Health Tip: Choosing a Contraceptive

(HealthDay News) -- Among couples who wish to prevent unwanted pregnancy, there are many contraceptive options available.

Here are some of them, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

• Condoms, which also protect against sexually transmitted disease.
• A diaphragm or cervical cap, which must be fitted by a doctor.
• Birth control pills, which must be taken each day.
• The prescription birth control patch.
• The vaginal contraceptive ring, which is worn all the time in three-week increments.
• Hormone shots, which can prevent pregnancy for about one to three months.
• An intrauterine device (IUD), which is implanted in the uterus.