending a contraceptive, your doctor will assess your age, medical history, and sexual lifestyle. No contraceptive is 100% reliable, and some have possible side effects. It is therefore important to consider these factors when deciding what sort of protection to use.
Some popular methods of contraception are described below: