Contraceptives can be consumed in any form by women to prevent pregnancy as they help in hindering the secretion of eggs from the ovaries

Contraceptives are simply the name given to certain medicines and devices which are employed to prevent unwanted pregnancy from happening. Contraceptives can also be known as female birth control, female sex hormone suppressants, or even other nicknames for the same thing. Hormonal contraceptives, which contain only an estrogen or a synthetic progesterone, are known as combined contraceptive pills (CCPs). Those which contain only a progesterone are known as progesterone-only contraceptive pills (GPBS).

Other types of contraceptives which prevent pregnancy include the use of diaphragms, male condoms, cervical caps, and sponge implants. Diaphragms are best known for their role in stopping sperm from reaching the egg cell. Male condoms are often used as a means of reducing the risks of getting STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).

Cervical caps and sponge implants have been recognized for their ability to prevent pregnancy by suppressing the release of sperm from the testes into the uterus. However, these methods are sometimes unsuccessful in preventing pregnancy. Other forms of contraception commonly employed by sexually active women are spermicides and hormones. For instance, in March 2021, a group of researchers from the Greifswald University, Germany conducted a clinical trial to study the effect of contraceptives on vaccinated pregnant women. Spermicide and hormonal contraception have greater effects when used together, especially with the use of inter-uterine insemination, commonly known as IUI. Since these methods are considered effective, they are commonly chosen by couples who wish to avoid pregnancy.

Both health benefits and costs must be considered when making a choice regarding a particular method of contraception. Health benefits are benefits to the individual's overall health that may result from a low risk of pregnancy. Contraceptives which prevent pregnancy do not need to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being used. Health benefits of using contraceptives can be obtained without a prescription, although a physician's consultation is recommended. Some methods of contraception can have side effects and risks, especially those which are not used correctly or consistently.