How Birth Control Methods Prevent Pregnancy
Topic Overview
Birth control methods
Method
|
How it prevents pregnancy
|
Hormonal
|
- Prevents ovulation
- Thickens mucus at the cervix so sperm cannot pass through
- Changes the environment of the uterus and fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization and to prevent implantation if fertilization occurs
|
Intrauterine device (IUD)
|
- There are two types of IUDs (hormonal and copper). Both types may work by preventing:
- Fertilization of the egg.
- Implantation in the uterus.
|
Barrier methods
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- Block sperm from reaching the egg
- Some are used with spermicides, which kill sperm.
|
Fertility awareness (natural family planning)
|
- Identifies the time during a woman's cycle when she is most likely to become pregnant (fertile). An extra method or abstinence should be used during this time of fertility.
|
Permanent birth control (sterilization)
|
|
Credits
Current as of:
October 8, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine
Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Current as of: October 8, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine & Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology