Deutsch: Empfängnisverhütung / Español: Mêtodo anticonceptivo / Português: Contracepção / Français: Contraception / Italiano: Contraccezione

A contraceptive is preventing conception and pregnancy.

Birth control, also known as contraception and fertility control, are methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. Planning, provision and use of birth control is called family planning. Safe sex, such as the use of male or female condoms, can also help prevent sexually transmitted infections. Birth control methods have been used since ancient times, but effective and safe methods only became available in the 20th century.

In the context of the environment, contraceptives are substances or methods that are used to prevent pregnancy. Contraceptives can be used to help control population growth, which can have an impact on the environment by reducing the demand for resources such as food, water, and energy. Some common types of contraceptives include birth control pills, condoms, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). These methods can be effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and can help to reduce the burden on the environment. However, some contraceptives, such as hormonal birth control pills, can have negative environmental impacts, such as the release of synthetic hormones into the water supply through the urine of users.