Contraceptives are devices or methods used to prevent pregnancy. There are several temporary types of contraceptives available for men and women that can prevent pregnancy, although none is 100 percent effective; they may fail if used incorrectly. Permanent contraceptives are also available, although they are not used as commonly as temporary contraceptives.

Types: Temporary

Condoms are the only temporary contraceptives available to men. Women can choose from birth control injections, barrier methods, birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), emergency contraception or a vaginal ring.

Types: Permanent

According to WomensHealthChannel.com, sterilization is a procedure that permanently prevents conception. Both men and women can be sterilized.

Benefits

Using hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control or an IUD, can prevent pregnancy by up to 99 percent. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), using condoms also lowers the risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease.

Disadvantages

Not using barrier methods, condoms or birth control according to their directions lowers its effectiveness. Sterilization permanently prevents a woman or man from conceiving a child and usually is not reversible.

Misconceptions

Some people also believe the withdrawal method, when a man withdraws his penis prior to ejaculation, is an effective contraceptive method. The Children, Youth and Women's Health Service states this is not safe--women can become pregnant from a man's pre-cum, which exits the penis during intercourse.

Source:

NICHD: What is Contraception?

WomensHealthChannel.com: Permanent Birth Control

Children, Youth and Women's Health Service: Basics of Contraceptives