Birth Control
Hear this word Birth Control
Also known as: contraception
Image description: Drawing of the uterus and vagina, showing the use of a vaginal ring. A second image of birth control pills in a package
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What Is It?
Birth control is when people use certain methods or strategies to prevent pregnancy. Sometimes birth control is also called “contraception.”
There are many examples of birth control methods or strategies. Some examples of birth control include the pill, condoms, the birth control shot, the ring, the patch, fertility awareness methods, the IUD, and implant.
Birth control pills in a package
Examples of three birth control methods positioned inside the body: the internal condom inside the vagina, the birth control ring inside the vagina, and an IUD (intrauterine device) inside the uterus
An external condom on an erect penis
The approximate size and location of a birth control implant after a health care provider inserts the implant under the patient's skin
An Example
Zadie wants to use birth control to prevent pregnancy. Zadie learns from her health care provider that there are many different birth control strategies. There are medications like birth control pills. There are methods that go in the body (like the ring, an IUD or implant). There are also birth control methods that are used on the outside of a person’s body like external condoms.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- A person can learn about different birth control methods by visiting websites such as the Planned Parenthood Birth Control website.
- If a person does not want to become pregnant, they can speak with a healthcare provider about choosing a method that works best for them.
Think about
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Which birth control methods have you heard about before?
- There are many methods available. A person can communicate with their health care provider to choose the birth control method that is best for them.
Which birth control methods would you like to learn more about?
Visit the Planned Parenthood Birth Control website or the Resource Hub to learn more.
