Contraception is a sure-way to avoid unplanned pregnancy. Contraceptives depend on a woman’s overall health, age, sexual activity, and family history of certain illness. Consulting a doctor is important if you are unsure of the type of contraceptive method for you and your partner. Some contraceptive methods carry heath risks and many side effects.
Types of Contraception
The contraceptives re categorized into 4 categories based on the methods it provides protection from.
They are:
Barrier Methods
Hormonal Methods
Intra-Uterine Methods
Sterilization
1. Barrier Methods
These methods prevent sperm from entering the uterus. They are removable and are one of the most preferable methods of contraception. There are 6 different types of barrier methods that you can choose from-
a) Male condoms.
Condoms are thin casing that covers the penis and collects sperm thereby preventing it from entering the vagina. Male condoms are made of latex or polyurethane, but a natural substitute is also present – lambskin. Latex or polyurethane condoms not only help in preventing the pregnancy but also reduce the risk of transmitting Sexually Transmitted Diseases to the partner while the condoms made of lambskin do not prevent STDs. These are disposable and should be disposable after a single use.
b) Female condoms.
Female condoms are thin, flexible plastic pouches which are closed at one end and open at other. A portion of the condom is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The female condom also reduces the risk of STDs. Female condoms are not that preferable because many people complaint of noise during penetration and decreased quality of sex when the woman uses this condom. Like male condoms, female condoms are also a single use only.
c) Diaphragms.
Diaphragms are shallow, flexible cups made of latex or soft rubber and are slotted into the vagina before intercourse. It obstructs sperm from entering the uterus. They are always coated with a layer of spermicidal cream or jelly. The diaphragm should not be removed at-least until 6 to 8 hours after intercourse to prevent pregnancy, but should be removed within 24 hours. If using traditional latex diaphragms, then they should be of the correct size to work effectively. Diaphragms should be replaced every 1.5-2 years and the women should be again measured after a child birth or having a pelvic surgery or when they gain or lose more than 12 pounds.
d) Cervical caps.
These are similar to diaphragms, but smaller,inflexible, and less conspicuous. They are thin silicone cups that are inserted into the vagina before intercourse to block sperm from entering the uterus. The cap must remain inside the vagina for 6 to 8 hours after intercourse to prevent pregnancy, but should be removed within 48 hours. Cervical caps also come in different sizes and a health care provider determines the proper fit. With proper and necessary care, a cervical cap can be used for 2 years before replacement.
e) Contraceptive sponges.
These are soft, one-use, spermicide-filled foam sponges. Inserted into the vagina before intercourse. The sponge obstructs sperm from entering the uterus and spermicide kills the sperm cells. The sponge should be left in vagina for at least 6 hours after intercourse but should be removed within 30 hours.
f) Spermicides.
A spermicide, as the name suggests it destroys sperm. A spermicide can be either used alone or in combination with a diaphragm or cervical cap. The most common spermicidal agent is a chemical called N-9; which is available in numerous concentrations and forms viz., foam, jelly, cream, suppository, and a film. A spermicide is inserted into the vagina, very close to the uterus only 30 minutes prior to intercourse and left inside for about 6 to 8 hours after intercourse to prevent pregnancy. These cannot help against prevention of STDs and can cause allergic reactions or sometimes vaginitis
2. Hormonal Methods
Hormonal methods of birth control use hormones to regulate or stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy. These methods also help in regulating periods for the women who have thin bleeding or irregular periods.Hormonal methods are introduced into the body through several methods, including pills, injections, skin patches, transdermal gels, vaginal rings, intrauterine systems, and implantable rods. These methods can prevent ovulation or thicken cervical mucus thereby blocking sperm from reaching the egg.
a) Combined oral contraceptives (“The Pill”).
Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) contain diverse combinations of the synthetic estrogens and progestins and interfere with ovulation. These pills are to be taken one per day, preferably at the same time. Many types of oral contraceptives are available, and a doctor determines one according to the woman’s needs. Use of COC pills is not recommended for women who smoke, are more than 35 years or who has high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, or a history of breast, liver, or endometrial cancer. It’s also known for easing hot flashes and restoring regular periods.
b) Progestin-only pills (POPs).
