Contraception

The use of certain birth control devices is shown to increase the risk of urinary tract and bladder infections in women. These devices often block the ability of natural bacteria to respond to...

Spermicide is applied vaginally, usually in addition to another barrier form of birth control such as a condom or diaphragm, but sometimes as the sole form of birth control. The active ingredient...

The Today Sponge is the only contraceptive sponge available in the United States. The contraceptive sponge is a soft, 2-inch diameter foam device that is placed in the vagina before sex. This...

A study in the June 2006 issue of "Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health" found that in 48 percent of unintended pregnancies, birth control had been used in the month when conception...

The birth control sponge is a foam sponge treated with spermicide that is inserted into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse. It is a reasonably effective form of birth control but does not...

Many women use a variety of birth control methods that are reliably effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, different methods come with health risks. When you know more about these,...

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, only half of pregnancies in the United States are planned. If people correctly use birth control, they can cut down the risk...

Sperm are the cells responsible for carrying the male's genetic material from the testes to the female's eggs via ejaculation. Sperm are designed to move forward via tail movement through varying...

Spermicide is a birth control method that prevents pregnancy by chemically impeding the movement of sperm. Spermicide may come as a cream, gel, foam, film or suppository. It can be used alone,...

Abstinence is the only way pregnancy is absolutely preventable. For other contraceptives to be as effective as possible, they need to be used correctly, and used every time there is sexual...

The best birth control method is abstinence, because it is 100% effective. But there are many people who are sexually active or do not want to live a celibate life for the long term. If you are...

Various forms of birth control have been implemented since ancient times. These have ranged from barrier methods of protection to herbal methods. In Roman times, the silphium plant was used for...

Barrier methods of birth control block sperm before they have a chance to travel through a woman's vagina, past her cervix and into her uterus to fertilize an egg. As opposed to hormonal or...

Over-the-counter birth control methods make it easier to prevent pregnancy. They are especially useful for teens, who may not have access to other methods and don't want their parents to know they...

Two synthetic versions of the hormones progesterone and estrogen are used in most chemical-based contraceptives. Synthetic chemicals are used because women's stomachs and intestines typically...

Throughout this century many different contraceptive devices have been introduced, including cervical caps, condoms, intra-uterine device (IUD), diaphragms and the sponge. There are several...

A vaginal contraceptive film (VCF) is a small 2-by-2-inch square film. VCFs use the spermicide Nonoxynol-9 to help prevent pregnancy. This is the most common spermicide and is generally safe; ...

One option for over the counter, hormone-free birth control for women is contraceptive film. This paper thin film, measuring two square inches, is semi-transparent and made from dissolvable...

Over the counter birth control provides a convenient means of contraception for both men and women. Going to the doctor for a prescription may be inconvenient, prompting a trip to the pharmacy. A...

The diaphragm is a flexible rubber or latex cup that is filled with spermicide and inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix and prevent sperm from entering the uterus. With typical usage, the...

Liquid barrier contraception is a method of birth control that can be purchased and used without a prescription. All of these types are spermicides that contain Nonoxynol-9, an effective chemical...

The only 100 percent effective method to prevent pregnancy is to practice abstinence. However, for many people this method is not practical, especially for married couples. The most well known...

There are many forms of contraception that can be used to prevent or reduce the chances of a sexually active woman becoming pregnant. Women have the option of choosing hormonal or non-hormonal...

The best condoms are those that prevent pregnancy and also prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV, AIDS and chlamydia. Male condoms are most widely used, but...

You love him, you adore him, you almost worship him—but you’ll be danged if you’re going to have his child. Having a kid is a huge step and sacrifice that’s not for...

Lea's Shield is a contraceptive device that is similar to a diaphragm. It is a barrier method of contraception and reusable. It is made from silicone rubber and is very flexible for insertion and...

There are many options available when it comes to effective birth control. Some women, however, cannot or choose not to use methods which contain hormones. The diaphragm is one alternative to...

With the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or STDs, barrier methods like the male and female condom are gaining in popularity because of their ability to protect people from...

Spermicide is a form of contraception that kills sperm by destroying its cell walls. Spermicide is only 79 percent successful in preventing pregnancy, making it one of the least effective forms...