Birth Control - Introduction
Birth control refers to any activity, medication, or equipment used to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control available for women who do not wish to become pregnant. The decision on which method is right for you should be made with your physician, as well as with your partner.
Birth control methods work in different ways to prevent pregnancy, including the following:
- creating a barrier that blocks sperm from reaching the egg
- killing sperm
- preventing eggs from being released by the ovaries
- changing the cervical mucus to hinder sperm from moving into the uterus
- altering the tissue lining the uterus so that a fertilized egg cannot implant