Birth control
Birth control is a term used to cover any device, process
or action taken in order to prevent or reduce the chances
of a woman becoming pregnant or giving birth. Any birth control
method which is designed to reduce the chances of a sperm
reaching an ovum and fertilizing it may also be called contraception
The barrier method involves putting some physical boundary
between the incoming sperm and the womb. The most common of
these barrier methods is the condom, a polyurethane or latex
sheath placed over the erect penis (or in the case of the
female condom, directly into the vagina, with a flexible ring
at each end to help secure the device in place.)
A cervical barrier is a different kind of barrier method
contained exclusively within the woman’s vagina. The contraceptive
sponge, cervical cap and Lea’s shield are all varying kinds
of cervical barrier, with their own benefits and drawbacks,
and the use of such is really a matter of personal preference.
There are also a variety of hormonal methods of contraception.
The most common of these is the combined oral contraceptive
pill, also known as “The Pill”, a combination of synthetic
progestogens and oestrogens, as well as “The Patch” and the
NuvaRing, which are variations on The Pill.
Progestin only methods are also available, including the
Minipill (or POP), the Depo Provera (an injection administered
every three months containing medroxyprogesterone acetate),
and various other hormone-based contraceptive implants. Progestin
only methods generally need to be taken at more precise times
than combination hormone methods in order to be effective.
Intrauterine devices are contraceptive devices placed in
the uterus, and are usually T-shaped in order to maintain
their position. The two prominent kinds of IUD are those that
contain copper, which has a spermicidal action, and those
that release a synthetic progesogen or progestin.
Various types of emergency contraception are available,
including standard combination and progestin pills which may
be taken in large doses following unprotected sex in an attempt
to prevent a pregnancy.
The morning-after pill, as it is known, is effective up
to three days after unprotected sex having taken place. IUDs
containing copper may also be effective in a birth control
emergency, and most be deployed within five days of unprotected
sex or birth control failure in order to stand a reasonable
chance of being effective.
Due to the fact that emergency birth control may prevent
an already-fertilized egg from developing inside the womb,
some people believe it to be a form of abortion.
Surgical methods of abortion are also relatively commonplace.
Suction-aspiration abortion is possible in the early stages
of a pregnancy.
Dilation and evacuation is a kind of prematurely-induced
birthing used to abort a foetus, often when a woman’s life
may be in danger. The period of time for which medical abortion
is legally sanctioned following conception varies from country
to country.
Some types of herbs are known to be able to induce an abortion,
but the use of such herbs is not recommended due to the risk
of serious side effects. You should always consult with your
doctor if you are considering an abortion, and ensure that
you have all the information needed to make such an important
decision.
Sterilization methods are available for people who have
decided definitively that having children (or having any more
children) is not for them. Surgical sterilization for men
is n the form of a vasectomy, whereas for women it is called
tubal ligation. in both cases, key ducts or passages in the
reproductive system are severed or blocked in order to prevent
the normal reproductive process from happening.
Although sterilization can be reversed, the process is not
guaranteed and sterilization should therefore be considered
a permanent procedure. ‘Statistical’ methods of birth control
are for example the Rhythm method, where past menstrual cycles
are used to determine which time of the month a woman is likely
to get pregnant, and when she might be less likely.
Statistical birth control is extremely unreliable and is
considered by most healthcare professionals to have been obsolete
for decades. Coitus interruptus, a latin term for ‘interrupted
sex’, is sometimes known too as the withdrawal method. This
is when a man removes his penis from the vagina shortly before
ejaculation. If you are a man, or know a man intimately, you
will realize that this method is somewhat short of foolproof.
Additionally, there is a chance that sperm may leak from the
penis prior to ejaculation. Coitus interruptus is therefore
not recommended as a form of serious birth control.
Sex without penetration is another form of behavioral birth
control. As with coitus interruptus, the risk of failure is
quite high. There is also the possibility that sperm will
find its mark anyway, due to leakage or carelessness.
Abstinence means not partaking in any form of sexual activity.
It is the most effective, and least fun method of birth control.
More methods of birth control currently in development or
just reaching the market include different kinds of spermicidal
buffer gel, ‘Praneem’ - a spermicidal tablet, various convenient
spray methods and long-lasting barrier and IUD devices which
do not require fitting or constant replacement.
Oral contraception for males is also in development, and
would likely be greeted with some celebration by women everywhere.
Consult your doctor before embarking on a course of hormonal
birth control, or having a birth control device fitted.
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