Birth control or contraception helps prevent pregnancy. Additionally, it keeps you safe from sexually transmitted diseases (STD). There are a few common methods of birth control. However, it is important to find one that caters to your lifestyle and simultaneously, does not hurt your budget. Here are five of the most common methods of birth control:

• Condom
  Whenever someone thinks about birth control, the first option that comes to their mind is a condom. It is the most common method of contraception. Condoms are budget-friendly, hormone-free options of birth control. They do not only prevent pregnancy, but also keep you protected from STDs. There are both male and female condoms available in the market.

• Emergency or the morning-after pill
  If, during the intercourse, no contraception was used, or if the condom tore during sex, then an emergency pill can come in handy. The pill can be taken within the first five days of intercourse. However, the earlier you take it, the better it is. In the initial three days, it can prevent pregnancy by up to 85 percent. Since the pill has a dose of hormones in it, it might cause side-effects, such as vomiting or nausea (and sometimes, even severe ones It can even affect your period cycle.
• Contraceptive pill
  Another common method of birth control is a birth control pill . It needs to be popped once everyday. Several contraceptive pills are available in the market. These are combination birth control pills, which contain progesterone and estrogen. A mini contraceptive pill, which contains only progesterone, is also available. Though the pill prevents pregnancy, it may not give you any protection against STDs. You need to be regular with the consumption of these pills.
• Vaginal ring
  A birth control ring, also known as a vaginal ring, is placed inside the vagina. The ring can stay intact for about three weeks, after which it needs to be removed. It is a flexible ring that releases estrogen and progesterone. The ring can be inserted and removed with ease.
• Intrauterine devices
  An intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped small device, which is inserted into the uterus. It is a long-term birth control method. IUDs are inserted and removed with the help of a doctor. An IUD releases doses of hormones to restrict pregnancy, and stays intact for years. Both the copper and hormonal IUDs come with their own risks, and the same should be discussed thoroughly with the doctor.