Whenever you are considering  birth control options, it is important to know that there’s an array of alternatives available. Before choosing one, you need to consider your safety, effectiveness, price or budget, side-effects of the alternative, and its related pros and cons. Here are the most common birth control alternatives that will help you make an informed choice. 

Male condoms
The most commonly used alternative for birth control pills is the male condom. It is a slim tube made of latex material or any other similar material. To avoid any unwanted pregnancy during a sexual engagement, men should consider wearing a condom. It is unrolled onto the penis and blocks the sperms from making their way into the vagina.

• How effective is it?
  The success rate of a male condom is about 82%.
• Price
  A condom is a highly affordable birth-control measure, which can be availed at anything less than $1.
• Availability
  You can easily find the condoms at convenience stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, or health clinics.
• Advantages
  It is the most effective method to stay protected against STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). However, it doesn’t yet offer complete protection.
• Disadvantages
  You might be sensitive to latex, and it might cause a skin allergy. Also, there are chances of condoms to tear.

Female condoms
It is made of thin latex or any similar material and is fitted into the vagina for blocking the entry of the sperm.

• How effective is it?
  The success rate of a female condom is about 79%.
• Price
  A female condom is an affordable birth-control measure priced at anywhere between $2 and $4.
• Availability
  You can easily find them at pharmacies.
• Advantages
  They offer adequate protection against STIs.
• Disadvantages
  You might be sensitive to latex, and it might cause a skin allergy.

Contraceptive sponge
This is a plastic sponge, which has a round shape and is filled with spermicide. It is fitted into the vagina to either kill or block the sperm.

• How effective is it?
  The success rate of a contraceptive sponge is about 76-88%.
• Price
  It is priced between $4 and $6.
• Availability
  You can easily find the contraceptive sponge at grocery stores and pharmacies.
• Advantages
  You can use the same sponge for 24 hours, even during multiple sexual encounters.
• Disadvantages
  It is messy and might lead to a skin allergy. There’s also an increased likelihood of toxic shock syndrome.

Cervical cap
The next most common  birth control option  is the cervical cap, which is a flexible and soft cap that fits the cervix to prevent sperm entry into the uterus. It has to be filled in with spermicide before using it.

• How effective is it?
  The success rate of a cervical cap is about 80%.
• Price
  Price is variable and could be anywhere between 0 (if covered by your health insurance) and $76.
• Availability
  You can easily find it at the intimate health clinics and with doctors.
• Advantages
  If you do not wish to undergo any hormonal effects because of the pills, patch, shot, or implant, this is a great alternative. You can wear them for two days straight.
• Disadvantages
  It is messy and might lead to a skin allergy. There’s also an increased likelihood of toxic shock syndrome.