Template:Cover abstract/Birth control

Birth control

What is it about this piece of rubber that scares some people?

Birth control, also known as family planning, is the practice of taking steps to prevent pregnancy or childbirth as a result of sexual activity. Birth control is often used synonymously with contraception, although some of the practices discussed on this page (such as abortion or abstinence) are not contraceptive, they can still be classed as birth control since they prevent reproduction.

Some forms of contraception, such as the condom, can also help prevent transmission of STDs.

There are several broad groups of birth control methods, including barrier methods, hormonal suppression of ovulation, surgical sterilization, and wishful thinking. Why some people object to contraceptives and spread misinformation about them is also discussed.