Overview
Contraception, also called birth control or family planning, refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy. Options include barrier methods, hormonal methods, intrauterine devices, fertility awareness methods, emergency contraception, and permanent procedures. Some people use contraception for pregnancy prevention only, while others may also want protection from STIs. A healthcare professional can help explain benefits, limits, side effects, and practical use.
Who Is Affected
Anyone who can become pregnant, or whose partner can become pregnant, may consider contraception. People of different ages, genders, relationship types, and family goals may use it. Choice can be influenced by health conditions, breastfeeding, access to services, personal beliefs, privacy needs, and plans for future pregnancy.
Prevention
Contraception itself is a way to prevent unintended pregnancy. Using a method correctly and consistently improves how well it works. Condoms can help reduce the risk of many STIs, and they can be used together with another contraception method for added pregnancy protection. If sex happens without contraception or a method fails, emergency contraception may be an option.
Diagnosis and Tests
Contraception does not usually require a diagnosis, but a health review may help choose an appropriate method. A clinician may ask about menstrual history, past pregnancies, current medicines, smoking, migraines, blood pressure, and other medical conditions. Some methods may require a physical exam or procedure, while others may not. Pregnancy testing may be needed before starting certain methods or if a period is late.
Treatment Categories
Common categories include barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms; short-acting hormonal methods such as pills, patches, rings, and injections; and long-acting reversible contraception such as implants and IUDs. Fertility awareness methods involve tracking signs of the menstrual cycle to avoid sex or use a barrier method on fertile days. Emergency contraception may help after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Permanent contraception includes procedures intended for people who do not want future pregnancies.
Living With It
People often need time to find a method that fits their routine, comfort, and future plans. Side effects, bleeding changes, privacy concerns, cost, and partner communication can affect satisfaction and continued use. It can help to review how to use the method correctly, what changes to expect, and when to follow up. If a method is not working well for you, another option may suit you better.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical advice if you want help choosing a method, have side effects that are troubling, think your method failed, or want emergency contraception. Get care if you may be pregnant, have missed periods when this is unexpected, or have symptoms of an STI. You should also ask for care if you have new health conditions or start medicines that could affect contraception choices.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical care for severe lower abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden severe headache, weakness, fainting, or signs of a severe allergic reaction. Urgent care is also important after sexual assault, or if you have severe pain or fever after an IUD insertion or another contraceptive procedure. These symptoms can have serious causes and should not be ignored.
Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional
You may want to ask: Which methods fit my health history and pregnancy plans? Does this method protect against STIs? What side effects or bleeding changes might happen, and when should I seek help? How soon does it start working, what should I do if I miss or delay it, and how easily can I stop if I want pregnancy later?