2. Birth control
Birth control involves one or more actions, devices,
sexual practices or medications followed to
intentionally prevent or reduce the likelihood of
pregnancy or childbirth. The three main routes of
birth control to prevent or end pregnancy include
contraception (the prevention of fertilization of the
ovum by sperm cells), contragestion (preventing the
fertilized egg from implantation), and the chemical
or surgical induction of abortion of the developing
embryo/fetus. The term emergency contraception is
often used instead of contragestion.
3. Hormonal methods
Hormonal methods are very reliable means of birth control. Hormonal
methods use two basic formulas:
Combination hormonal methods contain
both estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone). Combination
methods include pills ("the Pill"), skin patches, and rings.
Progestin-only hormonal methods include pills, also called "mini-pills";
shots (such as Depo-Provera); and implants (such as Implanon). If you
cannot take estrogen, a progestin-only method may be an option for you.
There is also a hormonal IUD that releases a type of progestin.
4. Combination and progestin-only methods are prescribed for
women for different reasons. Compare the recommendations for
and against combination and progestin-only hormonal birth
control pills, patches, implants, and rings. Each type of method
has its pros and cons.
Combination pills may reduce acne, pain during ovulation, and
premenstrual symptoms. Both types of pill reduce heavy
bleeding and cramping. Unlike the combination pill, the
progestin-only pill can be taken by almost all women, including
those who are breast-feeding, although it must be taken at
the same time each day to be effective. (Combination pills are
also taken daily but without as much attention to the time of
day.) When you first start taking either type of birth control pill,
it is necessary to use a backup birth control method for the first
week.
Patches or vaginal rings are similar to combination pills, but they
don't require taking a daily pill. The patch is changed weekly,
and the ring is changed monthly (with 1 week off after 3 weeks
of use).
5. Some birth control pills reduce severe mood and physical symptoms that
some women get before they start their monthly periods. These symptoms
are called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). There are birth
control pills that are helpful for women who have migraines with their
periods. There are also birth control pills for women who want fewer
periods or who want to stop having periods.
The birth control shot does not require taking a daily pill. Instead, you see
your health professional once every 3 months for the injection.
The hormone implant releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for about
3 years. It must be inserted and removed by a trained health professional.
The actual implant is about the size of a matchstick and is inserted under
the skin on the inside of the upper arm.
6. Hormonal methods
Birth control pills, skin patches, and vaginal
rings contain estrogen and progestin. There
are also progestin-only birth control pills,
implants (such as Implanon), and shots (such
as Depo-Provera). Hormonal methods of
birth control prevent eggs from being
released from the ovaries, thicken cervical
mucus to prevent sperm from entering the
uterus, and thin the lining of the uterus to
prevent implantation.
7. Hormone pills come in packs. Most packs The hormone vaginal ring is placed in
contain 3 weeks of hormone pills. During the the vagina for 3 weeks. This gives you
fourth week, when you do not receive continuous birth control for the month. On the
hormones, you have a menstrual period. Some first day of the fourth week, you remove the
packs of pills have hormone pills for the fourth ring. You then have a menstrual period.
week instead of sugar pills (non-hormone pills).
Taking hormones for the entire month
eliminates or reduces the number of periods
you have.
8. Intrauterine device (IUD)
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device that
is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There
are two main types of IUDs: copper IUDs (such as
Paragard) and hormonal IUDs (such as Mirena).
When an IUD is in place, it can provide birth control
for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type. Unlike IUDs
that were used in the 1970s, present-day IUDs are
small, safe, and highly effective.
The hormonal IUD typically reduces menstrual flow
and cramping over time. On the other hand, the
copper IUD can cause longer and heavier periods. But
the hormonal IUD can have other side effects,
including spotting, mood swings, and breast
tenderness. These side effects occur less frequently
than with other progestin-only methods.
9. An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, plastic, T-
shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to
prevent pregnancy. IUDs contain copper or the
hormone levonorgestrel (LNG). Plastic strings tied
to the end of the IUD hang down through the
opening of the uterus (cervix) into the vagina.
10. Barrier Methods of Birth
Control
Barrier methods keep sperm from entering
the uterus and reaching the egg. In
general, barrier methods are less effective
but have fewer side effects than hormonal
methods or IUDs.
Barrier methods include condoms (male
and female), diaphragms, cervical caps,
contraceptive sponges, and cervical
shields.
11. A male condom is a thin, flexible tube of latex
rubber, polyurethane, or sheep intestine that has
a closed end. The condom is placed over the
erect penis before intercourse.
