Abstinence

• The only method of birth control that is always 100 percent effective is voluntarily refraining from any sexual intercourse. Although this method of birth control is not usually the most desirable for couples, it is the safest and most effective birth control method available and should be at least considered.
  
  

Withdrawal

• The withdrawal method consists of the male withdrawing his penis before he ejaculates, thereby decreasing the chance of sperm being able to reach the egg. Although using this method does decrease the likelihood of pregnancy, a man typically releases a small amount of sperm even before ejaculation occurs. In many cases, even this small amount may be enough to achieve a pregnancy. This method has an average failure rate of about 18 percent according to the American Pregnancy Association. However, combining this method with another type of birth control method may increase the effectiveness.
  
  

Natural Family Planning (NFP)

• Natural family planning is a method of birth control in which the couple learns how to spot signs of fertility and infertility, usually by monitoring basal body temperature and cervical mucus. The couple then chooses to abstain from sexual intercourse during the fertile time period, typically for a period of about 7 to 10 days. Many books, classes and workshops are offered to teach this method. According to the American Pregnancy Association, this method can be up to 90 percent effective when fertility signs are tracked meticulously, but has an average effectiveness rate of about 75 percent.
  
  

Spermicides

• Spermicides work by killing the sperm on contact or rendering them unable to fertilize the egg properly. They can be effective when used alone, especially if you follow the instructions on the package perfectly. However, many people choose to use spermicide in combination with another method of birth control for extra effectiveness. Spermicides are available at most stores without a prescription. Average failure rates for spermicides are about 26 percent, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
  
  

Sponge

• The sponge is another type of barrier method of birth control that is available without a prescription. The sponge is made of polyurethane foam and is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Although the sponge can be up to 91 percent effective when used perfectly, the average effectiveness rate is actually around 84 percent, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
  
  

Condoms

• Both male and female condoms are available at any local drugstore without a prescription. These condoms work at a barrier to prevent the sperm for being able to get into the uterus and fallopian tube to fertilize an egg. An added advantage of using the male condom is that it also helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases. The American Pregnancy Association states that male condoms have an average failure rate of about 15 percent, while female condoms have an average failure rate of about 21 percent.