Gynecology

Contraception

The Division of Family Planning has many active clinical trials involving the development and assessment of contraceptive methods . There are several approaches to improve abortion care. Barrier methods, such as condoms, are a form of contraception that help to protect against both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and maternity.

A couple’s decision to begin, prevent, or interrupt a pregnancy may be influenced by many factors including maternal medical disorders, risks involved in the pregnancy, and socioeconomic factors.

Contraception can be used by one or both members of a couple to prevent pregnancy temporarily. Some procedures are intended to provide permanent contraception (sterilization). Abortion (termination of pregnancy) could also be thought of once family planning has unsuccessful or not been used.

Pregnancy rates tend to be higher during the first year of use and decrease in subsequent years as users become more familiar with the contraceptive method they have chosen. Also, as women age, fertility declines. For fertile couples trying to conceive, the pregnancy rate is about 85% after 1 year if no contraceptive method is used.