A federal data release mentions that most American women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years use birth control. Birth control is of many kinds — pills, devices, and medicines. They all have the same goal of preventing pregnancy. What type of contraception you use depends on your desire to have children, your current health condition, and your intention or need to avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).

According to the statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most popular types of birth control in the US are as follows.

1. Female sterilization

Female sterilization is the most popular type of birth control because it is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are blocked or removed. It stops the eggs from meeting the sperm and thus puts an end to fertilization. This procedure does not, in any way, disturb other physiological functions in your body. Your hormones are not disturbed in any way and periods continue to happen naturally. The body absorbs the eggs released from the ovaries. Female sterilization does not obstruct sex life. There is indeed no need to worry about becoming pregnant every time you have sex. However, female sterilization is quite challenging to reverse. So before opting for this type of birth control, you must be sure about using it. Additionally, this contraception only prevents pregnancies, not sexually transmitted diseases. So you might still have to use condoms to protect yourself from STIs.

2. Oral contraceptive pills

There are roughly 45 million women in the United States who use at least one form of birth control. Of that, 12-14% of women admitted that the pill was their preferred contraceptive form. Like in the case of female fertilization, the pill is also 99% safe in preventing pregnancy. There are different types of pills that you can tailor-make to suit your schedules. But remember that there are quite a few factors you must follow strictly for the pill to work as a powerful birth control method. Failing those conditions might make the pill ineffective. While it is still unclear if the pill results in weight gain or depression, it does not protect against STIs. So using a condom in addition to the pill is vital.

3. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)

Women in the 20-40 age group are most likely to use LARCs for birth control. Long-acting reversible contraceptives include injections, under-the-skin implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). These are contraception methods that are reversible and more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancies and superior to other contraception types.

4. Male condoms

Male condoms are the only type of contraception that prevents pregnancy and protects against sexually transmitted diseases. Freely available for use in various types, patterns, and flavors, you must use condoms every time you have sex. This barrier method of contraception prevents the sperm from meeting the egg. However, male condoms are only 98% effective in preventing pregnancies because of their chances of tearing. Also, some people might be allergic to plastic, latex, or spermicide used in condoms.