What is contraception?
Contraception, commonly known as birth control, is used to prevent a pregnancy when a man and woman have sexual intercourse. The method chosen is a personal decision and a shared responsibility between partners. Before starting a sexual relationship, have an open, honest conversation with your partner about contraception and how to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
Contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy. It is also known as ‘birth control’, although this is a more general term that includes complete abstinence from sex (the ultimate form of contraception!). Pregnancy happens when a man’s sperm meets a woman’s egg and fertilisation (also known as conception) occurs. Contraceptives stop this from happening, either by preventing the sperm from meeting with the egg, or by making conditions in the body unsuitable for fertilisation to occur.