Glossary of Contraception Terms

A
amenorrhea: A lack of menstruation.
antibiotics: Medicines that are used to cure infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or protozoa.
B
backup birth control:Any method including condoms, diaphragms, sponges, or withdrawal that is used while
waiting for hormonal birth control methods to become effective in a womans system or when hormonal methods are
not taken on schedule. Some people also refer to emergency contraception as backup birth control.
barrier methods of birth control:Contraceptives that block sperm from entering the uterus. These are the condom,
female condom, diaphragm, cap, spermicide, and sponge.
basal body temperature method:A fertility awareness-based birth control method for predicting a womans fertility
by taking her temperature. Can be used for contraception or planning a pregnancy.
birth control:Behaviors, devices, or medications used to avoid unintended pregnancy.
breastfeeding:Providing a baby with nourishment of human milk from the breast.
C
cervical cap:A firm, thimble-like, rubber or silicone cup that is intended to fit securely on the cervix. Used with
contraceptive jelly, the cervical cap is a barrier method of birth control that is reversible.
cervical mucus:The secretion from the lower end of the uterus into the vagina. It changes in quality and quantity
throughout the menstrual cycle, especially around the time of ovulation.
cervical mucus method:A fertility awareness-based method for predicting a womans fertility by observing changes
in her cervical mucus. Can be used for contraception or for planning a pregnancy.
cervix:The narrow, lower part - neck - of the uterus, with a narrow opening connecting the uterus to the vagina.
combination pill:A birth control pill that contains the hormones estrogen and progestin.
combined hormone contraceptives:Birth control methods - the pill, the patch, the ring - that contain the hormones
estrogen and progestin.
combined oral contraceptives: Birth control pills that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin.
condom: A sheath of thin rubber, plastic, or animal tissue that is worn on the penis during sexual intercourse. It is an
over-the-counter, reversible barrier method of birth control, and it also reduces the risk of getting the most serious
sexually transmitted infections.
contraception / contraceptive: Any behavior, device, medication, or procedure used to prevent pregnancy.

contraceptive creams and jellies: Substances containing spermicide, which block and immobilize sperm and prevent
it from joining with the egg. These are over-the-counter, reversible barrier methods of birth control. Used with cervical
caps or diaphragms.
contraceptive foam: A substance that is inserted deep into the vagina, and blocks the entrance to the uterus with
bubbles that contain a spermicide to immobilize sperm, preventing it from joining with an egg. An over-the-counter,
reversible barrier method of birth control. Most effective when used with a condom.
D
diaphragm: A soft rubber dome intended to fit securely over the cervix. Used with contraceptive cream or jelly, the
diaphragm is a reversible barrier method of birth control available only by prescription.
E
egg: The reproductive cell in women; the largest cell in the human body.
emergency contraception:Hormonal birth control pills used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal
intercourse. Must be started within 120 hours (five days) of intercourse. Also called EC. IUDs can also be used as EC,
inserted within five days of unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
erection:A hard penis when its becomes full of blood and stiffens.
estrogen:A hormone commonly made in a womans ovaries. Estrogens major feminizing effects are seen during
puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy.
F
failure rate: The number of women who become pregnant each year out of every 100 who use a birth control method.
fallopian tube: One of two narrow tubes that carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus.
family planning: Voluntary planning and action by individuals to have the number of children they want, when they
want them.
female condom: A polyurethane pouch with flexible rings at each end that is inserted deep into the vagina like a
diaphragm. It is a, reversible barrier method of birth control that provides protection against many sexually transmitted
infections.
fertility: The ability of women or couples to have children. Technically, the childbearing performance of individuals,
couples, groups, or populations, i.e., the number of births they have.
fertility cycle: Also called the menstrual cycle. The monthly recurrence of ovulation, the shedding of the lining of the
uterus, and the bodys preparation for another ovulation.
fertility rate: The number of live births per 1,000 women of reproductive age (1544).
fertilization: The joining of an egg and sperm that forms the zygote.
G

gender: Ones biological, social, and legal status as male or female.

