Birth control is a regimen of one or more actions, devices, or medications followed in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant or giving birth. Methods and intentions typically termed birth control may be considered a pivotal ingredient to family planning. Mechanisms which are intended to reduce the likelihood of the fertilisation of an ovum by a spermatozoon may more specifically be referred to as contraception. Contraception differs from abortion in that the former prevents fertilization, while the latter terminates an already established pregnancy. Methods of birth control which may prevent the implantation of an embryo if fertilization occurs are medically considered to be contraception but characterized by some opponents as abortifacients. Oral medication A medication is a licenced drug taken to cure or reduce symptoms of an illness or medical condition. ... Diverse women. ... A pregnant woman near the end of her term Pregnancy is the carrying of one or more embryos or fetuses by female mammals, including humans, inside their bodies. ... Childbirth (also called labour, birth, partus or parturition) is the culmination of a human pregnancy with the emergence of a newborn infant from its mothers uterus. ... Oral contraceptives. ... A spermatozoon fertilising an ovum Fertilisation, also spelt fertilization (also known as conception, fecundation and syngamy), is fusion of gametes to form a new organism of the same species. ... A human ovum Sperm cells attempting to fertilize an ovum An ovum (plural ova) is a haploid female reproductive cell or gamete. ... A spermatozoon or spermatozoan ( spermatozoa), from the ancient Greek σπέρμα (seed) and ζῷον (living being) and more commonly known as a sperm cell, is the haploid cell that is the male gamete. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... An abortifacient is a substance that induces abortion. ...

Birth control is a controversial political and ethical issue in many cultures and religions, and although it is generally less controversial than abortion specifically, it is still opposed by many. There are various degrees of opposition, including those who oppose all forms of birth control short of sexual abstinence; those who oppose forms of birth control they deem "unnatural", while allowing natural birth control; and those who support most forms of birth control that prevent fertilisation, but oppose any method of birth control which prevents a fertilized embryo from attaching to the uterus and initiating a pregnancy. Culture (from the Latin cultura stemming from colere, meaning to cultivate), generally refers to patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures that give such activity significance. ... Sexual abstinence is the practice of voluntarily refraining from some or all aspects of sexual activity. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. ...

History

A family planning facility in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.

"And the villain still pursues her." Humorous Victorian era postcard.

Probably the oldest methods of contraception (aside from sexual abstinence) are coitus interruptus, certain barrier methods, and herbal methods (emmenagogues and abortifacients). Image File history File links Codrington, Stephen. ... Image File history File links Codrington, Stephen. ... Image File history File links VictorianPostcard. ... Image File history File links VictorianPostcard. ... Coitus interruptus, also known as withdrawal or the pull out method, is a method of contraception in which, during sexual intercourse, the man removes his penis from the womans vagina just before he reaches orgasm. ... This page is a candidate to be copied to Wiktionary. ... Emmenagogues are herbs which stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. ...

Coitus interruptus (withdrawal of the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation) probably predates any other form of birth control. Once the relationship between the emission of semen into the vagina and pregnancy was known or suspected, some men began to use this technique. This is not a particularly reliable method of contraception, as few men have the self-control to correctly practice the method at every single act of intercourse. Although it is commonly believed that pre-ejaculate fluid can cause pregnancy, modern research has shown that pre-ejaculate fluid does not contain viable sperm.^[1][2] Coitus interruptus, also known as withdrawal or the pull out method, is a method of contraception in which, during sexual intercourse, the man removes his penis from the womans vagina just before he reaches orgasm. ... The penis (plural penises, penes) is an external male sexual organ. ... The vagina, (from Latin, literally sheath or scabbard ) is the tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Horse semen being collected for breeding purposes. ... A man is a male human. ... Sexual intercourse, also called coitus, or simply, to have sex is the human form of copulation. ... Precum. ...

There are historic records of Egyptian women using a pessary (a vaginal suppository) made of various acidic substances (crocodile dung is alleged) and lubricated with honey or oil, which may have been somewhat effective at killing sperm. However, it is important to note that the sperm cell was not discovered until Anton van Leeuwenhoek invented the microscope in the late seventeenth century, so barrier methods employed prior to that time could not know of the details of conception. Asian women may have used oiled paper as a cervical cap, and Europeans may have used beeswax for this purpose. The condom appeared sometime in the seventeenth century, initially made of a length of animal intestine. It was not particularly popular, nor as effective as modern latex condoms, but was employed both as a means of contraception and in the hopes of avoiding syphilis, which was greatly feared and devastating prior to the discovery of antibiotic drugs. This article needs cleanup. ... Drawing of the structure of cork as it appeared under the microscope to Robert Hooke from Micrographia which is the origin of the word cell. Cells in culture, stained for keratin (red) and DNA (green). ... Anton van Leeuwenhoek Anton van Leeuwenhoek (October 24, 1632 - August 30, 1723, full name Thonius Philips van Leeuwenhoek (pronounced Layewenhook) was a Dutch tradesman and scientist from Delft, Netherlands. ... A microscope (Greek: (micron) = small + (skopein) = to look at) is an instrument for viewing objects that are too small to be seen by the naked or unaided eye. ... (16th century - 17th century - 18th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 17th century was that century which lasted from 1601-1700. ... World map showing the location of Asia. ... Piece of Letter paper Paper is a thin material produced by the amalgamation of plant fibres, which are subsequently held together without extra binder, largely by hydrogen bonds and to a large degree by fiber entanglement. ... Cervical cap The cervical cap is a barrier method of contraception. ... World map showing Europe A satellite composite image of Europe Europe is one of the seven traditional continents of the Earth. ... Beeswax cake Fresh wax scales (in the middle of the lower row) Beeswax is a product from a bee hive. ... A 67 m long condom on the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, Argentina, part of an awareness campaign for the 2005 World AIDS Day A condom is a device, usually made of latex, or more recently polyurethane, that is used during sexual intercourse. ... In anatomy, the intestine is the portion of the alimentary canal extending from the stomach to the anus and, in humans and other mammals, consists of two segments, the small intestine and the large intestine (or colon). ... The LaTeX logo, typeset with LaTeX , written as LaTeX in plain text, is a document preparation system for the (TeX) typesetting program. ... Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a spirochaete bacterium, Treponema pallidum. ... Staphylococcus aureus - Antibiotics test plate. ...

Various abortifacients have been used throughout human history, although many do not associate induced abortion with the term 'birth control'. Some of them were effective, some were not; those that were most effective also had major side effects. One abortifacient reported to have low levels of side effects—silphium—was harvested to extinction around the 1st century.^[3] The ingestion of certain poisons by the female can disrupt the reproductive system; women have drunk solutions containing mercury, arsenic, or other toxic substances for this purpose. The Greek gynaecologist Soranus in the 2nd century suggested that women drink water that blacksmiths had used to cool metal. The herbs tansy and pennyroyal are well-known in folklore as abortive agents, but these also "work" by poisoning the woman. Levels of the active chemicals in these herbs that will induce a miscarriage are high enough to damage the liver, kidneys, and other organs, making them very dangerous. However, in those times where risk of maternal death from postpartum complications was high, the risks and side effects of toxic medicines may have seemed less onerous. Some herbalists claim that black cohosh tea will also be effective in certain cases as an abortifacient.^[4] An adverse drug reaction (abbreviated ADR) is a term to describe the unwanted, negative consequences sometimes associated with the use of medications. ... Ancient silver coin from Cyrene depicting a stalk of Silphium. ... The skull and crossbones symbol traditionally used to label a poisonous substance. ... A reproductive system is the ensembles and interactions of organs and/or substances within an organism that strictly pertain to reproduction. ... General Name, Symbol, Number mercury, Hg, 80 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 12, 6, d Appearance silvery white Atomic mass 200. ... General Name, Symbol, Number arsenic, As, 33 Chemical series metalloids Group, Period, Block 15, 4, p Appearance metallic gray Atomic mass 74. ... The shamefulness associated with the examination of female genitalia has long inhibited the science of gynaecology. ... Soranus was a Sabine god later adopted by the Roman Empire. ... The 2nd century is the period from 101 - 200 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian Era. ... A blacksmith A blacksmith at work A blacksmith at work A blacksmiths fire Hot metal work from a blacksmith A blacksmith is a person who creates objects from iron or steel by forging the metal; i. ... Hot metal work from a blacksmith In chemistry, a metal (Greek: Metallon) is an element that readily forms positive ions (cations) and has metallic bonds. ... Binomial name Tanacetum vulgare L. Illustration of a tansy The Tansy or Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant native to temperate Europe and Asia. ... Binomial name Mentha pulegium L. The herb Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium, family Lamiaceae), is a member of the mint genus; an essential oil extracted from it is used in aromatherapy. ... Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is the natural or accidental termination of a pregnancy at a stage where the embryo or the fetus is incapable of surviving, generally defined at a gestation of prior to 20 weeks. ... The liver is an organ in some animals, including mammals (and therefore humans), birds, and reptiles. ... The kidneys are bean-shaped excretory organs in vertebrates. ... Maternal death,or maternal mortality, also obstetric death is the death of a woman in relation to a pregnancy. ... Postnatal (Latin for after birth) is the period beginning immediately after the birth of a child and extending for about six weeks. ...

The fact that various effective methods of birth control were known in the ancient world sharply contrasts with a seeming ignorance of these methods in wide segments of the population of early modern Christian Europe. This ignorance continued far into the 20th century, and was paralleled by eminently high birth rates in European countries during the 18th and 19th centuries.^[5]. Some historians have attributed this to a series of coercive measures enacted by the emerging modern state, in an effort to repopulate Europe after the population catastrophe of the Black Death, starting in 1348. According to this view, the witch hunts were the first measure the modern state took in an attempt to eliminate knowledge about birth control within the population, and monopolize it in the hands of state-employed male medical specialists (gynecologists). Prior to the witch hunts, male specialists were unheard-of, because birth control was naturally a female domain.^[6] A state is a set of institutions that possesses the exclusive legitimate authority to make the rules that govern the people in one or more societies, having internal and external sovereignty over a definite territory. ... Illustration of the Black Death from the Toggenburg Bible (1411). ... A witch-hunt is a search for suspected witches; it is a type of moral panic. ...

