Physical contraception

Fertility can be controlled without hormones.

These methods include:

physical barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms, which prevent the sperm reaching an egg
intrauterine devices (IUD) also known as a coil, prevent the implantation of an embryo or release of a hormone
spermicidal agents which kill or disable sperm
abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct
surgical methods of male and female sterilisation - an example is a vasectomy, where the sperm ducts are cut and tied

Method	Benefit	Risk
condoms	Easy and quick to use	Can tear or rip
diaphragms	Can be effective when used properly	Needs to be put in just before sex and left in several hours afterwards
IUDs	Can remain in position for up to 10 years	Need to be fitted by a health professional, carries a small risk of causing an ectopic pregnancy
abstaining	Can be used successfully, no cost, non-intrusive	If the timings are not accurate the chance of pregnancy is high
surgery	Can be very effective	Cannot be reversed, and is considered permanent

Method	diaphragms
Benefit	Can be effective when used properly
Risk	Needs to be put in just before sex and left in several hours afterwards

Method	IUDs
Benefit	Can remain in position for up to 10 years
Risk	Need to be fitted by a health professional, carries a small risk of causing an ectopic pregnancy

Method	abstaining
Benefit	Can be used successfully, no cost, non-intrusive
Risk	If the timings are not accurate the chance of pregnancy is high

Method	surgery
Benefit	Can be very effective
Risk	Cannot be reversed, and is considered permanent

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