While no birth control method is one hundred percent effective there are many ways to avoid a pregnancy safely.  The most common birth control methods are the patch, pill, condom and the use of a spermicidal agent.  The patch and pill require a birth control prescription from a physician and the other forms of birth control are easily found at your local drug or grocery store.  

Any woman who is sexually active should visit her physician for information on the best birth control prescription options for her.  Many women have become pregnant because of erroneous information they have received from friends and family.  Education is very important to a woman's health and an annual exam will also help identify any problems before a birth control prescription is written.  A physician can help a woman identify which method is best for her, which includes evaluating her lifestyle. 

Active women will benefit from using the patch.  The patch can be worn discretely and can be worn in water and it won't come off until it is intentionally removed.  It is just as effective as the pill but it doesn't require you to remember to use it every day.  One patch a week will administer the correct amount of medication through the skin to help you avoid an unwanted pregnancy.  Pills are still a popular and effective method of pregnancy birth control.  A pill needs to be taken at the same time every day in order for it to be effective.  Women that tend to be forgetful or don't like routines shouldn't use this type of birth control.  Your physician will write you a birth control prescription that can be filled at any pharmacy.

If the high estrogen levels in pills and the patch make you feel ill or you simply don't want to take a chemical on a regular basis to avoid pregnancy then using a condom may be the best pregnancy birth control method for you.  Condoms don't require a birth control prescription from a physician.  Condoms are made from many different materials including latex, sheepskin and other synthetic forms.  It is important to store this form of birth control in a cool dry place to keep them effective.  Boxes of condoms are printed with an expiration date to help you remember to get new ones on time.  Old condoms are more prone to breakage, especially ones kept in a wallet or purse for an extended period of time. 

Spermicides are an extra effective form of birth control when used with a condom.  Spermicides should not be used alone as they cannot form a barrier between sperm and the cervix.  Most spermicides can cause irritation for both users so use them with caution.  There are a few brands of condoms that are already treated with a spermicide; read the label before you purchase a particular brand so you know what type of lubricant or spermicide is on the product.

Whether you use a prescription birth control method or a non-prescription one the most important thing you can do is to read all of the use precautions prior to use.  Educate yourself as to all of the possible side effects including long-term ones before you begin to use a particular method of birth control.