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
| - 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: February 11, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine
Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC, FACOG - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology
Current as of: February 11, 2020
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah A. Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine & Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC, FACOG - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology