This is the practice of controlling the number of children in a family and the intervals between their births, particularly by means of artificial contraception or voluntary sterilization. Since "family" is part of the concept's name, consideration of a couple's desire to bear children, in the context of a family unit, is of primary concern.
There are several ways one can prevent pregnancy or plan the timing of pregnancy. Birth control pills are a medication woman can take daily to prevent pregnancy. An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Placement can be done during an office visit. There are two brands of IUD available in the United States; ParaGard and Mirena, both of which are a permanent form of birth control that we can perform in the office.