Birth control refers to a conscious decision that sexually active couples make to prevent unwanted pregnancy . The decision may result from personal situations or medical conditions. Some forms of birth control keep the sperm from fertilizing an egg. Other forms keep the fertilized egg from being implanted.
Many couples choose a natural method because of religious or personal beliefs.
The penis is withdrawn from the vagina before the male ejaculates. This method has a high failure rate because sperm may enter the vagina before the penis is removed. This involves flushing the vagina with a liquid. This method is not very effective. Many sperm continue up to the ovary and can fertilize the egg.