Article updated and reviewed by Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Pennsylvania on May 10, 2005.
Contraception is the use of artificial or natural means to prevent conception, or
There are various contraceptive methods available today. The most common artificial methods are male/
While there are several options for emergency contraception, they generally fall into two categories: hormonal and non-hormonal-based... Read more »
Let's start by establishing what emergency contraception is. It's a method of preventing pregnancy when you have had unprotected sex, or... Read more »
Although emergency contraception (EC) pills, often referred to as "the morning after pill," is available in many countries around the world... Read more »
Barrier methods of birth control typically include the condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, and contraceptive sponge. These options provide a... Read more »
Male and female condoms work on exactly the same principles. Both are known as barrier methods because they block sperm from coming into... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Spermicidal and Barrier ContraceptivesBarrier contraceptives are devices that provide a physical barrier between the sperm and the egg. Examples of... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Vasectomy SurgeryVasectomy is a minor operation that takes about 15 - 30 minutes and is usually performed with local anesthesia in a doctor's office... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Oral Contraceptives and Combination Hormonal MethodsOral contraceptives (birth control pills) are available only by prescription and come in either a... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Emergency contraception is a method to prevent pregnancy in women who have had unprotected sex, or for whom a barrier method has failed (slipped... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Injected ContraceptivesInjected contraceptives are given once every 3 months. Most injectables are progestin-only. In the United States,... Read more »