Contraception

Table of Contents

• What is Contraception?
• Types of Contraception

Contraception is an artificial method or technique, mainly used to prevent pregnancy as a consequence of sexual intercourse. When a sperm reaches the ova in a woman, she may become pregnant. Contraception is a method that prevents this phenomenon by:

• Stopping egg production.
• Keeping the egg distinct from the sperm.
• By stopping the fertilized egg from attaching to the lining of the womb.

There are around fifteen to twenty different types or methods of contraception. Here, let us learn about the safest 3 methods of contraception.

Hormonal Contraception

It is a birth control method that acts on an endocrine system. It is composed of steroid hormones that comprise both oral and injectable methods. It is proved to be highly effective when taken on a prescribed schedule. The methods that are available currently can be used only by women. Some of the different methods of hormonal contraception include patches, IUD, implants, oral pills, injections and a vaginal ring.

There are two types of oral birth control pills. The progestogen: is only pills and the combined oral contraceptive pills. Both pills help to prevent fertilization. It is prevented mainly by thickening cervical mucus and inhibiting ovulation. If any of the pills are taken during pregnancy, there would be no miscarriages or cause any kind of birth defects.

Barrier

Barrier contraceptives are devices that are used to prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the uterus. Some of them include female condoms, male condoms, contraceptive sponges with spermicide, diaphragms and cervical caps. Among them the most common birth control methods are condoms. They help in protecting against HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Most modern condoms are made up of latex.

Contraceptive sponges with spermicide give the best barrier protection method. The spermicide kills most of the sperm entering the vagina. Then the remaining sperms are blocked from passing through the cervix to fertilize an egg.

Emergency Contraceptive

Emergency contraceptive is medications that primarily prevent fertilization or ovulation. There are lots of options namely mifepristone, ulipristal, levonorgestrel and high dosage control pills. Well, these methods do not affect the rates of sexually transmitted diseases, condom use, sexual risk-taking behaviour and pregnancy rates. All methods consist of minimum side effects.

Stay tuned with BYJU’S to know more in detail about contraception.