Question

what do you know about Birth Control and briefly the different methods of Birth Control? Please explain to me every single step in detail because I don't understand. Thank you!

Answer 1

Birth control refers to the use of certain devices, drugs or surgical procedures in both males and females, to prevent conception or pregnancy.l

Birth Control methods:

Behavioural methods:

Behavioural methods depend on a good knowledge of the menstrual
cycle as well as adequate self control by the couple.

• Coitus Interruptus:

Coitus interruptus means 'interrupted sex". In this birth control method, the penis' is withdrawn from the vagina' just before ejaculation.

• Rhythm method or Safe Period:

Method requires a good knowledge of the female partner's menstrual cycle to identify the days on which sexual intercourse is possible without the risk of pregnancy.

Barrier methods:

In barrier methods of birth control, a barrier is placed between the penis' and the vagina' during intercourse so that the sperm cannot meet the ovum for fertilization.

• Male Condoms:,

usually made of latex that covers the erect male organ during sexual intercourse.

• Female Condoms:

made of polyurethrane, loose sheath with two rings on either side .can be inserted about 8 hours prior to sexual intercourse and can be kept in for about another 12 hours after intercourse. Can be used more than once during this period.

Condoms protect against pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS.

• Diaphragm: vaginal

a small saucer shaped rubber sheath with a metal coil in its rim which is fitted across the mouth of the uterus (cervix).

• Cervical Cap:

The cervical cap is a small dome-shaped rubber device fitted on the cervix. It is uncomfortable to apply and is rarely used nowadays.

Hormonal Methods:

Drugs are used to either prevent ovulation or to prevent implantation of the embryo after fertilization.

• Combined oral contraceptives contains two hormones similar to the natural hormones in a woman‘s body---an estrogen and a progestin

Mainly work by preventing ovulation. In a normal menstrual cycle, the pituitary gland secretes the hormones FSH and LH to stimulate the ovary to release an egg ('ovulation"). Progesterone in pills make the cervical mucus hostile to the sperm.

• Causes changes that make the endometrium unreceptive to a fertilized ovum if ovulation and fertilization do take place.

• Oral Contraceptive pills:

Combined oral contraceptive pills or birth control pills contain two hormones - estrogen and progesterone. They have two functions. The main one is to prevent ovulation. The second function is to disrupt the normal growth of the internal uterine lining (endometrium) so that the embryo cannot implant in it.

•  Subdermal Implants:

The Norplant is a Implant system set of six small plastic capsules. Capsules placed under the skin of a woman‘s upper arm.

Norplant capsules contain aprogestin, similar to natural hormone that a woman‘s body makes.It is released very slowly from all six capsules. Thus the capsules supply a steady, very low dose. Norplant implants contain no estrogen. dose.

Norplant implants contain no estrogen.
Norplant capsules thicken cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to pass through. It stops ovulation (release of eggs from ovaries) in about half of the menstrual cycles after the first year of use.

• Emergency Oral Contraception

After unprotected sex, emergency oral contraception can prevent pregnancy. Sometimes called postcoital or morning after‘ contraception. Mainly stops ovulation

Regular use of emergency contraceptives has serious health hazards.

Vaginal Pessaries, Tablets, Creams or Foams:

These contain spermicides which are toxic to the sperm and should be inserted into the vaginal canal just before coitus. Their advantages are that they are easy to apply, do not interfere with coitus and act as lubricants. Disadvantage is that they are not very effective always

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

IUDs are small T-shaped devices that are planted in the uterus. There are two types of IUDs-

Copper IUD– Releases small amounts of copper in the uterus which prevents sperms from reaching the ovary.

Hormonal IUD– Releases progestin in the body which prevents the formulation of eggs.

Surgical Methods

Both men and women could be surgically operated to prevent fertilization. For women, the process is called Tubal ligation and for men, it is called Vasectomy.

In tubal ligation, the fallopian tube is either cut or sealed so that eggs do not reach the uterus at all.

Vasectomy involves the cutting and sealing of the vas deferens so that the sperms do not enter the ejaculation stream.