Presenters at a family planning conference told a tale of Arab traders inserting small stones into the uteruses of their camel in order to prevent pregnancy, a concept very similar to the modern IUD. Although the story has been repeated as truth, it has no basis in history and was meant only for entertainment purposes.^[7] The first interuterine devices (which occupied both the vagina and the uterus) were first marketed around 1900. The first modern intrauterine device (contained entirely in the uterus) was described in a German publication in 1909, although the author appears to have never marketed his product.^[8] An intrauterine device (intra meaning within, and uterine meaning of the uterus) is a birth control device also known as an IUD or a coil( this colloquialism is based on the coil-shaped design of early IUDs). ... 1900 (MCM) was an exceptional common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar, but a leap year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar. ... Year 1909 (MCMIX) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ...

The Rhythm Method (with a rather high method failure rate of 10% per year) was developed in the early twentieth century, as researchers discovered that a woman only ovulates once per menstrual cycle. Not until the mid-20th century, when scientists better understood the functioning of the menstrual cycle and the hormones that controlled it, were oral contraceptives and modern methods of fertility awareness (also called natural family planning) developed. Natural family planning (NFP), sometimes described as periodic abstinence, is a form of birth control that involves recognizing the natural signs in a womans fertility. ... Menstrual cycle The menstrual cycle is a recurring cycle of physiological changes in the females of some animal species that is associated with reproductive fertility. ... (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999... A hormone (from Greek horman - to set in motion) is a chemical messenger from one cell (or group of cells) to another. ... Oral contraceptives are contraceptives which are taken orally and inhibit the bodys fertility by chemical means. ... Fertility Awareness (FA) is the practice of observing one or more of a woman’s primary fertility signs to determine the fertile and infertile phases of her cycle. ...

Methods

See also: Comparison of birth control methods

Different types of birth control methods have large differences in effectiveness, actions required of users, and side effects. ...

Physical methods

Barrier methods

Three colored condoms

Barrier methods place a physical impediment to the movement of sperm into the female reproductive tract. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1604x1200, 673 KB) Three brightly colored condoms. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1604x1200, 673 KB) Three brightly colored condoms. ... This page is a candidate to be copied to Wiktionary. ...

The most popular barrier method is the male condom, a latex or polyurethane sheath placed over the penis. The condom is also available in a female version, which is made of polyurethane. The female condom has a flexible ring at each end—one secures behind the pubic bone to hold the condom in place, while the other ring stays outside the vagina. A 67 m long condom on the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, Argentina, part of an awareness campaign for the 2005 World AIDS Day A condom is a device, usually made of latex, or more recently polyurethane, that is used during sexual intercourse. ...

Cervical barriers are devices that are contained completely within the vagina. The cervical cap is the smallest cervical barrier. It stays in place by suction to the cervix or to the vaginal walls. The Lea's shield is a larger cervical barrier, also held in place by suction. The diaphragm fits into place behind the woman's pubic bone and has a firm but flexible ring, which helps it press against the vaginal walls. The contraceptive sponge has a depression to hold it in place over the cervix. Cervical cap The cervical cap is a barrier method of contraception. ... Schematic frontal view of female anatomy The cervix (from Latin neck) is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. ... Leas Shield (Canda Brand, in US: Lea Contraceptive, in Europe: LEA contraceptivum) is a female barrier method of contraception. ... The diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. ... The ventral and anterior of the three principal bones composing either half of the pelvis -- called the pubic bone. ... The contraceptive sponge, marketed in the U.S. under the brand Today, combines barrier and spermicidal techniques to prevent conception. ...

Hormonal methods

Ortho Tri-cyclen, a brand of oral contraceptive, in a dial dispenser.

There are variety of delivery methods for hormonal contraception. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1552x1164, 319 KB) Summary Picture Of Ortho Tri-Cyclen oral contraceptives with Ortho Dialpak dispensers (photo taken by self) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1552x1164, 319 KB) Summary Picture Of Ortho Tri-Cyclen oral contraceptives with Ortho Dialpak dispensers (photo taken by self) I, the creator of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. ... Hormonal contraception refers to birth control methods that act on the hormonal system. ...

Combinations of synthetic estrogen and progestins (synthetic forms of progesterone) are commonly used. These include the combined oral contraceptive pill ("The Pill"), the Patch, and the contraceptive vaginal ring ("NuvaRing"). Not currently available for sale is Lunelle, a monthly injection. Estriol. ... Progestagens (also spelled progestogens or gestagens) are hormones similar in effect to progesterone, the only natural progestagen. ... Progesterone is a C-21 steroid hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy (supports gestation) and embryogenesis of humans and other species. ... The combined oral contraceptive pill, often referred to as the Pill, is a combination of an estrogen and a progestin, taken by mouth to inhibit normal fertility. ... A contraceptive patch is a transdermal patch applied to the skin that releases synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones to prevent pregnancy. ... - This is a copy of manufacturers copyrighted patient information leaflet, rather than an encylopedic entry - please edit. ...

