Contraception
This is an old revision of this page, as edited by DrLib (talk | contribs) at 21:05, April 2, 2007. It may differ significantly from current revision.
Contraception (Lat. against conception) generally refers to methods of preventing pregnancy (birth control). There are many different methods, each having its own level of effectiveness and safety. The safest and most effective form of birth control is abstinence. The argument could be made that this is not actually "birth control" as there was never a risk for a pregnancy, but in common parlance, abstinence is the first line of protection. Except for condoms, most methods offer little protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Barrier Methods
- Male condom
- Female Condom
- Sponge
- Cervical cap
- Diaphragm
Hormonal Methods
- Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)
- Depoprogesterone
- Vaginal ring
- "Rhythm method" (also sometimes referred to as a method of "timed abstinence")
Other
- Intrauterine device (medicated and bare)