genitals: External sex and reproductive organs: the vulva in women, the penis and scrotum in men. Sometimes, the
internal reproductive organs are also called genitals.
gynecology: Sexual and reproductive health care for women.
gynecologist: A medical doctor who specializes in womens sexual and reproductive health.
H
health care provider: A medical doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, or physician assistant.
hormonal contraceptives: Prescription methods of birth control that use hormones to prevent pregnancy. These
include the implant, the IUS, IUD, the patch, the pill, the ring, and the injection.
hormones: Chemicals that cause changes in our bodies and influence how glands and organs work.
I
implant: A thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of the
upper arm. It contains and constantly releases a progestin that prevents ovulation and fertilization. Can be used for up
to three years to prevent pregnancy. The implant is a reversible hormonal method of birth control available only by
prescription. Implanon is the brand name of the implant.
infertility:The inability to become pregnant or to cause a pregnancy.
intercourse:Sex play in which the penis is inserted into the vagina (vaginal intercourse) or the anus (anal intercourse).
intrauterine device (IUD):A small device made of plastic, which may contain copper or a natural hormone, that is
inserted into the uterus by a health care provider to prevent pregnancy. A reversible method of birth control.
intrauterine system (IUS):A small intrauterine device made of plastic, which contains the hormone progestin, that is
inserted into the uterus by a health care provider to prevent pregnancy. A reversible method of birth control,
L
libido:The sex drive.
lubricant:In women, the slippery liquid that is secreted from the walls of the vagina and the Bartholins glands during
sexual arousal in order to facilitate vaginal intercourse. In men, the slippery liquid secreted by the Cowpers glands in
order to facilitate ejaculation and motility of sperm. Also, an oil-based, water-based, or silicone-based product used to
increase slipperiness during anal or vaginal intercourse or other sex play.

M
menstrual cycle: The time from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. In women of
reproductive age, about 1544, it is the period in which the lining of the uterus is shed whenever implantation does not
happen, followed by the re-growth of the lining of the uterus in preparation for implantation.

menstrual flow: Blood, fluid, and tissue that are passed out of the uterus during the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
Often called a period.
menstruation: The flow of blood, fluid, and tissue out of the uterus and through the vagina that usually lasts from 3 to
7 days.
method effectiveness: The reliability of a contraceptive method itself, when always used consistently and correctly.
morning after pills: Emergency hormonal contraception that is started within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected
vaginal intercourse to decrease the risk of unintended pregnancy.
O
oral contraceptive: The birth control pill.
osteoporosis: Thinning of the bones, which makes them more susceptible to fracture.
ovaries: The two organs that store eggs in a womans body. Ovaries also produce hormones, including estrogen,
progesterone, and testosterone.
ovulation: The time when an ovary releases an egg.
P
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID):An infection of a womans internal reproductive system that can lead to sterility,
ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain. It is often caused by sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and
chlamydia.
penis:A mans reproductive and sex organ that is formed of three columns of spongy tissue two corpora cavernosa
and the corpus spongiosum. The spongy tissue fills with blood during sexual excitement, a process known as erection.
Urine and seminal fluid pass through the penis.
period:Menstruation.
physician assistant:A health care provider who is trained to provide basic medical services, usually under the
supervision of a physician.
PID (pelvic inflammatory disease):An infection of a womans internal reproductive system that can lead to sterility,
ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain. It is often caused by sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and
chlamydia.
pill, the:A common expression for oral hormonal contraception.
PMS (premenstrual syndrome):Emotional and physical symptoms that appear a few days before and during
menstruation, including depression, fatigue, feeling bloated, and irritability.
pregnancy:A condition in which a woman carries a developing offspring in her uterus. It begins with the implantation
of the pre-embryo and progresses through the embryonic and fetal stages until birth, unless it is ended by miscarriage
or abortion. It lasts about nine months from implantation to birth. If clinically measured from a womans last
menstrual period, it lasts 10 months.

premenstrual syndrome (PMS):Emotional and physical symptoms that appear a few days before and during
menstruation, including depression, fatigue, feeling bloated, and irritability.
progesterone:A hormone produced in the ovaries of women that is important in the regulation of puberty,
menstruation, and pregnancy.
progestin:A synthetic progesterone.
S
semen: Fluid containing sperm that is ejaculated during sexual excitement. Semen is composed of fluid from the
seminal vesicles, fluid from the prostate, and sperm from the testes.
seminal fluid: A fluid that nourishes and helps sperm to move. Made in the seminal vesicles.
sex drive: Our natural urge and desire to have sex. Also called libido.
sexual intercourse: Usually, sex play that includes penetration of the vagina with a penis, but also describes penile
penetration of the anus.
sexually transmitted disease (STD): A sexually transmitted infection that has developed symptoms. Also called
"sexually transmitted infection."
sexually transmitted infection (STI): An infection that is usually passed from one person to another during sexual or
intimate contact. Also called "sexually transmitted disease."
sperm: The reproductive cells in men, produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.
spermicides: Chemicals used to immobilize sperm.
STD (sexually transmitted disease): A sexually transmitted infection that has developed symptoms. Also called
"sexually transmitted infection."
sterility: Infertility, the inability to become pregnant or to cause a pregnancy.
sterilization: Surgical methods of birth control that are intended to be permanent blocking of the fallopian tubes for
women or the vasa deferentia for men.
STI (sexually transmitted infection): An infection that is usually passed from one person to another during sexual or
intimate contact. Also called STD.
U
use-effectiveness: The reliability of a contraceptive method as it is usually used when it is not always used
consistently or correctly.
uterus: The pear-shaped, muscular reproductive organ from which women menstruate and where normal pregnancy
develops. Also called the womb.
V

vagina: The stretchable passage that connects a womans outer sex organs, the vulva, with the cervix and uterus. The
vagina has three functions: to allow menstrual flow to leave the body, to allow sexual penetration to occur (either by
hand, sex toy, or penis), and to allow a fetus to pass through during vaginal delivery
vasectomy: Surgical blocking of the vasa deferentia in men that is intended to provide permanent birth control.
http://www.mycontraception.ie/glossary
Contraception
Definition
Contraception (birth control) prevents pregnancy by interfering with the normal process of o
vulation, fertilization, andimplantation. There are different kinds of birth control that act at diff
erent points in the process.
Purpose
Every month, a woman's body begins the process that can potentially lead to pregnancy. An e
gg (ovum) matures, themucus that is secreted by the cervix (a cylindrical-shaped organ at the
lower end of the uterus) changes to be moreinviting to sperm, and the lining of the uterus gro
ws in preparation for receiving a fertilized egg. Any woman who wants toprevent pregnancy m
ust use a reliable form of birth control.
Types Of Contraceptives
Effectiveness
Birth control pills
Condoms
Depo Provera
Diaphragm
IUDs
Norplant
Tubal sterilization
Spermicides
Vasectomy

Predicted (%)

Actual (%)

99.9

97

98

88

99.7

99.7

94

82

99.2

97

99.7

99.7

99.8

99.6

97

79

99.9

99.9

Birth control (contraception) is designed to interfere with the normal process and prevent the
pregnancy that could result.There are different kinds of birth control that act at different point
s in the process, from ovulation, through fertilization, toimplantation. Each method has its own
side effects and risks. Some methods are more reliable than others.

There are more different types of birth control available today than ever. They can be divided i
nto a few groups based onhow they work. These groups include:

Hormonal methodsThese use medications (hormones) to prevent ovulation. Hormonal

methods include birth controlpills (oral
contraceptives), Depo Provera injections, and Norplant.

Barrier methodsThese methods work by preventing the sperm from getting to and fer
tilizing the egg. Barriermethods include the condom, diaphragm, and cervical cap. The condo
m is the only form of birth control that alsoprotects against sexually transmitted
diseases, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).

SpermicidesThese medications kill sperm on contact. Most spermicides contain nonox

ynyl-9. Spermicides come inmany different forms such as jelly, foam, tablets, and even a trans
parent film. All are placed in the vagina.Spermicides work best when they are used at the sam
e time as a barrier method.

Intrauterine devicesIntrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) are inserted into the ute
rus, where they stay from oneto 10 years. An IUD prevents the fertilized egg from implanting i
n the lining of the uterus, and may have other effectsas well.

Tubal sterilizationTubal sterilization is a permanent form of contraception for women.

Each fallopian tube is eithertied or burned closed. The sperm cannot reach the egg, and the e
gg cannot travel to the uterus.

Vasectomyis the male form of sterilization, and should also be considered permanent.
In vasectomy, the vasdefrens, the tiny tubes that carry the sperm into the semen, are cut an
d tied off. Thus, no sperm can get into thesemen.

