Birth Control Problem Set

Problem 9: Most Popular Method of Birth Control in the United States

Tutorial to help answer this question

Which of the following methods of birth control is the most popular in the United States?

A. Sterilization

B. The Pill

C. Diaphragm

Tutorial

Sterilization

Tubal ligation and vasectomy are surgical procedures that permanently render a person infertile or sterile. They are the most popular methods of birth control in the United States. These are very effective methods, but must be considered permanent and irreversible.

Tubal ligation

Female sterilization or tubal ligation is the surgical cutting and tying of the fallopian tubes. This surgical procedure requires full anesthesia.

It works by preventing the egg from traveling to the uterus and becoming fertilized.

Vasectomy

Male sterilization or vasectomy is a simple procedure in which a piece of each vas deferens is cut out just above the epididymis and the cut ends are tied. This procedure is normally done under local anesthetic in the doctor's office.

Because the sperm stored in the epididymis can no longer flow through the vas deferens, the man's ejaculate does not contain sperm.

The Biology Project
University of Arizona
Tuesday, February 10, 1998
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