Contraceptives and Abortion

Connect Core Concepts in Health - Chapter 7

birth control

The practice of managing fertility and preventing unwanted pregnancies.

conception

The fusion of ovum and sperm, resulting in a fertilized egg, or zygote.

contraception

The prevention of conception through the use of a device, substance, or method.

contraceptive

Any agent or method that can prevent conception.

fertility

The ability to reproduce.

contraceptive failure rate

The percentage of women using a particular contraceptive method who experience an unintended pregnancy in the first year of use.

sterilization

Surgically altering the reproductive system to prevent pregnancy. Vasectomy is the procedure in males; tubal sterilization or hysterectomy is the procedure in females.

vasectomy

The surgical severing of the ducts that carry sperm to the ejaculatory duct.

tubal sterilization/ligation

Severing or blocking the oviducts to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus; also called tubal ligation.

long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)

Intrauterine devices and implant methods of contraception, which last for several years, earn high satisfaction rates, and reduce rates of unintended pregnancy and abortion compared to other methods.

intrauterine device (IUD)

A device inserted into the uterus as a contraceptive.

oral contraceptive (OC)

Hormone compounds (made of estrogen and progestins) in pill form that prevent conception by preventing ovulation; also called the birth control pill or “the pill”

male condom

A thin sheath that covers the penis during sexual intercourse; used for contraception and to prevent STI transmission

ejaculation

An abrupt discharge of semen from the penis during sexual stimulation.

spermicide

A chemical agent that kills sperm.

female/internal condom

clear, stretchy, disposable pouch with two rings that can be inserted into a vagina or anus

cervical cap

A small flexible cup that fits over the cervix; used with spermicide.

contraceptive sponge

A contraceptive device about two inches in diameter that fits over the cervix and acts as a barrier and spermicide and absorbs seminal fluid

abstinence

Avoidance of sexual intercourse; can be a method of contraception.

withdrawal

A method of contraception in which the man withdraws his penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation; also called coitus interruptus.

emergency contraception (EC)

A birth control method used after unprotected sexual intercourse.

combination birth control

oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and a progestin

zygote

fertilized egg

toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

illness caused by a bacterial infection that releases toxins into the bloodstream