A newer and somewhat controversial form of birth control is emergency

contraception. This type is used afterunprotected intercourse and sometimes is referred to a
s the "morning-after pill".
Unfortunately, there is no perfect form of birth control. Only abstinence (not having sexual int
ercourse) can protectagainst unwanted pregnancy with 100% reliability. The failure rates, whic
h means the rates of pregnancy, for most formsof birth control are quite low. However, some f
orms of birth control are more difficult or inconvenient to use than others.In actual practice, th
e birth control methods that are more difficult or inconvenient have much higher failure ratesb
ecause they are not used regularly or as prescribed.
Description
Most forms of birth control have one thing in common. They are only effective if used faithfully
. Birth control pills willwork only if taken every day; the diaphragm is effective only if used duri
ng every episode of sexual intercourse. Thesame is true for condoms and the cervical cap. So
me methods automatically work every day. These methods includeDepo Provera, Norplant, th
e IUD, and tubal sterilization.
There are many different ways to use birth control. They can be divided into several groups:

By mouth (oral)Birth control pills must be taken by mouth every day.

InjectedDepo Provera is a hormonal medication that is given by injection every three
months.

ImplantedNorplant is a long-acting hormonal form of birth control that is implanted un

der the skin of the upper arm.

VaginalSpermicides and barrier methods work in the vagina.

Intra-uterineThe IUD is inserted into the uterus.

SurgicalTubal sterilization is a form of surgery. A doctor must perform the procedure i

n a hospital or surgical clinic.Many women need general anesthesia.
The methods of birth control differ from each other in the timing of when they are used. Some
methods of birth controlmust be used specifically at the time of sexual intercourse (condoms,
diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicides).Emergency contraception must be started as soon as p
ossible after intercourse and no more than 72 hours after. Allother methods of birth control (h
ormonal methods, IUDs, tubal sterilization) must be working all the time to provideprotection.
Precautions
There are risks associated with certain forms of birth control. Some of the risks of each metho
d are listed below:

Birth control pillsThe hormone (estrogen) in birth control pills can increase the risk of
heart
attack in women over35, particularly those who smoke. Certain women cannot use birth cont
rol pills.

IUDThe IUD can increase the risk of serious pelvic infection. The IUD can also injure th
e uterus by poking into orthrough the uterine wall. Surgery might be needed to fix this.

Tubal sterilization"Tying the tubes" is a surgical procedure and has all the risks of any
other surgery, includingthose associated with anesthesia, as well as infection and bleeding.

Emergency contraceptive pills should not be used regularly for birth control. They can i
nterrupt the menstrual cycleand are not 100% effective. If the emergency contraception fails,
an ectopic pregnancy can occur.
Preparation
No specific preparation is needed before using contraception. However, a woman must be sur
e that she is not alreadypregnant before using a hormonal method or having an IUD placed.
Aftercare
No aftercare is needed.
Risks
Many methods of birth control have side effects. Knowing the side effects can help a woman t
o determine which methodof birth control is right for her.

Hormonal methodsThe hormones in birth control pills, Depo Provera, and Norplant ca
n cause changes in menstrualperiods, changes in mood, weight gain, acne, and headaches. I
n addition, it may take many months to beginovulating again once a woman stops using Depo
Provera or Norplant.

Barrier methodsA woman must insert the diaphragm in just the right way to be sure t
hat it works properly. Somewomen get more urinary tract infections if they use a diaphragm. T
his is because the diaphragm can press againstthe urethra, the tube that connects the bladde
r to the outside.

SpermicidesSome women and men are allergic to spermicides or find them irritating t
o the skin.

IUDThe IUD is a foreign body that stays inside the uterus, and the uterus tries to get i
t out. A woman may haveheavier menstrual periods and more menstrual cramping with an IU
D in place.

Tubal sterilizationSome women report increased menstrual discomfort after tubal

ligation. It is not known if this isrelated to the tubal ligation itself.
There is no perfect form of birth control. Every method has a small failure rate and side effect
s. Some methods carryadditional risks. However, every method of birth control can be effectiv
e if used properly.
Resources
Periodicals
"Contraception; Overview." NWHRC Health CenterContraception March 9, 2004.
"Ectopic Pregnancy Is a Possibility When Emergency Contraception Fails." Health & Medicine
Week March 15, 2004:222.
Key terms
Fallopian
tubes The thin tubes that connect the ovary to the uterus. Ova (eggs) travel from the ovar
y to the uterus. Ifthe egg has been fertilized, it can implant in the uterus.
Fertilization The joining of the sperm and the egg; conception.
Implantation The process in which the fertilized egg embeds itself in the wall of the uterus
.
Ovulation The release of an egg (ovum) from the ovary.
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
contraception
Prevention of conception or impregnation.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary Farlex 2012
contraception
/contraception/ (-sepshun) the prevention of conception or impregnation.
Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers. 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of
Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

