When a woman chooses to use contraceptives, or methods of contraception, there can be different reasons behind it. The first and the foremost reason can be birth control. Getting intimate with your partner does not always happen with the intention of becoming pregnant and most often than not, an unplanned pregnancy is the result of such casual sexual encounter.

Some women might also want to use a contraceptive, to be safe from sexually transmitted diseases and infections. What type of contraceptive a female will choose depends on many factors like the frequency at which she has sexual relations with her partner or husband, her age, any other medication that she is on, history of certain diseases in her genes and family and if she wants children in the future or not. Some common and popular types of contraceptives for females can be the following:

Female Condoms

Female condoms

It is not unknown that using a condom is the safest way to have sex, and while male condoms are primarily touted to be the most effective way of warding off STDs like HIV and AIDS, female condoms are also used as protection against such diseases and pregnancy. A female condom resembles a small plastic pouch and a part of the condom is inserted into the vaginal cavity of the women before sex so that sperms from the male partner cannot enter. They are disposed off after single use.

Diaphragms

Diaphragms

When dealing with the topic of female contraceptives or types of contraceptives for females, using a diaphragm is regarded as a common method of contraception, by women. Usually made of latex, a diaphragm is a flexible but shallow cup, which is inserted into the genital of the woman before coitus so that sperms can be blocked from entering. Usually for a diaphragm to be effective, it has to be in place for about 6 to 8 hours after intercourse, but care should be taken to remove it within 24 hours.

Contraceptive Sponges

Contraceptive sponge

A contraceptive sponge is a spermicide filled sponge which is soft and disposable. Before having sex, the woman must insert one into her vagina and in that way, not only are the sperms refused entry, but the spermicide makes sure that the sperm cells are killed. Like the diaphragm, it has to be kept inside the vagina for at least 6 to 8 hours and then removed within 30 hours of having intercourse.

Apart from the types and methods of contraceptives discussed here, a woman can choose other options too, depending on her body and sexual frequency, and of course a trip to her doctor is also recommended.