**2.2 Types of contraceptives**

Contraceptive methods are available for individuals and couples for birth control in various forms. The most appropriate method depends on various factors such as safety, effectiveness, acceptability, availability, affordable and accessible. The number of sex partner, age of the individual, health status of the users desires to have children in the future, and frequency of sexual activities. Generally, the methods of the contraceptive can be group into natural and artificial methods. Natural methods tend to be less effective when compared to artificial methods of contraception.

### *2.2.1 Natural methods of contraception*

This is based on the use of the body physiological changes and symptoms in the identification of the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle to make decisions on when to be involved in coitus activities that can result in conception. These methods are also referred to as fertility-based awareness methods and they consist of periodic abstinence, coitus interruptus, lactational amenorrhea, and post-coital douche.

### *2.2.2 Artificial methods of contraception*

Five types of artificial contraceptives have been described. These include

i.Barrier method


*Scaling up Contraception through Social and Behavior Change Intervention in Low… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104207*

#### iv.Long-acting reversible contraceptives

v.Sterilization
