Contraception or birth control is the term used for the prevention of pregnancy. There are numerous methods to prevent a pregnancy: ‘coitus interruptus’ (withdrawal), the use of hormone medications, contraceptive devices (barriers), periods of avoiding sex and surgery. However, these methods are not all equally
reliable.
It is important to note that no birth control method fully protects you against HIV infection or other sexually transmissable diseases.
Contraceptive methods can be very reliable for preventing you from becoming pregnant, but this does not necessarily mean that they give you protection against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. The following methods provide NO PROTECTION against HIV-infection: the calendar method, intra-uterine devices, the birth control pill and other hormonal methods of contraception. Coitus interruptus (withdrawal) is unreliable, both towards prevention of pregnancy and HIV infection.
The only contraceptive method offering protection against HIV is the condom, when used in a correct way.
