Contraception refers to methods of preventing pregnancy.
Use a reliable method of contraception.
contraception in British English
(ˌkɒntrəˈsɛpʃən)
noun
the intentional prevention of conception by artificial or natural means. Artificial methods in common use include preventing the sperm from reaching the ovum (using condoms, diaphragms, etc), inhibiting ovulation (using oral contraceptive pills), preventing implantation (using intrauterine devices), killing the sperm (using spermicides), and preventing the sperm from entering the seminal fluid (by vasectomy). Natural methods include the rhythm method and coitus interruptus
Compare birth control, family planning
Word origin
C19: from contra- + conception
contraception in American English
(ˌkɑntrəˈsɛpʃən)
noun
the intentional prevention of fertilization of an ovum, as by special devices, drugs, etc.
Word origin
contra- + conception
In other languages
contraception
British English: contraception /ˌkɒntrəˈsɛpʃən/ NOUN
Methods of preventing pregnancy are called contraception.