Contraception is the method of birth control used by adults to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The Methods of Contraception works in various ways like preventing the fusion of sperms and eggs, ultimately preventing fertilization. Our ancestors too used the Methods of Contraception abundantly but the safe and effective methods were introduced in the 20th Century. Some cultures discourage the use of Methods of Contraception because they consider them unethical and morally undesirable.
Behavioural Methods of Contraception Examples
The Examples of Behavioural Methods of Contraception are as follows: –
1) Continuous Abstinence: The method of Abstinence refers to the complete avoidance of coitus. It is 100 % effective in preventing pregnancy and is encouraged by many cultural groups. It also has no hormonal side effects and prevents STDs. It may be difficult for couples, so they should discuss it mutually before adopting it.
2) Coitus Interruptus: Withdrawal of the whole penis from the vagina before the discharge sperms from the penis, i.e., ejaculation is called Coitus Interruptus. Its effectiveness generally depends upon the male to withdraw his penis before ejaculation. Generally, its failure rate varies from 4 % to 19 %. It can be used at any time as it does not require any specific chemical or device. It also does not require any money. The risk of getting STDs and unwanted pregnancies is high.
3) Natural Family Planning(NFP): This method includes periodic abstinence (no coitus) with couples trying to avoid sexual intercourse during a female’s fertile period. It is taught by the Couple to Couple League and many teaching organizations. The current method is the sympto thermal method. Females using this method feel the changes in their basal body temperature and cervical mucus. It is approximately 99 % effective in avoiding pregnancy and does not have any harmful side effects. The only major disadvantage is that it can be only used by females with regular menstrual cycles.
What are the Permanent Methods of Contraception?
Many people have an eagerness and curiosity to know what are the permanent methods of contraception. So, the permanent methods of contraception are:
1) Vasectomy: In this method, the doctor makes an incision in the scrotal sac and closes the ends of the vas deferens permanently. It is very effective with a failure rate of 0.1 %. It does not protect from STDs and may cause complications like infections, hematoma, etc.
2) Tubal Occlusion: In this method, the passage of eggs is obstructed through the application of many devices like bands, rings, clips, etc. The failure rate lies between 2 % to 3.7 %.
3) Tubal Ligation: The fallopian tubes are cut and sutured in this method to prevent egg movement for fertilization. The failure rate lies between 0.8 % to 2%.
4) Electrocoagulation: In this method, the part of the fallopian tube is burnt using bipolar low voltage current resulting in the clotting of the damaged part and prevention of fertilization. The failure rate is 2.5 %.
5) Essure System: In this method, a microinsert is placed inside the fallopian tube through the vagina with the help of a tube for preventing fertilization.
The advantages of the above methods from 2) to 4) are:
1) They do not require the use of any hormone.
2) They require one day for completion.
3) There is no change in the menstrual cycle, libido, or lactation.
The disadvantages of the above methods from 2) to 4) are:
1) They are irreversible processes. So, people may regret using them.
2) They also include the risk of surgery as they involve general anesthesia.
3) They do not prevent STDs.
What are the Emergency Methods of Contraception?
The Emergency Methods of Contraception are as follows:
1) Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs):In this method, copper-bearing IUDs are inserted into females within 5 days of unprotected coitus. It is approximately 99 % effective in preventing pregnancy and is a safe method. It cannot be used as a contraception method by a pregnant woman.
2) Pills: Emergency Contraception pills (ECPs) and Combined Oral Contraceptive pills (COCs) are the drugs used in this method for preventing pregnancy. Its failure rate lies between 1.2 % to 2.1%. There are some side effects like vomiting, fatigue, nausea, irregular vaginal bleeding, etc. The drugs used do not harm fertility in the future. There are no specific medical criteria a user needs to follow to use it.
Conclusion
So to conclude Contraception minimises the number of unplanned births, which reduces the need for unsafe abortions and the risk of HIV transmission from mothers to their children, among other benefits. The education of girls can also benefit from this, as can the creation of possibilities for women to participate more completely in society, particularly through paid employment.