- contraception
- Prevention of conception or impregnation.
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con·tra·cep·tion .kän-trə-'sep-shən n deliberate prevention of conception or impregnationcon·tra·cep·tive -'sep-tiv adj or n* * *
n.the prevention of unwanted pregnancy, which can be achieved by various means. Hormonal contraceptives (oestrogen and progestogen or progestogen only) act by preventing ovulation. They are usually taken in regular doses in the form of the Pill (see oral contraceptive), but may also be administered through the skin, by means of an adhesive patch impregnated with the hormones, or by three- or two-monthly injections of a long-acting progestogen. Recently developed methods for continuous administration of the hormones include subcutaneous implants of progestogen and hormonal intrauterine devices (see IUS). Methods that aim to prevent fertilization of the ovum include coitus interruptus, the condom, the diaphragm, and surgical intervention (tubal occlusion and vasectomy: see sterilization). Methods that aim to prevent implantation of a fertilized ovum in the uterus include the intrauterine contraceptive device (see IUCD); these methods can be used after intercourse but before implantation (see postcoital contraception). Couples whose religious beliefs forbid the use of mechanical or hormonal contraceptives may use the rhythm method, in which intercourse is limited to those days in the menstrual cycle when conception is least likely.* * *
con·tra·cep·tion (kon″trə-sepґshən) the prevention of conception or impregnation.
Medical dictionary. 2011.