Other methods contain only progesterone, or a progestin. These include the progesterone only pill (the POP or 'minipill'), and Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) given as an intramuscular injection every three months, and Noristerat (norethisterone acetate), which is given as an intramuscular injection every 8 weeks. The progesterone-only pill must be taken at more precisely remembered times each day than combined pills. A contraceptive implant called Norplant was removed from the market in 2002, though a newer implant called Implanon was approved for sale on July 17, 2006. The various progesterone-only methods may cause irregular bleeding for several months. Progesterone Only Pill (POP) are contraceptive pills that only contain progesterone (or, as used in the USA, the term Progestin for synthetic progesterones). ... Depo-Provera is a contraceptive or birth control product which is injected every 3 months. ... Medroxyprogesterone is a molecule used in hormonal contraceptives. ... Intramuscular injection is the injection of a substance directly into a muscle. ... Intramuscular injection is the injection of a substance directly into a muscle. ... An implant is an artificial device made to replace and act as a missing biological structure. ... Norplant is a form of birth control released in 1991 by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, consisting of a set of six small, silicone capsules filled with levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin used in many birth control pills. ... Implanon, made by Organon International, is a contraceptive technology that is inserted under the skin of a womans upper arm. ... July 17 is the 198th day (199th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 167 days remaining. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ...

Ormeloxifene (Centchroman)

Ormeloxifene (Centchroman) is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, or SERM. It causes ovulation to occur asynchronously with the formation of the uterine lining, preventing implantation of a zygote. It has been widely available as a birth control method in India since the early 90s, marketed under the trade name Saheli®. Centchroman is legally available only in India. Ormeloxifene (also known as Centchroman) is one of the selective estrogen receptor modulators, or SERMs, a class of medication which acts on the estrogen receptor. ... Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) is a class of medication that acts on the estrogen receptor. ...

Intrauterine methods

These are devices that are placed in the uterus. They are usually shaped like a "T"—the arms of the T hold the device in place inside the uterus. In the United States, all devices which are placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy are referred to as IUDs. In the UK, a distinction is made between the IUDs and IUS. This is probably because there are seven different kinds of IUDs available in the UK, compared to two in the US. The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. ... An intrauterine device (intra meaning within, and uterine meaning of the uterus) is a birth control device also known as an IUD or a coil( this colloquialism is based on the coil-shaped design of early IUDs). ...

Intrauterine Devices ("IUDs") contain copper (which has a spermicidal effect). An intrauterine device (intra meaning within, and uterine meaning of the uterus) is a birth control device also known as an IUD or a coil (this colloquialism is based on the coil-shaped design of early IUDs). ...

IntraUterine Systems ("IUS") release progesterone or a progestin. The IntraUterine System or IUS is an IntraUterine Device (IUD or coil) that has a coating of levonorgestrel (a progesterone) on its shaft, rather than the traditional copper wire. ... A progestin is a synthetic progestagen. ...

Emergency contraception

Most combined pills and POPs may be taken in high doses to prevent pregnancy after a birth control failure (such as a condom breaking) or after unprotected intercourse. Hormonal emergency contraception is also known as the "morning after pill," although it is licensed for use up to three days after intercourse. Unprotected sex refers to any act of sexual intercourse in which the participants use no forms of protection from sexually transmitted diseases. ... Wikinews has news related to: FDA to move on approval of over-the-counter sale of Plan B birth control Emergency contraception (EC) (also known as Emergency Birth Control (EBC), the morning-after pill, or postcoital contraception) refers to measures that, if taken after sex, may prevent pregnancy. ...

Copper intrauterine devices may also be used as emergency contraception. For this use, they must be inserted within five days of the birth control failure or unprotected intercourse.

Induced abortion

Abortion can be done with surgical methods, usually suction-aspiration abortion (in the first trimester) or dilation and evacuation (in the second trimester). Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy and is approved for pregnancies of less than 7 weeks gestation. Later-term abortions may use prostaglandins to induce premature delivery. An injection to stop the fetal heart may be used prior to induction. Suction-aspiration abortion is a form of abortion using aspiration. ... Dilation and evacuation is a form of abortion using dilation and evacuation. ... A prostaglandin is any member of a group of lipid compounds that are derived from fatty acids and have important functions in the animal body. ...

Some herbs are believed to cause abortion (abortifacients). Peer-reviewed research has proven the efficacy of some of these substances, but the use of herbs to induce abortion is not recommended, due to the risk of serious side effects.^[9][4] An abortifacient is a substance that induces abortion. ...

The use of abortion as birth control is a controversial issue, subject to ethical debate. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Sterilization

Surgical sterilization is available in the form of tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men. Sterilization is a surgical technique leaving a male or female unable to procreate. ... Tubal ligation is a permanent, but sometimes reversible form of female sterilization, in which the fallopian tubes are severed and sealed, in order to prevent fertilization. ... Vasectomy is a birth control method in which all or part of the vasa deferentia are surgically removed, thus sterilizing the patient. ...

A non-surgical sterilization procedure, Essure, is also available for women. Essure is a permanent sterilization procedure for women developed by Conceptus Inc. ...

Behavioral methods

Fertility awareness methods

Fertility awareness (FA) methods involve a woman's observation and charting of one or more of her body's primary fertility signs, to determine the fertile and infertile phases of her cycle. Unprotected sex is restricted to the least fertile period. During the most fertile period, barrier methods may be availed, or she may abstain from intercourse. Different methods track one or more of the three primary fertility signs:^[10] basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and cervical position. Other bodily cues including mittelschmerz are considered secondary indicators. A woman may chart these events on paper or with software. FA is versatile and may also be practiced to achieve pregnancy, by identifying the fertile period and having intercourse prior to and during that time. Fertility Awareness (FA) is the practice of observing one or more of a woman’s primary fertility signs to determine the fertile and infertile phases of her cycle. ... One of the many changes that take place in a womans body during her menstrual cycle is an increase in body temperature at the onset of ovulation. ... Mittelschmerz (German: middle pain) is a medical term for ovulation pain. Some women have mittelschmerz regularly and can time their ovulation by it, but many never experience it. ... Computer software (or simply software) refers to one or more computer programs and data held in the storage of a computer for some purpose. ...