contraception
Intentional prevention of ovulation, fertilization of an egg cell, or implantation of a fertilized eg
g in the uterine wallthrough the use of various drugs, devices, sexual practices, or surgical pro
cedures.
The American Heritage Medical Dictionary Copyright 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin
Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
contraception
a process or technique for preventing pregnancy by means of a medication, device, or method
that blocks or alters oneor more of the processes of reproduction in such a way that sexual un
ion can occur without impregnation. Kinds ofcontraception include cervical
cap, condom, contraceptive diaphragm, injectable contraceptive, intrauterine
device,natural family planning method, oral
contraceptive, spermatocide, sterilization, and subdermal contraceptiveimplants. Also ca
lled birth control, conception control. See also basal body temperature method of
family planning, planned parenthood.
Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 9th edition. 2009, Elsevier.
contraception
The prevention of conception or impregnation, including natural family planning, oralcontrace
ptives, 'morning-after' pill, spermicidal foam, RU486 or deviceseg condoms, diaphragms, IUD
s. See Back-upcontraception, Breast feeding, Coitus
interruptus, Contraceptive, Natural family planning, Pearl index, Rhythm method.
McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies,
Inc.
contraception
Prevention of conception or impregnation.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing Farlex 2012
contraception
The prevention of CONCEPTION by avoiding fertile periods; by imposing a barrier between t
hesperms and the egg; by killing sperms; or by preventing the release of eggs from the ovarie
s. Intrauterine contraceptivedevices (IUCDs) act by preventing implantation of fertilized ova b
ut are also usually considered a form of contraception.Testosterone and progestagens are bein
g investigated as hormonal contraceptives for men. See also BARRIER
CONTRACEPTIVE, CAP CONTRACEPTIVE, COITUS INTERRUPTUS, COMBINED ORAL
CONTRACEPTIVE, CONDOM,CONOVA 30, DIAPHRAGM CONTRACEPTIVE, FOAM
CONTRACEPTIVE.
Collins Dictionary of Medicine Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
contraception,
n a process or technique for the prevention of pregnancy by means of a medication, device, or
method that blocks oralters one or more of the processes of reproduction in such a way that s
exual union can occur without impregnation.
Mosby's Dental Dictionary, 2nd edition. 2008 Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

contraception
prevention of conception or impregnation. Little practiced in the animal world (except in dogs
and cats), populationcontrol being effected by other means. Is used in some less-developed c
ommunities where cattle are used as draftanimals.

immunological contraception
involves immune-mediated control of hormone or degeneration of reproductive tissues. Some
methodsinvestigated in dogs include immunization with bovine or ovine luteinizing hormone (
LH) or gonadotropin so thatcross-reacting antibodies neutralize the animal's own hormone. An
tibodies to porcine zona pellucida antigensinhibit fertilization and implantation.
Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 3 ed. 2007 Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved
Patient discussion about contraception
Q. Does it exist a Birth Control Shot for men?
A. No. Currently there are no available medications for birth control for men. However, there a
re several other methods,including barrier methods (condom) and more irreversible ones (e.g.
vasectomy) which may require a treatment by asurgeon.
You may read more here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001946.htm
Q. BIRTH CONTROL how many types are there?
A. HI doctor-you forgot one--THE CELL PHONE RADIATION,next time you go out on a date dont
forget your cell phoneand a piece of string.HA HA ---mrfoot56
Q. how long after i have stop taking birth control pills can i get pregnant?
A. After you stop taking the pill, you may have only a two-week delay before you ovulate agai
n. Once ovulation resumes,you can become pregnant. If this happens during your first cycle o
ff the pill, you may not have a period at all. However,although possible, this scenario isn't likel
y.
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/contraception

Birth Control
Also called: Contraception

Summary
Birth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy. Birth
control methods may work in a number of different ways:

Preventing sperm from getting to the eggs. Types include condoms, diaphragms,
cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges.

Keeping the woman's ovaries from releasing eggs that could be fertilized. Types include
birth control pills, patches, shots, vaginal rings, and emergency contraceptive pills.

IUDs, devices which are implanted into the uterus. They can be kept in place for several
years.

Sterilization, which permanently prevents a woman from getting pregnant or

a man from being able to get a woman pregnant

Your choice of birth control should depend on several factors. These include your
health, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners and desire to have
children in the future. Your health care provider can help you select the best form of
birth control for you.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/birthcontrol.html