Contraceptive Counseling: Birth-Control Choice and Informed Consent
Contraceptive counseling provides individualized information and support to help people choose birth control based on health, preferences, effectiveness, and reproductive goals.
Method Failure: When Contraception Fails Despite Correct Use
Method failure means pregnancy occurs even though contraception was used correctly and consistently, distinguishing true failure from mistakes or inconsistent use.
Perfect Use: Contraceptive Effectiveness Under Ideal Use
Perfect use means using a contraceptive method correctly and consistently every time, producing effectiveness rates that are usually higher than typical-use rates.
Internal Condom: Use, Pregnancy Prevention, and STI Protection
An internal condom is a barrier placed inside the vagina that helps prevent pregnancy and reduces the risk of many sexually transmitted infections.
External Condom: Use, Pregnancy Prevention, and STI Protection
An external condom is a barrier worn over the penis that helps prevent pregnancy and reduces the risk of many sexually transmitted infections.
Contraceptive Implant: How It Works, Benefits, and Bleeding
A contraceptive implant is a small progestin-releasing rod placed under the skin that provides highly effective, long-term, reversible pregnancy prevention.
Copper IUD: How It Works, Benefits, Periods, and Safety
A copper IUD is a long-acting, hormone-free contraceptive placed inside the uterus that prevents pregnancy mainly by impairing sperm function.
Hormonal IUD: How It Works, Benefits, Bleeding, and Safety
A hormonal IUD is a long-acting contraceptive placed inside the uterus that releases progestin and can also make periods lighter or stop them.
Vaginal Ring: How It Works, Use, Benefits, and Sexual Health
A vaginal ring is a flexible hormonal contraceptive placed inside the vagina that mainly prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation.
Injectable Contraception: How the Birth-Control Shot Works
Injectable contraception is a hormonal birth-control method given at regular intervals to prevent pregnancy, usually with a long-acting progestin.