A female condom is a tube of soft plastic
(polyurethane) with a closed end. Each end has
a ring or rim. The ring at the closed end is
inserted deep into the vagina over the cervix,
like a diaphragm, to hold the tube in place. The
ring at the open end remains outside the
opening of the vagina.
12. A diaphragm is a round, dome-shaped device
made of rubber with a firm, flexible rim. It fits
inside the vagina and covers the cervix, the
opening of the uterus. It should always be used
with a sperm-killing cream or jelly
(spermicide).
A cervical cap is made of rubber and shaped
like a large thimble. It fits tightly over the
cervix and is used with a spermicide.
13. A contraceptive sponge contains a spermicide,
nonoxynol-9, that is released over the 24 hours
that the sponge may be left in the vagina. The
sponge also blocks the cervix so sperm can't
pass.
The cervical shield (such as Lea's Shield) is a
new diaphragm-type device. The shield is made
of silicone, so latex allergy is not a concern.
The device comes in one size only, which
makes the fitting process simpler.
14. Fertility awareness (periodic abstinence
or natural family planning)
Fertility awareness requires that a couple chart the
time during a woman's menstrual cycle when she is
most likely to become pregnant and avoid intercourse
or use a barrier method during that
time. Fertility awareness is not a good choice if you
need a highly effective form of birth control.
Breast-feeding may work as a form of birth control in
the first 6 months after giving birth if you follow
specific guidelines. For this method to work, you must
breast-feed your baby every time. You can't use
formula or other supplements. This is called
the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). Although
LAM has been shown to be 98.5% effective when
these conditions are met, many doctors recommend
that you use another birth control method.
15. During the follicular phase of the menstrual
cycle, the lining of the uterus thickens to
prepare for pregnancy. An egg becomes ready
to be released inside a sac (follicle) on the
surface of an ovary. During the luteal phase, the
egg is released (ovulation). If the egg is
fertilized by sperm, it may attach to (implant
in) the lining of the uterus, and pregnancy
begins. If the egg is not fertilized or does not
implant, the lining of the uterus is shed as
blood during the menstrual period (below), and
the cycle starts over.
16. Permanent birth control
(sterilization)
Sterilizationis a surgical procedure done
for men or women who decide that they
do not want to have any (or more)
children. Sterilization is one of the most
effective forms of birth control.
Sterilization is intended to be permanent,
and although you can try to reverse it
with another surgery, reversal is not
always successful.
17. A tubal implant is a small
metal spring that is placed in
each of the two fallopian tubes
without using surgery. It is
guided through the vagina,
cervix, and uterus, and lodged
in a fallopian tube. Over time,
scar tissue grows around the
two implants and permanently
blocks the tubes. This stops
eggs from traveling from the
ovaries and down the fallopian
tubes, where eggs are normally
fertilized by sperm.
18. vasectomy
In this minor surgery, the vas deferens, the
tubes that carry sperm from
the testicles to the seminal fluid (semen),
are cut and blocked so that the semen no
longer contains sperm . This does not
interfere with a man's ability to have an
erection or enjoy sex. Men must have
a sperm count check after having
a vasectomy before relying on this for
birth control.
19. The male reproductive system consists of the
penis, two testicles, two epididymides, two vas
deferentia, two seminal vesicles, and the
prostate gland.
Spermatozoa (sperm) are the male sex cells that
carry a man's genetic material. A sperm
fertilizes a woman's egg (ovum) by breaking
through the membrane that surrounds the egg.
Sperm develop in a man's testicles and finish
maturing in the epididymides. During
ejaculation, the sperm move out of the
epididymides through the vas deferens and into
the urethra, the tube that runs through the penis.
Semen, the thick liquid produced in the seminal
vesicles and prostate gland, is added to the
sperm before ejaculation.
20. who should avoid it?
Hormonal pills:-
Smokers and those 35 or older. The estrogen may
cause dangerous blood clots. If you suffer
from migraines, you should also pass because it may
trigger the painful headaches.
Vaginal ring:-
Women who smoke, or have blood clots or certain
cancers, should not use the NuvaRing.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Some doctors recommend the device only for women
who have given birth. When the device is implanted,
your uterus is expanded, and this might cause pain in
women who have not had children.
21. Who should avoid it?
Female condoms:-
Male condoms offer more protection—both against STDs
and pregnancy—than female condoms, so if you and your
male partner aren't in a long-term, monogamous
relationship, female condoms are not a perfect substitute.
Male condoms:-
If the female is allergic to latex or polyurethane,.
Diaphragm
Those who are overweight and those who have toxic shock
syndrome.
Sterilization
it's not designed to be reversible.
