A cervical cap is a form of birth control known as a barrier method. There are a few different caps to choose from, including the Fem Cap and Lea's Shield. Both are small pieces of rubber about the size of a thimble. This cap fits like a dome over...
A cervical cap is a form of birth control that uses the barrier method. There are a few different caps to choose from, including the Fem Cap and Lea's Shield. Both are small pieces of rubber about the size of a thimble. This cap fits like a dome...
OVERVIEW Methods of contraception include hormonal, barrier and sexual-practice approaches. Permanent sterilization for both men and women are also possibilities requiring surgical procedures. Each contraceptive technique has its pros and cons....
Insemination is the process by which a sperm cell is able to combine with an egg cell. Sometimes this process can be hindered by problems with the sperm or the female reproductive tract, requiring the use of alternative insemination processes.
Birth control methods prevent pregnancy from occurring. Several methods are available, including birth control pills; barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps; implantable devices such as intrauterine devices, or IUDs; natural...
Anyone who is sexually active and doesn't want to have a child should practice some form of birth control. Deciding on the specific type of birth control you need is a very personal matter that should be discussed with your physician and your...
Barrier methods of birth control prevent a man's sperm from entering a woman's uterus. The barrier method of family planning is safe and can reduce the risk of pregnancy when used correctly. Some barrier devices also reduce the risk of sexually...
There are negative effects possible with all methods of birth control. Failure to prevent pregnancy is one possible negative effect of all birth control methods, including natural methods; however, artificial birth control methods have other...
Contraceptives, also known as birth control, are drugs or devices used to prevent pregnancy. Contraceptives work by preventing the man's sperm from fertilizing a woman's egg. Barrier methods of contraceptives include condoms, diaphragms,...
No contraceptive method, besides abstinence, can provide 100 percent efficacy. The wisdom of ancient practices combined with current scientific knowledge can help women to gain a measure of control over fertility. Alternative contraception methods...
Contraceptives are birth control, used to prevent a woman from getting pregnant when engaging in intercourse. There are many different forms of contraceptives, some used by women and some used by men. The effectiveness of contraceptives varies...
Family planning comes in many forms, whether it's abstinence, a diaphragm or a birth control pill. If you're using your own body to plan your family, you need to do so immediately. But barrier methods and hormonal contraception follow a slightly...
Birth control is a way to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types of birth control and the effectiveness of the various birth control methods differs. The effectiveness increases when two or more methods are combined.
When deciding to prevent pregnancy, you have many options. If you think that you may want to have children in the future, choose a method of family planning that will leave your fertility intact. Weigh the pros and cons of hormonal, barrier and...
From hormonal methods such as the pill to barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms, there is a form of contraception that's right for almost every couple. Discuss birth control with your partner before becoming sexually active.
Planning your family is wise whether you want to get pregnant in the near future, put off pregnancy for a period of time or avoid pregnancy altogether. Choose the family planning tools that allow you to meet your objectives. Consult with your...
Birth control, whether it contains hormones or not, prevents unwanted pregnancies. Some forms of birth control provide additional benefits. For example, a barrier method like a condom protects against sexually transmitted diseases, while a...
Contraceptive gels offer a convenient method of pregnancy prevention without a prescription. The active ingredient in most contraceptive gels is nonoxynol-9. Some brands may contain benzalkonium chloride or octoxynol-9, per Drugs.com. Spermicidal...
In 1965, the U.S. Supreme Court decision Griswold v. Connecticut legalized birth control in all states, but contraception itself is at least as old as Aristotle. The fourth-century Greek philosopher proposed using natural chemicals such as cedar...
Couples today have more birth control options than ever before. From birth control pills to emergency contraception, you can take control of your fertility in a way that works for you and your partner. When used as directed, contraception can be...
Pregnancy can be a planned event or an unexpected surprise. Depending on age, family history or personal beliefs, there are contraceptive options to consider. As needs and situations change, it may also be necessary to change the contraceptive...
Nonoxynol-9 is a common ingredient found in all spermicide in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 can be used alone or with condoms, cervical caps and other contraceptive methods. Nonoxynol-9 works...
Birth control technology has improved dramatically in the last 25 years. The Draper Fund report from the U.S. National Library of Health Medicine describes advances in oral contraceptives, time-release birth control and IUD techniques that have...
Ovulation is usually at the midpoint of a woman's menstrual cycle. It takes place when the right mixture of hormones reach a certain point. Pregnancy occurs when a woman ovulates and releases an egg from the ovaries. The egg than travels down...
All sexually active adults must consider family planning issues. According to the World Health Organization, family planning is not just about preventing pregnancy, but also about timing conception so that every baby is wanted and planned. The...
Pregnancy is an exciting time if you want to have a child. If you would rather avoid pregnancy, examine your behaviors and make a plan accordingly. The only way to guarantee you won't get pregnant is to practice abstinence. Various birth control...
Family planning involves making a decision about the number of children you and your partner want and devising a plan that will allow you to carry out your decision. Contraception, or birth control, is frequently used as a tool to allow pregnancy...
Men and women have many options when it comes to choosing the right form of birth control. Talk to your health care provider if you are having trouble picking a method to avoid unintended pregnancy. Any birth control method can fail, leading to...
The pap smear is a laboratory test that's used to analyze a sample of cervical cells to check for abnormalities. Several abnormal pap test causes can cause concern. If a repeat pap test shows the same abnormalities, other diagnostic testing may be...
