Different contraceptives use different mechanisms to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and diseases. These mechanisms include: stopping ovulation (when the ovaries release an egg); blocking the sperm from reaching the egg; thickening of the cervical mucus in order to prohibit sperm from entering the uterus; completely blocking the sperm before it enters the vagina, and permanently blocking the channel through which the eggs and sperm meet.

Read our blog “How do contraceptives actually work” for more details.