Medical Facts About Birth Control

Birth control, also known as contraception, are methods intended to prevent pregnancy. Some also protect against the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There are many different types of birth control.

Barrier Methods

• Barrier methods of birth control, including condoms and diaphragms, are designed to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Condoms provide some STD protection, unlike other methods.

Hormonal Birth Control

• Hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills, skin patches, and injections, are designed to release hormones that decrease fertility.

Intrauterine Device

• An intrauterine device (IUD) is a flexible plastic device that a doctor implants in a woman's uterus. The IUD is more than 99 percent effective, but IUDs have sometimes been linked to serious health problems.

Sterilization

• Sterilization is a surgical procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy.

Abstinence

• Abstaining from sexual activity is the only 100 percent effective method of preventing pregnancy and STDs.