The term natural family planning (NFP) is sometimes used to describe any use of FA methods. However, this term specifically refers to a set of several birth control methods approved by the Roman Catholic Church, one branch of which includes methods of FA. Although the physical methods used in this branch of NFP and the methods used in FA are identical, natural family planning as practiced by Catholics involves additional behavior restrictions defined by their religious beliefs. These restrictions are not specific to the practice of fertility awareness. The Roman Catholic Church or Catholic Church (see terminology below) is the Christian Church in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, currently Pope Benedict XVI. It traces its origins and sees itself as the same Church founded by Jesus and maintained through Apostolic Succession from the Twelve Apostles. ... Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a set of Catholic-sanctioned methods of family planning, which help women to achieve or avoid pregnancy by identifying times of infertility and potential fertility. ...

Statistical methods

Statistical methods such as the Rhythm Method and Standard Days Method are dissimilar from observational fertility awareness methods, in that they do not involve the observation or recording of bodily cues of fertility. Instead, statistical methods estimate the likelihood of fertility based on the length of past menstrual cycles. Statistical methods are much less accurate than fertility awareness methods, and are considered by many fertility awareness teachers to have been obsolete for at least twenty years. Natural family planning (NFP), sometimes described as periodic abstinence, is a form of birth control that involves recognizing the natural signs in a womans fertility. ...

Coitus interruptus

Coitus interruptus (literally "interrupted sex"), also known as the withdrawal method, is the practice of ending sexual intercourse ("pulling out") before ejaculation. The main risk of coitus interruptus is that the man may not make the maneuver in time. Although concern has been raised about the risk of pregnancy from sperm in pre-ejaculate, several small studies^[1][2] have failed to find any viable sperm in the fluid. Coitus interruptus, also known as withdrawal or the pull out method, is a method of contraception in which, during sexual intercourse, the man removes his penis from the womans vagina just before he reaches orgasm. ... Precum. ...

Avoiding vaginal intercourse

The risk of pregnancy from non-vaginal sex is low, such as outercourse (sex without penetration), anal sex, or oral sex. With this method, great discipline is required from both partners to prevent the progression to intercourse. Due to the level of discipline required while in a passionate state, this method may be considered unreliable, and the potential to progress to intercourse should be addressed with physical precautions. This article is about sex acts and practices (i. ... Outercourse is sexual activity without vaginal or anal penetration, as opposed to intercourse. ... Sexual penetration (as opposed to outercourse) typically involves the insertion of the penis into a bodily orifice. ... Roman men having anal sex. ... Oral sex consists of all the sexual activities that involve the use of the mouth, tongue, and possibly throat to stimulate genitalia. ...

Abstinence

Sexual abstinence (also known as celibacy) is the practice of refraining from all sexual activity. Avoiding all sexual activity is the only infallible method of birth control. However, as with avoiding intercourse, the intention to remain abstinent may not prevent pregnancy, due to the level of discipline required. Also, non-consensual sexual activity such as rape may not be avoidable and can result in pregnancy. Sexual abstinence is the practice of voluntarily refraining from some or all aspects of sexual activity. ... Celibacy refers either to being unmarried or to sexual abstinence. ...

Lactational

Most breastfeeding women have a period of infertility after the birth of their child. The Lactational Amenorrhea Method, or LAM, gives guidelines for determining the length of a woman's period of breastfeeding infertility. Natural family planning (NFP), sometimes described as periodic abstinence, is a form of birth control that involves recognizing the natural signs in a womans fertility. ...

Methods in development

Experimental contraceptives for males

Main article: Male contraceptive

Research is being done into a variety of substances that have potential as male oral contraceptives, or implants or injections that may be used as male hormonal contraceptives. Male Contraceptive Male contraception refers to the process of inhibiting fertilization of the egg with the sperm using methods that deal solely (or primarily) with procedures applied to the male partner. ... The Male pill is a colloquial term for a male oral contraceptive. ... The “male pill” is colloquial term for a male oral contraceptive, a counterpart to the “the Pill” for women, which is a hormonal contraceptive taken daily by the oral (mouth) route of administration. ...

RISUG (Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance), is an injection into the vas deferens that coats the walls of the vas with a spermicidal substance. This method can be reversed by washing out the vas deferens with a second injection. RISUG RISUG stands for Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance. ... The vas deferens, also called ductus deferens, (Latin: carrying-away vessel) is part of the male anatomy of some species, including humans. ...

Vas-occlusive contraception would be analogous to intrauterine contraception in women. Vas-occlusive contraception is a contraceptive method for men that involves preventing sperm from traveling down the vasa deferentia. ...

Heat-based contraception involves heating the testicles to a high temperature for a short period of time. An experimental male contraceptive method involves heating the testicles so that they cannot produce sperm. ...

Myths

Modern myths and urban legends have given rise to a great deal of false claims: Look up myth in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... An urban legend is a kind of modern folklore consisting of stories often thought to be factual by those circulating them. ...

