Methods of Contraception and Contraceptives: Preventing Unwanted Pregnancies

Welcome to your comprehensive revision notes on methods of contraception and contraceptives! Understanding how to prevent pregnancy is crucial for responsible sexual health. There are various methods of contraception available, each with its own way of working and level of effectiveness. Let’s explore these options.

Understanding Methods of Contraception

Methods of contraception, also known as birth control, are techniques or devices used to prevent pregnancy. These methods work by interfering with different stages of the reproductive process, such as preventing the release of an egg, preventing sperm from reaching the egg, or preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg.

We can categorize methods of contraception into several types:

1. Natural Methods:

These methods involve avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period of a woman’s menstrual cycle when conception is most likely to occur. These methods are generally less reliable than other forms of contraception.

• Rhythm Method (Calendar Method): This involves tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle to predict when ovulation (release of an egg) is likely to occur and avoiding unprotected sex during that time. Its effectiveness is low due to the variability of menstrual cycles.
• Withdrawal Method (Coitus Interruptus): This involves the male partner withdrawing his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. It is unreliable because pre-ejaculatory fluid can contain sperm.
• Basal Body Temperature Method: This involves tracking a woman’s body temperature, which slightly rises after ovulation. Unprotected sex is avoided during and after the temperature rise.
• Cervical Mucus Method (Billings Method): This involves observing changes in cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle to identify the fertile period.

2. Barrier Methods:

These contraceptives physically prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

• Male Condoms: These are thin latex or polyurethane sheaths that are worn over the penis during sexual intercourse. They collect semen and prevent sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy and also offer protection against many sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Female Condoms (Femidoms): These are pouches made of thin plastic that are inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. They also prevent sperm from entering the uterus and offer some protection against STIs.
• Diaphragm and Cervical Cap: These are dome-shaped or thimble-shaped rubber or silicone devices that are inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. They are used with spermicide (a chemical that kills sperm) and need to be fitted by a healthcare provider. They are less effective than condoms and do not offer significant protection against STIs.

3. Hormonal Methods:

These contraceptives use hormones (estrogen and/or progestin) to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus (making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg), or thin the lining of the uterus (making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant).

• Oral Contraceptive Pills (The Pill): These are pills taken daily that contain synthetic hormones. They are highly effective when taken correctly and consistently. There are different types of pills, including combination pills (containing both estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills.
• Contraceptive Patch (Ortho Evra): This is a sticky patch that is applied to the skin and releases hormones into the bloodstream. It is replaced weekly for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week for menstruation.
• Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing): This is a flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina and releases hormones. It is left in place for three weeks and then removed for one week to allow for menstruation.
• Contraceptive Injection (Depo-Provera): This is an injection of progestin given every three months by a healthcare provider. It is a highly effective method.
• Contraceptive Implant (Nexplanon): This is a small, thin rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a healthcare provider. It releases progestin and can prevent pregnancy for up to three years.
• Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) (Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, Liletta): These are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. They release a small amount of progestin, which thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining. They are very effective and can last for several years.

4. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs):

These are small devices inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider.

• Copper IUD (ParaGard): This type of IUD does not contain hormones. It has copper wire wrapped around it, which is toxic to sperm and prevents fertilization. It is very effective and can last for up to 10 years.

5. Surgical Methods (Sterilization):

These are permanent methods of contraception that involve a surgical procedure to prevent the release of eggs or sperm.

• Vasectomy (for Men): This is a minor surgical procedure where the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from the testes) are cut or blocked, preventing sperm from being released in semen. It is highly effective and considered permanent.
• Tubal Ligation (for Women): This is a surgical procedure where the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked to prevent eggs from traveling to the uterus and sperm from reaching the egg. It is highly effective and generally considered permanent.

6. Emergency Contraception:

This is used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It is most effective when used as soon as possible after intercourse.

• Emergency Contraceptive Pills (Morning-after Pill): These pills contain a higher dose of hormones than regular birth control pills. They can prevent or delay ovulation, prevent fertilization, or prevent implantation. Different types are available, some are effective up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex, and others up to 5 days (120 hours).

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Contraceptive:

Choosing the right method of contraception depends on various factors, including:

• Effectiveness: How well does the method prevent pregnancy?
• Protection against STIs: Does the method offer protection against sexually transmitted infections? (Only condoms do this effectively).
• Side Effects: What are the potential side effects of the contraceptive?
• Ease of Use: How easy is it to use the contraceptive correctly and consistently?
• Cost: What is the cost of the contraceptive (including any doctor visits or prescriptions)?
• Long-term vs. Short-term Use: Is it a method for long-term or short-term use?
• Personal Preferences and Lifestyle: Does the method fit your lifestyle and personal preferences?

It is important to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable method of contraception for your individual needs and circumstances.

Conclusion:

There are many effective methods of contraception available to prevent unwanted pregnancies. These range from barrier methods like condoms to hormonal methods like the pill and long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs and implants. Surgical sterilization offers a permanent option. Choosing the right method involves considering various factors and often a discussion with a healthcare professional.