Though humans have used different types of birth control through the ages, it is only in last 100years, the usage has become more widespread and scientific. The types of birth control are:

Physical Barriers: These are male and female condoms. Or some insertions in vagina that are capable of killing the sperm. Or Intra Uterine Devices(IUDs) to stop fertilization.

Oral: The oral pills are the most popular. Of these the widely used type is the one that must be taken before the intercourse. There is a less effective post coital pill to be taken few hours after the intercourse.

Hormonal: Available for both men and women, these have minor side effects and long term use can trigger infertility

Surgical: This is usually done as sterilization. The reversal of the procedures in both men and women is difficult. So, it is advised to opted only if you are quite sure.

Behavioural: These are ways to check fertilization by opting for safe period, coitus interruptus, lactational period etc.

Prolonged use of IUDs and hormonal birth control measures are often known to cause infertility later.