Article
Article
Birth control
Article By:
Tyrer, Louise B. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, New York, New York.
Last reviewed:April 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.085250
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The practice of fertility control, including contraception, which is intended to prevent pregnancy, and the means of interrupting early pregnancy. The efficacy of the various methods of birth control and their consistency of use vary widely (see illustration). Factors associated with the degree of effectiveness include user age, income, marital status, and intention (that is, whether contraception is used to delay or to prevent pregnancy). The available techniques of birth control consist of hormonal methods (including oral contraceptives, subdermal implants, and injectable formulations), sterilization, intrauterine devices, barrier and chemical methods, and fertility awareness methods. See also: Pregnancy
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