Abstaining from penis-in-vagina sex is the only surefire way to prevent pregnancy 100% of the time. But long-acting reversible methods of birth control and surgical sterilization are a close second.

Some birth control methods, such as the pill, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and patches, are up to 99% effective with correct and consistent use. Other methods, such as “pulling out,” fertility ...

Birth control works primarily by blocking sperm, disabling sperm, or preventing ovulation. Some types of birth control will start working right away, like condoms and copper IUDs. But others can take ...