In the last century, all-around developments in several fields led to improved quality of life worldwide. However, it also led to an exponential increase in the world’s population. Population numbers have skyrocketed from 6 billion to 7.2 billion people in 2011 and are still rising. Such an alarming growth rate can cause absolute scarcity of basic facilities such as food and shelter.
Individuals and organisations should invest in birth control and contraceptive methods to overcome this problem. The ideal birth control or contraceptive method should be user-friendly, effective, readily available, and reversible with no or least side effects. Examples of birth control include natural or traditional methods, barrier methods, IUDs, oral contraceptive methods, injectables, implants, and surgical methods.
Birth control methods
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Natural methods
These methods work solely on making sure the sperm and the ovum never meet. Natural methods of birth control include:
- Safe period (rhythm method): In this method, couples are advised to avoid coitus from the 10th to the 17th day of menstruation, a few days before and after ovulation.
- Withdrawal or coitus interruption method: The male withdraws his penis from the vagina just before ejaculation. This is the method of birth control used for a long time.
- Lactational amenorrhoea: Just after parturition or childbirth, there is a period of absence of menstruation known as amenorrhoea. It is marked by intense lactation. Chances of conception are very low during this time. This method is effective only for six months after childbirth.
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Barrier methods
These are the mechanical methods through which the sperm and ovum are prevented from coming into physical contact.
- Condom: It is a tubular sheath of latex worn around the penis. A condom helps in trapping the sperm after ejaculation during coitus. This device also protects against AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Fem shield: This female condom is a polyurethane pouch with a ring at both ends. This device covers the genitalia and vagina. It also protects against STDs.
- Diaphragm: This is a vaginal barrier. It is inserted into the vagina and fitted over the cervix to prevent the sperms from entering the uterus.
- Cervical cap: This is a rubber nipple fitted over the cervix preventing the entry of sperm into the uterus.
- Vault cap: This cap is a semicircular dome-shaped rubber or plastic device. It is fitted over the vaginal vault on the cervix before intercourse.
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Chemical methods
Contraceptives in the form of creams, jellies, pastes, foams, tablets, and so on are chemical methods of birth control. They contain spermicides like lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium permanganate. Application of spermicidal creams over vagina before coitus kills ejaculated sperms.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
A doctor inserts these intrauterine (within the uterus) contraceptive devices. They are made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both. Depending upon the shape, they come in three types:
- Inert IUDs: These are made of polyethylene with barium sulfate or stainless steel – for example, Lippes loop. They work on the below principle –
- Impairing the sperm ascent.
- Quick tubal motility causes premature migration of fertilised egg into the uterus before it is ready to accept.
- Biological changes that have a spermicidal effect.
- Copper T: This device has a slow diffusing copper unit in ionised form. The copper aids in suppressing sperm motility and its fertilising capacity. Examples include CuT, CuT 380, Multiload 375.
- Hormone releasing IUDs: These devices make the cervix hostile to the sperm and the uterus unsuitable for implantation. Examples are Progestasert and LNG 20.
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Contraceptives
These devices prevent pregnancy without interfering with the normal reproductive health of individuals.
- Oral contraceptive pills: Oral administration of small doses of progestogen or oestrogen-progestogen is a popular contraceptive method for women. This pill is taken for 21 days starting from the 5th day of the menstrual cycle and repeated with a gap of seven days. Examples include Saheli and Mala D.
- Contraceptive injections: Women can take progestogens or a combination of oestrogen-progestogen through injections.
- Subcutaneous implant: This matchstick-shaped implant is surgically inserted under the skin. It releases a continuous dose of synthetic progesterone that causes the cervix to generate a thick mucus that blocks the entry of sperms.
- Emergency contraceptives: These include injections, hormone-releasing IUDs, and pills. They can be used to avoid pregnancy in extreme cases such as rape.
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Surgical methods
- Vasectomy: This procedure involves the surgical cutting and sealing of each vas deferens (sperm duct) in males. This prevents the sperm from reaching the urethra. The semen of males who have undergone vasectomy does not contain sperm.
- Tubectomy: This involves the surgical removal of a small part of the fallopian tube in females. It prevents the ovulated egg from reaching the uterus.
Conclusion
According to a recent United Nations report, half of the world’s population uses contraceptives, while one in three choose sterilisation. The choice of one’s birth control methods should be made after consulting doctors or family planning centres. Most centres offer consultations for free.
MTP or Medical Termination of Pregnancy is considered the last step of birth control since there is a complete abortion of the foetus. MTPs are done in the case of unprotected coitus, contraceptive failure, pregnancy due to rape, or when the pregnancy may threaten the foetus, mother, or both.