Family planning identifies the mechanisms used to avoid pregnancy for a short or long time. Several methods exist for birth control, both natural and pharmacological. All methods are based on the prevention of the meeting between male and female gametes and the fecundation. This can be obtained by abstinence from sexual intercourse around the ovulatory phase of the cycle, by the use of barriers that block contact between male gametes and female genitalia, the use of methods impeding the ascent of spermatozoa through the female genital tracts, and the prevention of ovulation. In view of the duration of action, the contraceptives can be short-acting or long-acting. The short-acting contraceptives include the contraceptive pill (both estro-progestin and only-progestin), the transdermal patch, and the vaginal ring. The long-acting contraceptives consist of progestin subcutaneous implant and intrauterine devices. Barrier methods permit to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Hormonal contraception has other benefits for women’s health, mainly related to the improvement of menstrual symptoms such as dysmenorrhea or menstrual blood loss. Modern hormonal contraceptives are safe and have good tolerability. The availability of many types of contraceptives with different characteristics permits to identify the most suitable solution for each woman and each couple.