Contraception refers to methods used to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.
Types of Contraception
1. Natural Methods
- Rhythm Method (Calendar Method) – Avoiding intercourse during the fertile period.
- Withdrawal Method (Coitus Interruptus) – Ejaculation outside the vagina.
- Lactational Amenorrhea – Natural infertility during exclusive breastfeeding.
- Basal Body Temperature Method – Detecting ovulation through temperature changes.
- Cervical Mucus Method – Monitoring changes in mucus consistency.
Effectiveness: Moderate (Failure rate 15-25%).
2. Barrier Methods
- Male Condoms – Prevents sperm entry into the female reproductive tract.
- Female Condoms – Worn inside the vagina.
- Diaphragm & Cervical Cap – Dome-shaped devices covering the cervix.
- Spermicides (Foams, Gels, Suppositories) – Kill sperm before fertilization.
Effectiveness: 70-98% (Best when combined with spermicides).
3. Hormonal Contraception
- Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (COCs)
- Contain estrogen + progesterone
- Suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus
- Taken daily for 21 days + 7-day pill-free period
- Progestin-Only Pills (Mini-Pill)
- Suitable for breastfeeding women
- Must be taken daily at the same time
- Injectable Contraceptives (Depo-Provera, DMPA)
- Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) 150 mg IM every 3 months
- Inhibits ovulation and thickens cervical mucus
- Implants (Norplant, Jadelle, Nexplanon)
- Subdermal rod releasing progestin for 3-5 years
- High effectiveness (Failure rate <1%)
- Emergency Contraception (Postcoital Pills, Morning-After Pill)
- Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg single dose
- Effective within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse
Effectiveness: 91-99% (Depending on consistency of use).
4. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
- Copper IUD (Cu-T 380A, Multiload IUD)
- Creates hostile environment for sperm & prevents implantation
- Effective for 10 years
- Hormonal IUD (Mirena, LNG-IUS)
- Releases levonorgestrel, thickens cervical mucus, inhibits ovulation
- Effective for 5 years
Effectiveness: 98-99%.
5. Permanent Methods (Sterilization)
- Female Sterilization (Tubal Ligation, Salpingectomy)
- Fallopian tubes cut or blocked to prevent sperm-egg interaction.
- Male Sterilization (Vasectomy)
- Vas deferens cut and sealed, preventing sperm release.
Effectiveness: 99.9% (Permanent).
Advantages & Disadvantages of Contraceptive Methods
|
Method |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Natural Methods |
No side effects, acceptable for religious reasons |
High failure rate, requires discipline |
|
Barrier Methods |
Protects against STDs, easily available |
May reduce pleasure, requires proper use |
|
Hormonal Methods |
Highly effective, regulates cycles |
Side effects (weight gain, nausea, mood changes) |
|
IUDs |
Long-term protection, reversible |
Can cause pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID) |
|
Permanent Methods |
Permanent, no maintenance |
Irreversible, requires surgery |
Emergency Contraception
- Used in cases of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.
- Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg within 72 hours.
- Not a regular contraceptive method.
Complications & Side Effects of Contraception
- Oral Pills → Nausea, headache, breast tenderness, thromboembolism.
- IUDs → Pelvic pain, increased menstrual bleeding, risk of infection.
- Sterilization → Surgical complications, irreversible.
