contraception

(noun)

The use of a device or procedure to prevent conception as a result of sexual activity.

Related Terms

  • conception
  • infertility

Examples of contraception in the following topics:

  • Hormonal Methods

    • Hormonal contraception is a type of birth control method that acts on the endocrine system.
    • The original hormonal method—the combined oral contraceptive pill—was first marketed as a contraceptive in 1960.
    • Altogether, 18% of the world's contraceptive users rely on hormonal methods.
    • Combined hormonal contraceptives prevent ovulation by suppressing the release of gonadotropins.
    • Oral contraceptives typically come in foil packets with designated pills for each day.
  • Spermicides

    • Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that eradicates sperm and is inserted vaginally prior to intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
    • Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that eradicates sperm and is inserted vaginally prior to intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
    • As a contraceptive, spermicide may be used alone.
    • Usually spermicides are combined with contraceptive barrier methods such as diaphragms, condoms, cervical caps, and sponges.
    • Spermicides are believed to increase the contraceptive efficacy of condoms.
  • Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

    • Names and descriptors of intrauterine contraceptive devices vary by location.
    • In the United States, two types of intrauterine contraceptive (both referred to as IUDs) are available: the copper Paragard and the hormonal Mirena.
    • Hormonal intrauterine contraceptives are considered to be a different type of birth control, and they are distinguished with the term intrauterine system or IUS.
    • Although use of the Mirena results in much lower systemic progestogen levels than other very-low-dose progestogen-only hormonal contraceptives, it may still have some of the same side effects as low does progesterone-only hormonal contraceptives.
    • Unlike oral contraceptives, with the use of the Mirena the hormones are localized to the uterine area.
  • Barrier Methods

    • Barrier contraception methods prevent pregnancy by physically preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
    • Barrier contraception methods prevent pregnancy by physically preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
    • The cervical cap is a form of female barrier contraception.
    • The diaphragm has become an increasingly unpopular method of birth control, replaced with oral contraceptives and IUDs.
    • In 2002, only 0.2% of American women were using a diaphragm as their primary method of contraception.
  • Periodic Abstinence

    • Of commonly known methods of birth control, only the cervical cap and contraceptive sponge have comparably high failure rates.
    • However, the length of the pre-ovulatory phase can vary significantly, depending on the woman's typical cycle length, stress factors, medication, illness, menopause, breastfeeding, and whether she is just coming off hormonal contraception.
    • This schematic of a typical female menstrual cycle shows that periods of ovulation are taken in account to be a period of abstinence in calendar-based contraception methods.
  • Ovarian Cancer

    • Use of combined oral contraceptive pills is a protective factor.
    • Early age at first pregnancy, older age of final pregnancy and the use of low dose hormonal contraception have also been shown to have a protective effect.
  • Testes Ducts

    • The procedure of deferentectomy, also known as a vasectomy, is a method of contraception in which the vasa deferentia are permanently cut, though in some cases it can be reversed.
    • Research in male contraception have focused primarily on the vas deferens with the use of the intra-vas device and reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance.
  • Raynaud's Phenomenon

    • Raynaud's may be aggravated by hormones and hormone regulators, such as hormonal contraception.
    • Contraception that is low in estrogen is preferable, and the progesterone-only pill is often prescribed for women with Raynaud's.
  • Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

    • The evidence of the effect of oral contraceptives is controversial.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    • Some common conditions that can lead to CTS include obesity, oral contraceptives, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes, and trauma.
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