Reproductive Contraception & Birth Control

Contraception refers to any practice employed by couples that permits sexual intercourse with reduced likelihood of conception. The term birth control is often used synonymously with such terms as contraception, fertility control, and family planning.

Internet Resources

MedlinePlus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/birthcontrol.html
Developed at the National Library of Medicine specifically for consumers, this site is a portal for both government-sponsored and privately developed health information for the lay public.

Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Choices
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control-4211.htm
Each Planned Parenthood affiliate is a unique, locally governed health service organization that reflects the diverse needs of its community. Planned Parenthood health centers offer a wide range of services. Planned Parenthood believes that knowledge empowers people to make better choices about their health and sexuality.

Women’s Health.gov: Frequently Asked Questions about Birth Control Methods
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/birth-control-methods.cfm
The National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) is the most reliable and current information resource on women’s health available today. It offers women’s health information on more than 800 topics through this Web site and a call center.

Birth Control Guide
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForWomen/ucm118465.htm
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's site has detailed information about the types of birth control methods.

Books

• In Our Control: the complete guide to contraceptive choices for women. Eldridge L. 2010
• Contraception: your questions answered. Guillebaud J. 2009
• Contraception: a history. Jutte. R. 2008
• The Handbook of Contraception: A Guide for Practical Management. Shoupe D and Kjos S. 2006

Journals

• “Helping women choose appropriate hormonal contraception: update on risks, benefits, and indications.”American Journal of Medicine. 122(6):497-506. June 2009.
• “Update on Male Contraception.” Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 21(3):265-9. Naz RK. Rowan S. June 2009.
• “Hormonal contraception: recent advances and controversies.” Fertility & Sterility. 90(5 Suppl):S103-13. Practice Committee of American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Nov. 2008.
• “Contraceptive Care of Adolescents.” Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 51(2):268-80. June 2008.
• “New Forms of Contraception.” Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics. 35(2):185-97. Plastino K and Sulak P. June 2008.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact the  Alberto Culver Health Learning Center at 312-926-5465.