Ch_11

Lecture Notes

Although birth control and contraception are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference in the meaning. Birth control are methods that prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall and include emergency contraception pills. Birth control also includes methods that remove the fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus from the uterus, such as nonsurgical and surgical abortions.

Contraception, on the other hand, is the category of birth control in which the sperm and the egg are prevented from uniting. These include barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms, which provide a physical barrier between the sperm and the egg. Diaphragms, cervical cap, and female condoms also protect against diseases of the cervix and uterus. Spermicides kill the sperm before they can get to the egg, and hormonal methods, such as the Pill, the shot, and the patch, inhibit the release of the oocyte from the ovary. Intrauterine contraceptives or devices prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg. No matter the method, they must be used correctly and consistently, and there is no absolute guarantee against contracting a sexually transmitted infection.