Contraception is defined as "methods used to prevent pregnancy and reproduction" and generally falls into one of 5 categories of methods 

1) Natural                               2) Barrier                          3) Hormonal                          4) Chemical                     5) Surgical           

Contraception and birth control are almost always used synonymously although in reality, birth control also includes abortion which does not prevent pregnancy but ends a pregnancy and technically, fertility treatments and family planning when people want to have a baby are also included under the comprehensive term "birth control".   In addition, some methods contain elements of more than 1 of these categories such as a spermicide lubricated condom.           

Types and a few examples of Contraception

1) Natural:  Includes Abstinence, Withdrawal, Calendar

2) Barrier: Include external (male) Condom, Internal (female) condom, Diaphragm and IUD's*

3) Hormonal:  Include The Pill, Injection, Patch, Implant, Vaginal Ring and IUS*

4) Chemical:  Include Spermicides

5) Surgical:  Usually are permanent methods such as Vasectomy and Tubal Ligation but some people include IUD's/IUS's and implants too

*Some IUD's and IUS's only serve to block sperm from entering the Fallopian Tubes and others contain hormones that prevent ovulation.  Articles state that most IUS used today are both barrier and hormonal.  

SCROLL DOWN to view more resources and pages 

 It's Your Life = 1 of the best comprehensive sites about Contraception/ Birth Control on the web!

The "It's your life" is geared very much towards biological females 

but Cisgender males, Transgender Females, or Gender Non-Binary individuals who's sex assigned at birth is male can get some more information from It's Your Life here 

EACH specific type of contraception, there is also an accompanying video at the bottom of it's specific page 

ARTICLES, resources & Websites

 For more information about the most common forms of purchased contraception, visit these links

External (male) Condom

Birth Control Pills

This Unit is a comprehensive although not all inclusive Unit on various topics in Human Sexuality (listed in the drop down navigation menu) that could be developed into a full course.   Content in the Unit ranges from GRADES 5-12 but OBVIOUSLY some of the content is NOT for all grades.  For a Top 10 list of reasons to include a comprehensive program for sexuality  / Sexual Health education rather than just Abstinence only Education, please CLICK HERE.    

ALTHOUGH ALL EDUCATIONAL,  STUDENTS NOT ENROLLED IN MR. CORABI'S HEALTH CLASS OR HEALTH CLASS AT THE ARTS ACADEMY AT BENJAMIN RUSH, SHOULD GET THEIR PARENT'S PERMISSION BEFORE OPENING ANY LINKS OR DOWNLOADING ANY HANDOUTS.  Other Teachers choosing to use information in this unit should use their discretion based on District Level, Community Level and School Level curriculum guidelines and policies. 

It is assumed that students assigned to Mr. Corabi's class or Health Class at the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush have their parent's permission based on weekly communication via google classroom posts, email or letters given to students for parents/guardians.  Note:  A child can consent on their own for Sexual Health Education and testing at age 14 in Philadelphia, PA.