BIRTH CONTROL

• Contraception - birth control
• Birth control pill - most used contraceptive
• Morning-after pill (MAP) - taken within 3 days of unprotected intercourse
• Contraceptives that cause cervical mucus to thicken:

  • Minipill (tablet)
  • Norplant (rods placed under the skin)
• Intrauterine device (IUD) - plastic or metal device inserted into uterus
• Tubal ligation - cut or cauterize uterine tubes
• Vasectomy - cut or cauterize the ductus deferens
• Coitus interruptus - withdrawal of penis prior to ejaculation
• Rhythm - avoiding intercourse during period of ovulation
• Abortion - termination of pregnancy
• Miscarriage - spontaneous abortion; frequently occurs before a woman knows she is pregnant
• RU486 - abortion pill; induces miscarriage during first 7 weeks of pregnancy