Birth control, or contraception, is defined as the practice of preventing unwanted pregnancies. Since ancient times, men and women around the world have used different contraceptive methods. Unfortunately, most of these methods were very dangerous to the user's health and/or ineffective in preventing pregnancies. Today our country has the knowledge and technology necessary to develop safer and more effective contraceptives for both men and women. Birth control can be practiced using natural or artificial methods. There are numerous artificial methods of birth control, including but not limited to the pill, male and female condom, spermicides, intrauterine device, diaphragm, and cervical cap. The pill and the male condom are among the most widely used contraceptive methods in the United States (1). Despite the popularity of artificial methods, many Americans are still skeptical about the health risks and side effects that artificial contraceptives pose. For these individuals, natural birth control methods may be a better alternative. Natural birth control consists of behavioral methods that individuals are able to perform to protect themselves from unintended pregnancy. These natural methods are dated to be some of the oldest forms of birth control available. Natural methods of birth control are preferred over artificial ones for a number of reasons. Natural methods are cheap, convenient and easy to use, have zero to minimal side effects and health risks, and lastly, do not use hormones. Abstinence, abstinence, fertility awareness, and the lactation amenorrhea method are all natural forms of birth control widely used today. The term abstinence is often a… middle of paper… a natural To be successful requires contraceptive methods, patience, dedication and self-discipline. It is also very important to remember that natural contraceptives are only effective if followed consistently and precisely. Not all natural methods require abstention from sexual activities. However, methods that avoid these activities are the most effective. Of all the natural birth control methods available, abstinence is the most successful because sexual intercourse and activity do not take place. In contrast, the least reliable natural method is the calendar method, due to the irregularity and changes common in the menstrual cycle of most women. Although all natural contraceptive methods differ in technique, effectiveness and risks, they all serve the same purpose; to minimize the chance of an unplanned pregnancy.