Family planning

Contraception prevents women from getting pregnant. 

You and your partner can decide whether, when and how many children you want to have. This is called family planning. When you want to have sexual intercourse, but do not plan to have a child (yet), you can avoid pregnancy with contraception. 

Contraception does not make a woman less fertile after she stops using contraception. If she stops using contraception, she can still have children. 

Protection against HIV and STIs

The condom is a means of contraception that also protects you against and reduces the risk of getting HIV and other STIs.

Different methods of contraception

There are different methods of contraception. You can choose which method is best for you and your partner.
Methods vary a lot, for example in:

  • their price;
  • their availability;
  • the way they are used.

In most cases, contraception is not bad for your health. Some methods of contraception suit a particular person’s lifestyle, age and physical condition better than others. 

Contraception works well if you use it correctly. For this reason, it is important to choose a method that suits you. If a method does not work for you, you can try another one. 

Ask a health professional for advice. A health professional cannot give any information about you to anybody else. He/she is obliged by law to respect your privacy. You can also discuss contraception with your partner.

Dictionary and translations

Looking for help? Find a health professional.

Help