Topics: Reproductive Health : Birth Control
Birth control is also known as contraception. It refers to the prevention of a pregnancy following sexual intercourse, and may involve physical barriers, hormonal manipulation, or surgical intervention. (Some people also include abortion and abstinence.)Contraception can be a controversial issue in terms of politics, religion and ethics.
Barrier Methods
These may be products for men or women, and include condoms, femidoms, cervical caps, and diaphragms.
Cervical Cap,
Condom,
Contraceptive Sponge,
Diaphragm,
Spermicide,
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Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraceptives are methods of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse (usually up to 72 hours after).
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Hormonal Contraceptives
Birth control assisted by hormonal methods.
Implantable,
Injectable,
Oral,
Patch,
Vaginal Ring,
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Natural Family Planning
This refers to avoiding pregnancy without using any "artificial" means such as barrier methods, intrauterine devices, hormones or surgery.Methods considered "natural" include early withdrawal, and/or monitoring of the menstrual cycle to avoid having sexual intercourse on the days of maximum fertility.While less reliable than other methods of contraception, natural family planning is more acceptable to some religious, ethnic or cultural groups.
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Sterilization
Tubal Ligation,
Tubal Obstruction,
Vasectomy,
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