Birth Control

Contraception is the deliberate use of a medication, device, or behavior to prevent pregnancy and is an important aspect of care for patients with child bearing potential. In the USA, the contraceptive methods offered include tubal occlusion, long-acting reversible contraception methods, progestin-only injections, progestin-only pills, combined hormonal contraception methods, barrier contraception, and fertility awareness. The different available contraceptive methods have varying degrees of efficacy, benefits, disadvantages, and risks including contraindications to use. Clinicians, especially primary care providers, should be well versed in the different contraceptive methods available in order to provide appropriate counseling and contraceptive care.