Birth Control

Birth control is the practice of reducing the chance of fertilisation occurring.

Types of Contraception

Contraception refers to the methods used to prevent pregnancy. Different types of contraception work in different ways, such as stopping the release of eggs, preventing sperm from reaching the egg, or stopping a fertilised egg from implanting. Contraception also allows individuals to plan families and can reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in some cases. There are several types of contraception, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Natural Contraception

• Involves avoiding intercourse on the days immediately before or after ovulation (usually days 12–16 of a normal cycle).
• Methods include:
  1. Monitoring body temperature, which rises slightly at ovulation.
  2. Observing changes in cervical mucus (becomes clearer and slippery at ovulation).
  3. Using the rhythm method, predicting ovulation based on previous menstrual cycles.

Mechanical Contraception

• It involves using physical barriers to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
• Examples include:
  • Condoms: Placed over the penis to catch sperm during intercourse.
  • Diaphragms: Dome-shaped devices that are fitted into the vagina to block sperm.
  • Caps: Small rubber devices that cover the cervix.
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Placed in the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilised egg.

Chemical Contraception

• It involves using spermicides or hormones.
• Examples include:
  • The contraceptive pill: Contains a combination of oestrogen and progesterone, which prevent eggs from forming.
  • Spermicides: Chemicals that kill sperm. Often used with mechanical methods.

Surgical Contraception

• It involves sterilisation of the male or female reproductive systems.
• Examples include: 4. Female sterilisation: Cutting or tying the fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. 5. Vasectomy: Cutting the sperm ducts in males. The male can continue to ejaculate, but the semen does not contain sperm.

Effectiveness of Birth Control

• Sterilisation is the only method that is 100% effective.
• All other methods carry some level of failure.