• The suggestion that douching immediately following intercourse works as a contraceptive is untrue. While it may seem like a sensible idea to try to wash the ejaculate out of the vagina, it does not work. Due to the nature of the fluids and the structure of the female reproductive tract–if anything, douching spreads semen further towards the uterus. Some slight spermicidal effect may occur if the douche solution is particularly acidic, but overall it is not scientifically observed to be a reliably effective method.
• The suggestion to shake a bottle of Coca-Cola and insert it into the vagina after ejaculation is not a form of birth control, it does not prevent pregnancy, and doing this can also promote candidiasis (yeast infections).
• It is a myth that a female cannot get pregnant the first time she engages in sexual intercourse.
• While women are usually less fertile for the first few days of menstruation,^[11] it is a myth that a woman cannot get pregnant if she has sex during her period.
• Having sex in a hot tub does not prevent pregnancy, but may contribute to vaginal infections.
• Although some sex positions may encourage pregnancy, no sexual positions prevent pregnancy. Having sex while standing up or with a woman on top will not keep the sperm from entering the uterus. The force of ejaculation, the contractions of the uterus caused by prostaglandins^{[citation needed]} in the semen, as well as ability of sperm to swim overrides gravity.
• Sneezing or urinating after sex are also completely ineffective, they do not prevent pregnancy and are not forms of birth control.
• Toothpaste cannot be used as an effective contraceptive^[12]

A douche (IPA: ) is a device used to introduce a stream of water into the body for medical or hygienic reasons, or the stream of water itself. ... Spermicide is a substance that kills sperm, inserted vaginally prior to intercourse to prevent pregnancy. ... An acid (often represented by the generic formula HA) is traditionally considered any chemical compound that, when dissolved in water, gives a solution with a pH of less than 7. ... The wave shape (known as the dynamic ribbon device) present on all Coca-Cola cans throughout the world derives from the contour of the original Coca-Cola bottles. ... Menstrual cycle The menstrual cycle is a recurring cycle of physiological changes in the females of some animal species that is associated with reproductive fertility. ... This is a list of sex positions. ... A prostaglandin is any member of a group of lipid compounds that are derived from fatty acids and have important functions in the animal body. ...

Effectiveness

Poster released in the 1970s by the Family Planning Association of Victoria, Australia.

See also the table at: Comparison of birth control methods

Effectiveness is measured by how many women become pregnant using a particular birth control method in a year. Thus, if 100 women use a method that has a 12% failure rate, sometime during that year, 12 of the women will become pregnant. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (600x886, 54 KB) This image is of a historical political poster, button, flier or banner, and the copyright for it is most likely owned by either the creator of the poster or the artist who produced the poster/button/flier/banner... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (600x886, 54 KB) This image is of a historical political poster, button, flier or banner, and the copyright for it is most likely owned by either the creator of the poster or the artist who produced the poster/button/flier/banner... The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979, inclusive. ... Emblems: Pink heath (floral)Weedy Seadragon (Aquatic) helmeted honeyeater (bird) Leadbeaters possum (faunal) Motto: Peace and Prosperity Slogan or Nickname: Garden State, The Place To Be, On The Move Other Australian states and territories Capital Melbourne Government Const. ... Different types of birth control methods have large differences in effectiveness, actions required of users, and side effects. ...

The most effective methods in typical use are those that do not depend upon regular user action. Surgical sterilization, Depo-Provera, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) all have failure rates of less than 1% per year for perfect use. Depo-Provera, or the shot, has a typical failure rate of 3%, while sterilization and IUD's still have a typical failure use under 1%.

Other methods may be highly effective if used consistently and correctly, but can have typical use failure rates that are considerably higher due to incorrect or ineffective usage by the user. Hormonal contraceptives, fertility awareness methods, and ecological breastfeeding, if used strictly, have failure rates of less than 1% per year.^{[13][14][15][16]} Typical use failure rates of hormonal contraceptives are as high as 8% per year. Fertility awareness methods as a whole have typical-use failure rates as high as 25% per year; however, as stated above, perfect use of these methods reduces the failure rate to less than 1%.^[17] Natural family planning (NFP), sometimes described as periodic abstinence, is a form of birth control that involves recognizing the natural signs in a womans fertility. ...

Condoms and cervical barriers such as the diaphragm have similar typical use failure rates (15.0% and 16%, respectively), but perfect usage of the condom is more effective (2% failure vs 6%) and condoms have the additional feature of helping to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. The withdrawal method, if used consistently and correctly, has a failure rate of 4%. Due to the difficulty of consistently using withdrawal correctly, it has a typical use failure rate of 27%^[17] and is not recommended by some medical professionals,^[18] although others believe it deserves more support.^{[citation needed]}

Protection against sexually transmitted infections

Not all methods of birth control offer protection against sexually transmitted infections. Abstinence from all forms of sexual behavior will protect against the sexual transmission of these infections. The male latex condom offers some protection against some of these diseases with correct and consistent use, as does the female condom, although the latter has only been approved for vaginal sex. The female condom may offer greater protection against sexually transmitted infections that pass through skin to skin contact, as the outer ring covers more exposed skin than the male condom, and can be used during anal sex to guard against sexually transmitted infections. However, the female condom can be difficult to use. Freqently a woman can improperly insert it, even if she believes she is using it correctly.^{[citation needed]} Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), are diseases that are commonly transmitted between partners through some form of sexual activity, most commonly vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex. ... This article is about sex acts and practices (i. ... Vaginal sex or vaginal intercourse is human sexual behavior involving the vagina, especially, but not limited to, the insertion of the erect penis into the vagina. ...

