Reproductive Technologies

B

Basal Body Temperature Method

The Basal Body Temperature (BBT) method is a natural family planning technique that involves tracking your body's resting temperature each morning to identify ovulation patterns and fertile days. This method relies on the fact that your basal body temperature typically rises slightly (0.4-1.0°F) after ovulation occurs, allowing you to predict fertile windows and plan or avoid pregnancy accordingly.

C

Cervical Cap

A cervical cap is a small, reusable silicone or latex cup that fits snugly over the cervix to prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the uterus. When used with spermicide, this barrier method of contraception can be inserted several hours before sexual activity and must remain in place for at least 6 hours afterward.

Cervical Mucus Method

The cervical mucus method is a natural family planning technique where you track changes in your cervical mucus throughout your menstrual cycle to identify fertile and non-fertile days. This method involves observing and recording the consistency, color, and amount of cervical secretions to determine when ovulation is likely to occur, helping you either achieve or avoid pregnancy.

E

Essure

Essure is a permanent form of birth control for women that was available from 2002 to 2018. It involved the insertion of small, flexible coils into the fallopian tubes, which over time caused scar tissue to form, blocking the tubes and preventing eggs from reaching the uterus. This non-surgical sterilization method was designed as an alternative to tubal ligation.

H

Hormonal Contraception

Hormonal contraception refers to birth control methods that use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. These methods work by altering the natural hormone levels in the body to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, or thin the uterine lining. Common types of hormonal contraception include birth control pills, patches, injections, implants, vaginal rings, and hormonal IUDs.

T

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation, often referred to as "getting your tubes tied," is a permanent form of birth control for women. This surgical procedure involves cutting, tying, or blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus, and to stop sperm from reaching the eggs. It's a highly effective method of contraception that doesn't affect hormonal balance or sexual function.