Fertility awareness-based methods are different techniques that can be used to either avoid or attempt pregnancy. They differ from other methods of family planning because one does not have to take hormonal birth control or other types of medication. Although these methods can be used to achieve pregnancy, this article will focus on the avoidance…
Category: Birth Control
Birth Control Comparison Chart
Compare contraception options across a variety of metrics
Hormonal Contraceptives and Antibiotics
There is a widespread belief that antibiotics reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception, but research has found no evidence to support this claim. There is no indication of drug interactions between hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics, except in the case of Rifamycin.1 Rifamycin: The Antibiotic Proven to Reduce Oral Contraceptive Effectiveness Rifamycin (other brand names include Rifampicin, Rifampin, Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifamate)…
An Overview of Birth Control
What Is Birth Control? The term “birth control” refers to a broad spectrum of methods that partners engaging in sexual activity use to prevent pregnancy. The most common types of birth control are hormonal methods, barrier methods, surgical procedures, withdrawal, and abstinence. In the United States, over 40% of women are using some form of…
How can I Remember to Take my Birth Control?
Why Do I Have To Be Consistent With My Birth Control? When comparing different birth control options, there are often two effectiveness percentages that are shown. One describes “perfect use,” while the other describes “typical use.” It is important to differentiate between the two numbers. “Perfect use” rates describe the protection that the contraceptive method provides when it…
Male Sterilization
Male Sterilization A vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control for males. It is a surgical procedure, typically involving local anesthesia, in which the vas deferens are cut, tied, or blocked off so that sperm cannot leave the scrotum. This procedure prevents the expulsion of sperm from the male’s body during ejaculation, thus eliminating…
Combination Pills
Combination pills, also called “combo pills,” or simply “the pill,” are a form of oral hormonal birth control which contain the hormones estrogen and progestin.1 Combination pills are commonly used as a method of preventing pregnancy, but can also be used for their non-contraceptive benefits such as improving acne, decreasing menstrual cramps or other premenstrual…
Male Contraception
In recent decades, development of reliable and reversible methods of female contraception greatly expanded family planning options available to females. Male contraceptive development, however, has been greatly overlooked. Currently, male condoms and vasectomies are the only forms of reliable male contraception effective at preventing pregnancy for a female partner (and, in the case of latex…
Internal Condom
The internal condom, like the external condom, is a barrier method of contraception. When worn during sex, the internal condom lines the entire interior of the vagina, preventing semen from entering the uterus and potentially fertilizing an egg. By shielding the walls of the vagina or anus from semen and other bodily fluids, the internal condom also helps…