Continuous Abstinence: Not engaging in any form of sexual intercourse. The only method of birth control that is 100 percent effective.
Fertility Awareness Method (Periodic Abstinence): This method charts your menstrual cycle and detects certain physical signs to predict days when you are most fertile. On those days, you can either abstain from intercourse, or use condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and/or spermicides. A professional can teach you how to best chart your menstrual cycle. This method can be effective about 75 to 99 percent of the time.
Withdrawal: The man pulling out his penis before he ejaculates. It is effective 81 to 96 percent of the time and nearly 100 percent effective when used with a condom.
