Unintended pregnancies are
pregnancies that are mistimed, unplanned or unwanted at the time of
conception. Unintended pregnancy mainly results from engaging in
vaginal sexual activity without the use of
contraception, or due to incorrect use of a contraceptive method, but may also arise from the failure of the contraception method when used correctly to prevent pregnancy. Available contraception methods include use of
birth control pills, a
condom,
intrauterine device (IUD, IUC, IUS),
contraceptive implant (implanon/
nexplanon), hormonal
patch, hormonal
ring,
cervical caps,
diaphragms,
spermicides, or
sterilization. Women choose to use a contraceptive method based on method efficacy, medical considerations, side effects, convenience, availability, friends' or family members' experience, religious views, and many other factors. Some cultures limit or discourage access to birth control because they consider it to be morally or politically undesirable. Unintended pregnancies
may also result from rape,
incest or various other forms of
forced or unwanted sex.