There are 3 types of birth control available in the market –

• Hormonal implants – This is less accessible because it needs a doctor for implantation. It might not suit everyone since it is a small, plastic rod that is fitted into the upper arm, just under the skin, only for people with ovaries but it’s a longer solution to prevent pregnancy also known as the ‘fit and forget’ option since it lasts for 3- 10 years (depending on which kind of implant) and is proven to be 99% effective. The implants are categorised under the name of LARC (long-acting contraception). 

There are IUDs (Intrauterine devices) that is a T-shaped piece of plastic that needs to be inserted into the uterus by a doctor which stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus and thins the lining of the uterus. It only releases progesterone which can be removed anytime, doesn’t have big side effects and lasts for 3-7 years. 

Non-hormonal IUD (Copper coil), on the other hand, uses copper instead of progesterone which changes the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for the sperm to reach the eggs during ovulation, this can have big side effects and lasts for 5-10 years. There are also contraceptive injections and patches available where progesterone is injected to work the same as IUDs but it only lasts up to 3 months a dose and has big side effects as well.

• Hormonal Pills – It’s the most common form of non-permanent contraception. You need to consult a doctor before taking any since it may cause side effects like depression, anxiety, longer periods and low sex drive to name a few and may clash with things like HRT or puberty blockers. There are COCs (Combined Oral Contraceptives) which are a combination of artificial estrogen and progesterone and work the same way as IUDs to prevent pregnancies, it has timed doses every day with built-in seven-day break which can cause withdrawal bleeding similar to a period. Minipill works the same as the COC but without estrogen, it also has to be taken without breaks as well to be effective. 

Barrier methods – It’s the best option because it protects from both pregnancy and STIs. One must still use barrier protection even when they are taking hormonal birth control because of the STI risk. Condoms are an effective option because they can be used externally for Penetrative Sex. Flavoured ones are meant to be used for oral sex only. They can also be used for sex toys as well to prevent the spread of STIs. (There are latex-free options as well if the person has a latex allergy). Other than that, there are Femdoms which are used internally for Penetrative Sex, Dental Dam, which is used during Oral Sex and Oral to Anal Sex and Surgical Gloves which can be used for fingering.  

Other than those options, tracking ovulation and menstrual cycles can help queer individuals with uterus-based reproductive systems avoid or achieve pregnancy in case they can’t take hormonal contraceptives for any reason. This method does require consistent monitoring and education. In situations where regular contraception fails or is not used, emergency contraception (the “morning-after pill”) can be considered within a few days of unprotected sex but to truly protect yourself from STIs as well, barrier methods still need to be used even if the people participating are infertile. 

Surgical Sterilisation can also be a practical step since some trans individuals opt for bottom surgery (Genital Reconstructive Services) to help with their gender dysphoria. For transfeminine people, it can mean having Orchiectomy and/or Vaginoplasty surgery whereas for transmasculine people, it can mean having Phalloplasty, Metoidioplasty, Salpingo-oophorectomy, Vaginectomy and/or Hysterectomy surgeries. Some may even choose permanent contraception through procedures like tubal ligation or vasectomy, depending on their anatomy and reproductive goals since not everyone opts for bottom surgery because it can be a highly invasive and expensive procedure.