toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

How Birth Control Methods Prevent Pregnancy

Top of the page

How Birth Control Methods Prevent Pregnancy

Overview

The following table lists the different types of birth control methods and how they work to help prevent pregnancy.

How birth control methods prevent pregnancy

Method

How it prevents pregnancy

Hormonal

  • Prevents ovulation.
  • Thickens mucus at the cervix so sperm can't pass through.
  • Changes the environment of the uterus and fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization and to prevent implantation if fertilization occurs.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

  • There are two types of IUDs (hormonal and copper). Both types may work by preventing:
    • Fertilization of the egg.
    • Implantation in the uterus.

Barrier methods

  • Block sperm from reaching the egg.
  • Some are used with spermicide, which kills sperm.

Fertility awareness (natural family planning)

  • Identifies the time during a woman's cycle when she is most likely to become pregnant (fertile). An extra method or abstinence should be used during this time of fertility.

Permanent birth control (sterilization)

  • Men: Vasectomy blocks the release of sperm.
  • Women: Tubal ligation surgery or tubal implants block the movement of an egg through the fallopian tube and prevent fertilization.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: August 2, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine
Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more, visit Healthwise.org

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Take Care, Someone Needs You.

You take care of others, so take care of yourself. Let us be your partner in health, whether you're recovering from an injury, checking in for your annual exam, or enjoying an online class.

Because when you take care of yourself, everyone around you benefits.

Connect with Us
Contact Us In Nampa (208) 381-2222