There are still no ideal forms of birth control even though it is only in this century that methods have been developed that really work.
Some methods are more effective than others but also have more side effects.
Some methods can reduce sexual pleasure while others can affect overall mood. Ideally both members of a couple should have a say in choosing a method, however some methods depend entirely on the woman or entirely on the man for implementation. Oral, injectable and implantable hormones all have side effects such as irregular bleeding, mood changes and occasionally exacerbation of other medical problems. Natural family planning and barrier methods have higher failure rates than some of the other methods. The pregnancy or failure rate is a primary consideration for choosing a contraceptive.