contraception /kon′trəsep″shən/ [L, contra + concipere, to take in] , a process or technique for preventing pregnancy by means of a medication, device, or method that blocks or alters one or more of the processes of reproduction in such a way that sexual union can occur without impregnation. Also called birth control, conception control. Kinds include cervical cap, condom, contraceptive diaphragm, injectable contraceptive, intrauterine device, natural family planning method, oral contraceptive, spermatocide, sterilization, subdermal contraceptive implant. See also basal body temperature method of family planning, planned parenthood.
