Family Planning - Birth Control

Birth control refers to a conscious decision that sexually active couples make to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The decision may result from personal situations or medical conditions.

What is the information for this topic?

Some forms of birth control keep the sperm from fertilizing an egg. Other forms keep the fertilized egg from being implanted. The couple may consider these factors when choosing birth control:

Natural family planning methods

Many couples choose a natural method because of religious or personal beliefs. Some natural family planning methods are as follows:

Traditional barrier methods

Barrier methods use physical or chemical blocks to keep sperm from fertilizing the woman's egg. These methods include the following:

Hormones

Combinations of female hormones can be used to prevent pregnancy. These combinations include:

Intrauterine devices

Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are placed in the uterus. They keep the fertilized egg from being implanted. IUDs have been linked with an increased risk of sexually transmitted disease. They can also increase the risk for pregnancy outside the uterus, or ectopic pregnancy.

Sterilization

Surgery can be performed on a man or woman to prevent pregnancy. A vasectomy in a male involves cutting and tying off the tubes that carry sperm. A tubal ligation in a woman involves cutting and tying off the fallopian tubes. Surgical removal of the uterus, or hysterectomy, also causes sterilization.

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception means birth control that is given after unprotected intercourse has taken place. Hormones can be given over a 24-hour period, within 72 hours of the unprotected sex. Another method uses an intrauterine device, or IUD. This is placed into the woman's uterus within 5 days after unprotected sex.

Abstinence

Abstinence, or the avoidance of sexual intercourse, is the only fully effective way to prevent pregnancy.