The contraceptive methods can be broadly classified into the following categories:
1. Natural method: It involves avoiding the chances of the meeting of sperms and ovum. In this method, the sexual act is avoided from day 10th to 17th of the menstrual cycle because, during this period, ovulation is expected, and therefore, the chances of fertilization are very high.
2. Barrier method: In this method, the fertilization of the ovum and sperm is prevented with the help of barriers. Barriers are available for both males and females. Condoms are barriers made of thin rubber that are used to cover the penis in males and vagina in females.
3. Oral contraceptives: In this method, tablets or drugs are taken orally. These contain small doses of hormones that prevent the release of eggs and thus fertilization cannot occur.
4. Implants and surgical methods: Contraceptive devices such as the loop or Copper-T are placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Some surgical methods can also be used to block the gamete transfer. It includes the blocking of vas deferens to prevent the transfer of sperms known as vasectomy. Similarly, the fallopian tubes of the female can be blocked so that the egg will not reach the uterus known as tubectomy.
Figure : Copper-T
Advantages of contraceptive method-
(i) It prevents the fertilization of egg and sperm, thereby avoiding the chances of getting unwanted pregnancy.
(ii) Using barrier methods like condom protects the persons involved in a sexual relationship from sexually transmitted diseases.
(iii) It controls an increase in population or birth rate.