The remaining methods of birth control do not offer significant protection against the sexual transmission of these diseases.

However, so-called sexually transmitted infections may also be transmitted non-sexually, and therefore, abstinence from sexual behavior does not guarantee 100% protection against sexually transmitted infections. For example, HIV may be transmitted through contaminated needles which may be used in tattooing, body piercing, or injections. Health-care workers have acquired HIV through occupational exposure to accidental injuries with needles.^[19] Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV is a retrovirus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections. ... A tattoo is a mark made by inserting pigment into the skin; in technical terms, tattooing is micro-pigment implantation. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... An injection is a method of putting liquid into the body with a hollow needle and a syringe which is pierced through the skin long enough for the material to be forced into the body. ...

Religious and cultural attitudes

Religious views on birth control

Main article: Religious views on birth control

Religions vary widely in their views of the ethics of birth control. In Christianity, the Roman Catholic Church accepts only Natural Family Planning,^[20] while Protestants maintain a wide range of views from allowing none to very lenient.^[21] Views in Judaism range from the stricter Orthodox sect to the more relaxed Reformed sect.^[22] In Islam, contraceptives are allowed if they do not threaten health or lead to sterilty, although their use is sometimes discouraged.^[23] Hindus may use both natural and artificial contraceptives.^[24] Religious adherents vary widely in their views on birth control. ... Ethics (from the Ancient Greek ethikos, meaning arising from habit), a major branch of philosophy, is the study of value or quality. ... This article is becoming very long. ... The Roman Catholic Church or Catholic Church (see terminology below) is the Christian Church in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, currently Pope Benedict XVI. It traces its origins and sees itself as the same Church founded by Jesus and maintained through Apostolic Succession from the Twelve Apostles. ... Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a set of Catholic-sanctioned methods of family planning, which help women to achieve or avoid pregnancy by identifying times of infertility and potential fertility. ... Protestantism is a general grouping of denominations within Christianity. ... Quiverfull is a movement among evangelical, protestant, Christian couples, chiefly in the USA, who eagerly accept their children as blessings from God, and eschew birth control, natural family planning and sterilization. ... Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. ... Orthodox Judaism is the formulation of Judaism that adheres to a relatively strict interpretation and application of the laws and ethics first canonized in the Talmudic texts (The Oral Law) and as subsequently developed and applied by the Gaonim, Rishonim, and Acharonim. ... Reform Judaism can refer to (1) the largest stream of Judaism in America and its sibling movements in other countries, (2) a branch of Judaism in the United Kingdom, and (3) the historical predecessor of the American movement that originated in 19th-century Germany. ... Islam (Arabic:  ) is a monotheistic religion based upon the Quran, its principal scripture, whose followers, known as Muslims (مسلم), believe God (Arabic: الله ) sent through revelations to Muhammad. ... {{Hinduism small} Hinduism (Sanskrit/Devanagari: , , also known as , ) is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent. ...

Birth control education

Many teenagers, most commonly in developed countries, receive some form of sex education in school. What information should be provided in such programs is hotly contested, especially in the United States and Great Britain. Possible topics include reproductive anatomy, human sexual behavior, information on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), social aspects of sexual interaction, negotiating skills intended to help teens follow through with a decision to remain abstinent or to use birth control during sex, and information on birth control methods. Sex education is a broad term used to describe education about human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, and other aspects of human sexual behavior. ...

One type of sex education program, called abstinence-only education, promotes abstinence until marriage and does not provide information on birth control, or heavily emphasizes negative information such as failure rates. Because abstinence offers better protection against pregnancy and disease than sexual activity with even the best birth control methods, advocates of abstinence-only education believe they will result in decreased rates of teenage pregnancy and STD infection. However, some studies have found that abstinence-only sex education programs actually increase the rates of pregnancy and STDs in the teenage population.^[25][26]

See also

• Population control
• One-child policy
• Reproductive Health

Population control is the practice of limiting population increase, usually by reducing the birth rate. ... Poster of Chinese birth control policy under the slogan Sweet Achievement. ... ...

References

1. ^ ^{a b} (October 1993) "Researchers find no sperm in pre-ejaculate fluid". Contraceptive Technology Update 14 (10): 154-156. PMID 12286905.
2. ^ ^{a b} Zukerman, Z.; Weiss D.B. Orvieto R. (April 2003). "Short Communication: Does Preejaculatory Penile Secretion Originating from Cowper's Gland Contain Sperm?". Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 20 (4): 157-159. PMID 12762415.
3. ^ Tatman, John. Silphium: Ancient Wonder Drug? Accessed December 21, 2005
4. ^ ^{a b} Riddle, John M. (1999). Eve's Herbs: A History of Contraception and Abortion in the West. Harvard MA: Harvard University Press. ISBN 0-674-27026-6.
5. ^ see John M. Riddle: "Eve´s Herbs: A History of Contraception and Abortion in the West", Princeton: Harvard University Press 1999, ISBN-10: 0674270266,esp. Chapter 6: "The Broken Chain of Knowledge"
6. ^ see Gunnar Heinsohn/Otto Steiger: "Witchcraft, Population Catastrophe and Economic Crisis in Renaissance Europe: An Alternative Macroeconomic Explanation.", University of Bremen 2004(download); John M. Riddle: "The Great Witch-Hunt and the Suppression of Birth Control: Heinsohn and Steiger´s Theory from the Perspective of an Historian", Appendix to: Gunnar Heinsohn/Otto Steiger: "Witchcraft, Population Catastrophe and Economic Crisis in Renaissance Europe: An Alternative Macroeconomic Explanation.", University of Bremen 2004[1]; also see John M. Riddle: "Eve´s Herbs: A History of Contraception and Abortion in the West", Princeton: Harvard University Press 1999, ISBN-10: 0674270266, Chapters 5-7
7. ^ A History of Birth Control Methods. Planned Parenthood (June 2002). Retrieved on 2006-09-02., which cites:
   Thomas, Patricia. (1988). Contraceptives, Medical World News, 29(5) (14 March), 48
8. ^ (February 2000) "Evolution and Revolution: The Past, Present, and Future of Contraception". Contraception Online (Baylor College of Medicine) 10 (6).
9. ^ Riddle, John M. (1992). Contraception and Abortion from the Ancient World to the Renaissance. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
10. ^ Weschler, Toni (2002). Taking Charge of Your Fertility, Revised Edition, New York: HarperCollins, p.52. ISBN 0-06-093764-5.
11. ^ Kippley, John; Sheila Kippley (1996). The Art of Natural Family Planning, 4th addition, Cincinnati, OH: The Couple to Couple League, 108-111,148. ISBN 0-926412-13-2., which cites:

    Wade ME, McCarthy P, Braunstein GD, et al (October 1981). "A randomized prospective study of the use-effectiveness of two methods of natural family planning". American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 141 (4): 368-376. PMID 7025639.

    Barbato M, Bertolotti G (1988). "Natural methods for fertility control: A prospective study—first part". International Journal of Fertility 33 Suppl: 48-51. PMID 2902027.

    Roetzer, J (1979). "Sympto-thermal method—Ten years of change". Linacre Quarterly 45: 358-374. PMID 12309198.

12. ^ Sex & the Holy City (htm). Foreign Correspondent. Retrieved on 2006-11-21.
13. ^ Ecochard, R.; Pinguet, F.; Ecochard, I.; De Gouvello, R.; Guy, M.; and Huy, F. (1998) "Analysis of natural family planning failures. In 7007 cycles of use", Fertilite Contraception Sexualite 26(4):291-6
14. ^ Hilgers T.W. and Stanford J.B. (1998) "Creighton Model NaProEducation Technology for avoiding pregnancy. Use effectiveness", Journal of Reproductive Medicine 43(6):495-502
15. ^ Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Natural Fertility Regulation Programme in China: Shao-Zhen Qian, et al. Reproduction and Contraception (English edition), in press 2000.
16. ^ Howard, M.P. and Stanford, J.B. (1999) "Pregnancy probabilities during use of the Creighton Model Fertility Care System", Archives of Family Medicine 8(5):391-402
17. ^ ^{a b} James Trussell et ,al.Contraceptive effectiveness rates. Contraceptive Technology — 18th Edition, New York: Ardent Media. On-press, 2000.
18. ^ Skouby, SO. The European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care (2004) "Contraceptive use and behavior in the 21st century: a comprehensive study across five European countries." 9(2):57-68
19. ^ Do AN, Ciesielski CA, Metler RP, Hammett TA, Li J, Fleming PL (2003). "Occupationally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: national case surveillance data during 20 years of the HIV epidemic in the United States". Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 24 (2): 86-96. PMID 12602690.
20. ^ Humanae Vitae: Encyclical of Pope Paul VI on the Regulation of Birth, July 25, 1968 (html). The Vatican. Retrieved on 2006-10-01.
21. ^ Dennis Rainey (2002). "The Value of Children" (11 July 2002 FamilyLife Today Radio Broadcast) (Transcript of radio broadcast). FamilyLife Today. Retrieved on 2006-09-30.
22. ^ Feldman, David M. (1998). Birth Control in Jewish Law. Lanham, MD: Jason Aronson. ISBN 0-7657-6058-4.
23. ^ Khalid Farooq Akbar. ""Family Planning and Islam: A Review"". Hamdard Islamicus XVII (No. 3).
24. ^ "Hindu Beliefs and Practices Affecting Health Care" (html). University of Virginia Health System. Retrieved on 2006-10-06.
25. ^ DiCenso A, Guyatt G, Willan A, Griffith L (2002). "Interventions to reduce unintended pregnancies among adolescents: systematic review of randomised controlled trials.". BMJ 324 (7351): 1426. PMID 12065267.
26. ^ American Psychological Association (February 23, 2005). Based on the research, comprehensive sex education is more effective at stopping the spread of HIV infection, says APA committee. Press release. Retrieved on 2006-08-11.

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External links

• Planned Parenthood of America - Birth Control Methods
• Contraception Resource Center from the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals.
• Johns Hopkins University's Reproline
• American FDA Baby Guide: approved contraceptive method profiles (published 1997, several newer methods not listed).
• A Guide to Condoms and birth control methods. by Consumer Reports.
• History of Contraception
• "The Contraception Museum" (The History of Contraception Museum, Cleveland, Ohio, US.)
• Ingenious: an archive of historical images related to obstetrics, gynaecology, and contraception.