POPs are also commonly called as “Mini Pills”. One pill daily at the same time is to be taken for this pill to be effective. Mini pills impede ovulation or sperm function and cervical mucus, making it tough for sperm to swim into the uterus.These pills modify the normal cyclic changes in the uterus and may result in unscheduled bleeding. They are safe for smokers, diabetics, and also heart disease patients, as well as those at high risk for blood clots. These pills can also be taken by lactating mothers as it doesn’t reduce the milk supply.
c) Contraceptive patch.
Contraceptive patches are thin, plastic patches that stick to the skin of lower abdomen, buttocks, outer arms or upper body. A patch is applied once a week for 3 weeks, and no patch is used on the fourth week to permit menstruation.
d) Injectable birth control.
This method comprisesa shot of progestin, given either in the arm or buttocks of the woman once every 3 months. This is also one of the preferred methods of birth control. The shot causes a temporary loss of bone density, which is regained after ceasing use of the DMPA. Women using injectable birth control methods should eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D or take vitamin supplements while using this medication.
e) Vaginal rings.
The vaginal rings are thin, flexible, and approximately 2 inches in diameter. It delivers a mixture of a synthetic estrogen and a progestin. The ring is introduced into the vagina, where it incessantly releases hormones for about 3 weeks. The woman has to remove it for the fourth week and reinserts a new ring after an interval of 7 days.
f) Implantable rods.
Implantable rods areplastic, matchstick-sized and malleable. It is surgically insertedunder the skin of the upper arm, where it releases progestin and can remain implanted for about 5 years.
g) Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs).
These are hormonal pills, taken either in a single dose or in two doses about 12 hours apart, in the event of an unprotected intercourse. If taken preceding ovulation, these pills delay or inhibit ovulation for at least 5 days to allow the sperm to become inactive. They also cause condensing of the cervical mucus and obstruct the sperm function. These pills cannot be substituted as a regular contraceptive method and should be only used in emergencies immediately after a semen exposure. But, if the pills are taken after ovulation then there are risks of pregnancy.
3. Intrauterine Methods
An Intra Uterine Device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that is implanted by the doctor into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. An IUD can remain and can function effectively for many years at a time. After the recommended length of time, or when the woman no longer desires contraception, IUD is then removed by the doctor.
a) Copper IUD
Copper IUD releases almost negligible amount of copper into the uterus that cause an inflammation which prevents sperm from fertilizing the egg or the fertilized egg to get implanted on the uterine wall. These IUDs can remain in the body for about 12 years. A copper IUD is not endorsed for women who are pregnant, or have pelvic infections or a history of uterine perforations that might have happenedpreceding IUD insertions, or women who are suffering from uterine or cervical cancers, excessive bleeding or pelvic tuberculosis.
b) Hormonal IUD
Hormonal IUD releases a progestin into the uterus, causing thickening of the cervical mucus which inhibits the sperm from reaching or fertilizing the egg. It also thins the uterine lining and in some cases also prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. Hormonal IUDs can be used for about 5 years.
4. Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent birth control that prevents a woman from getting pregnant or prevents the releasing of sperm in a man. It is done surgically by only a licensed practitioner. There are 3 types of sterilization methods.
a) Sterilization implant
Itis a nonsurgical method of sterilization used for permanently obstructing the fallopian tubes. A thin tube is threaded through the vagina into the uterus to plant a soft, flexible implant into each fallopian tube. A scar tissue forms within the 3 months of placing the implant which blocks the fallopian tubes. Until the scar tissue is completely formed a back-up contraceptive method is to be used.
b) Tubal ligation
Tubal Ligation is surgically performed in which the doctor either cuts, ties or seals the fallopian tubes thereby blocking the path of ovaries and uterus. Neither the egg can reach the uterus nor does sperm fertilize the egg.
c) Vasectomy
It is again a surgical procedure performed on men that cuts, closes, or blocks the vas deferens blocking the trail between the testes and the urethra. It takes about 3 months for the vas deferens to be completely sealed.
By: Archa Dave
