For the Woman
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES protect against pregnancy by the combined actions of the hormones estrogens and progestin. The hormones prevent ovulation. Common Side effects of the pill can be nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight gain, irregular bleeding, and depression.
DEPO-PROVERA is a hormonal contraceptive injected into a muscle on the arm or buttock every three months. The injection must be repeated every 3 months. The menstruation can become irregular and sometimes even absent.
IMPLANTS (such as Norplant or Implanon) are made up of small rubber rods, which are surgically implanted under the skin of the upper arm, where they release the contraceptive steroid levonorgestrel. Their protection lasts from 3 to 5 years. Side effects include menstrual cycle changes, weight gain, breast tenderness and loss of bone mass.

Copper-IUD is a T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health-care professional. The IUD can remain in place for 5-years. IUD’s have one of the lowest failure rates of contraceptive method. Sometimes the IUD can be expelled and a woman has to check each month after her period with her finger if she can still feel the threads of the IUD. Other side effects can include abnormal bleeding and cramps, but this usually only occurs during and immediately after insertion.

Hormonal-IUD is an IUD with a small hormonal (progestogen) sleeve. It is one of the most effective forms of birth control. Next, to the above-mentioned characteristics of an IUD, it can remain in place for 5 years but has no heavy bleeding side effects. As most women experience only lighter periods and less bleeding (some stop completely having periods) it’s supposed to be a perfect therapy as well for women with heavy cycle bleedings.

FEMALE STERILIZATION is done surgically and is a permanent form of contraception. The tubes are ligated, preventing the egg-cells from encountering the sperm cells and preventing any future pregnancies.

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION is of two types :
1) Hormonal pills: It must be taken within 3 days of unprotected sex, the sooner used, the more effective. It prevents an unplanned pregnancy by delaying the ovulation.
2) MORNING-AFTER copper IUD must be inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. The IUD can stay for 5 years
As the name suggest,Emergency contraception must be used only on emergency basis and should not be used as routine method of contraception.

For the Man
CONDOMS are usually made from latex rubber and can be used only once. Some have spermicide added to kill sperm. They act as a mechanical barrier, preventing direct vaginal contact with semen, infectious genital discharges, and genital lesions. Condoms are the most effective method for reducing the risk of infection from the viruses that cause AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). It is important to put a condom on properly before intercourse.
MALE STERILIZATION also is known as a vasectomy, is a quick operation performed under local anesthesia with possible minor post-surgical complications, such as bleeding or infection. The ability to get an erection and an ejaculation do not disappear. The sperm cells are just a very small part (1%) of the fluid and a man will not notice any difference in ejaculation. The body will absorb the sperm cells.
Rates of Effectiveness of Different Contraceptives :
Estimated Effectiveness
Male Latex Condom 86%
Oral ContraceptivesOver 99%
Injection (Depo-Provera)Over 99%
Implant (Norplant, Implanon)Over 99%
IUD (Intrauterine Device) 98-99%
Surgical SterilisationOver 99%
Emergency Contraceptives 75%-80%