Health

Top 10 Methods of Contraception – Part 1

By ethnichealth

Posted on May 5, 2013

Contraception is like a super hero; it protects! When things get heat up, get protected with the contraception method that suits you. But why?

Birth control, also known as contraception and fertility control, refers to methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. Safe sex using male or female condoms can help prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Contraceptive use in developing countries has cut the number of maternal deaths by 44% (about 270,000 deaths averted in 2008) but could prevent 73% if the full demand for birth control were met. Because teenage pregnancies are at greater risk of adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight and infant mortality, some authors suggest adolescents need comprehensive sex education and access to reproductive health services, including contraception. By lengthening the time between pregnancies, birth control can also improve adult women’s delivery outcomes and the survival of their children.

1. CONDOMS

Male Condom

What is a Condom ?

Condoms are contraceptive sheaths meant to cover the penis during coitus to prevent pregnancy. A condom is a narrow tube usually made of natural rubber latex, which is closed at one end. Most condoms have a teat at the end, which holds semen once the man has ejaculated. Male condoms are available in a variety of types: plain, colored, ribbed, flavored, and some even glow in the dark.

How does it work?

The condom should be put on by unrolling it on to the erect penis before there is any contact between the male and female organs. The teat should be emptied by squeezing the tip by holding up before unrolling for better full collection of semen after ejaculation. A pre-lubricated condom is preferable.

Avoid doing these:

Don’t use Vaseline, oils, skin lotions, cold creams, butter or margarine.
Unroll before placing it on the penis.
Condoms shouldn’t be reused.

How reliable is it?

If used correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, condoms can be 98% reliable at protecting from unwanted pregnancies. However, with less careful use, this can fall to 85%.

How you can improve its effectiveness?

Should be unrolled on erect penis before there is any contact between male and female organs.
A dose of spermicidal cream, jelly or foam tablet may be used at the same time.
Soon after ejaculation, the male should withdraw the penis holding the condom firmly against his body.
The condom should be thrown away and the penis dried before further contact with the female’s genital area.

Advantages of Condoms

Available on shelves without any medical prescription.
Most harmless method of contraception.
Best protection against sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS (HIV infection).
Most suitable for couples having infrequent coitus, during lactation (breast-feeding), during holidays, for teenagers particularly to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Condom use during pregnancy, particularly in the later months, gives some protection against amniotic fluid infection.
Doesn’t require any special training.

Disadvantages of the condoms

Allergy to the latex material or spermicidal agents.
Condoms can split. This risk can be removed by removing sharp rings and jewelry which can damage the condoms.
If not used correctly and consistently, the failure rate is higher.
May reduce the spontaneity of sex. To avoid this, you or partner can include putting a condom as part of foreplay.

2. VAGINAL DIAPHRAGM

This consists of thin, nearly hemispherical dome made of rubber or latex material, with a circular, covered metal spring at the periphery. These are available under the names of Ortho diaphragm, Komex diaphragm.

How they act?

This is used as means to retain spermicides in contact with the cervical os and not as a sperm-proof mechanical barrier.

Method of fitting

The instructor (Gynecologist or specially trained nurse) chooses the appropriate size after internal examination. The cap should be introduced two hours before the sexual act. An applicator full of spermicidal cream or jelly should be introduced vaginally or a foam pessary introduced at least 15 minutes earlier as it takes time to dissolve..

Failure Rate

Less than 2%, when used as per manufacturer’s instructions.