How Birth Control Methods Prevent Pregnancy
How Birth Control Methods Prevent PregnancySkip to the navigationTopic OverviewBirth control methods| Method | How it prevents pregnancy |
|---|
Hormonal | - Prevents
ovulation
- Thickens mucus at the
cervix so sperm cannot pass
through
- Changes the environment of the uterus and
fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization and
to prevent implantation if fertilization occurs
| Intrauterine device (IUD) | - There are two types of IUDs (hormonal and copper). Both types may work by preventing:
- Fertilization of the egg.
- Implantation in the uterus.
| Barrier methods | - Block sperm from reaching the
egg
- Some are used with spermicides, which kill sperm.
| Fertility awareness (natural family planning) | - Identifies the time during a woman's cycle
when she is most likely to become pregnant (fertile). An extra method or
abstinence should be used during this time of fertility.
| Permanent birth control (sterilization) | | CreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerFemi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology Current as ofJune 6, 2017 Current as of:
June 6, 2017 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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