Contraception

Preventing pregnancy
• Contraception (which literally
means against conceiving) is
defined as deliberately
preventing pregnancy.
• Using contraception allows a
couple to choose when to have
children and is an essential part
of family planning
Contraception may depend on:
• An understanding of the body’s natural cycles (rhythm method)
• A physical barrier between ovum and sperm (condom)
• A chemical (pill, spermicide)
• Surgical procedure (vasectomy)
The rhythm method: natural contraception
• Couples who use the rhythm
method avoid having intercourse
during the fertile period. Instead
they wait for the safe period, when
fertilization is unlikely to result.
There are several methods of
working out the time of ovulation:
• Calendar method
• Temperature method
• Mucus method
Male contraceptive method
• Withdrawal (coitus interruptus)
• Vasectomy
• Condom or sheath
Female contraceptive methods
• Female sterilization
• The oviducts are tied and cut during
an operation, released ova cannot
reach the part pf oviduct where
sperm are present
• A permanent method which is 100%
reliable
• Female sterilization is difficult to
reverse and should only be
considered by couples who are sure
that they do not want any more
 Female contraceptive methods
• IUD (intrauterine device) or coil
• This is a plastic – coated copper coil
which may be left in the uterus for
months or even for years. Strings
attached to the lower end allow the coil
to be removed via the vagina.
• Quite reliable, particularly for women
who have already had children
• Irritates the lining of the uterus do that
implantation of the zygote does not
occur.
Female contraceptive methods
• The contraceptive pill
• There are two kind of
contraceptive pill. The mini-pill
contains progestogen (synthetic
progesterone) which causes
changes in the uterus lining so
that implantation of zygote is
difficult.
• The combined pill contains
oestrogen and progestogen and
prevents ovulation
 Female contraceptive methods
• The contraceptive pill
• Almost 100% reliable if used according to
instructions.
• Diarrhea or vomiting can remove the pill
from the gut before it has been absorbed
fully, reducing its effectiveness.
• A capsule inserted just beneath the skin
release progestogen over a 3 or 4 month
period. This is useful for women who
might forget to take the contraceptive
pill.
 Female contraceptive methods
• Morning – after contraception pill
• These are pills used after intercourse has
taken place. They are not for regular use,
but a doctor might prescribe them if there
is a risk of unwanted pregnancy which
might lead to an abortion at a later date.
• The morning – after pill contains hormones
which cause the uterus lining to be shed. It
is taken 48-71 hours after intercourse. A coil
fitted within 72 – 96 hours of intercourse
usually prevents pregnancy as well.
 Female contraceptive methods
• Diaphragm or cap
• A thin rubber barrier with a springy
outer ring to ensure a close fit.
Prevents sperm from entering the
uterus.
• Very reliable if properly fitted and used
with a spermicide
• Correct size must be used – requires a
trial fitting at a family planning clinic
• Must be fitted before intercourse and
remain in place for 6 hours afterwards
 Female contraceptive methods
• Spermicide
• A chemical, applied as
a cream, gel or foam,
which kills sperm.
• Very unreliable on its
own but makes barrier
methods of
contraception more
effective.
Female contraceptive methods

• Female condom or
femidom
• thin sheath which lines the
vagina, and prevents entry of
sperm. The closed end has a
ring to make fitting easier,
and the ring at the open end
lies flat against the labia.
Which method is best?
• The table here
compares the
failure rates of the
different methods
in the form of HWY,
the number of
pregnancies likely if
a Hundred Women
used the same
method for one
Year: