METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL

Aims

Lets couples (husband and wife) decide whether or not to have children and how many

Methods of birth control

Stop the sperm from reaching the egg

Stop the egg from being made, or

Stop the fertilised egg from implanting and developing in the uterus

Mechanical methods The IUD (Intra-Uterine

Device), prevent sperm pass through the uterus and may also prevent an embryo from implantation.

It also contains progesterone that makes cervix thick and sticky

Mechanical method

The cap or diaphragm, placed over the cervix before intercourse, prevents sperm enter the uterus. It should be used with sperm-killing cream or foam

Mechanical method Condom, a thin rubber tube.

It is rolled over the man’s erect penis before intercourse. It stops the sperm from entering the woman’s body. It also gives protection against STD.

Femidom, female condom and inserted into the vagina

Chemical method The pill, an oral contraceptive as

it is taken by mouth. They contain the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. There are also progesterone-only pills. These work by preventing ovulation. Has to be taken every day

Side effects: sore breasts, weight gain, depression and painful periods

Chemical methods

Spermicides are chemicals (foam, cream or jelly) that kill sperm. The woman puts the cream into her vagina before intercourse.

Natural methods Rhythm method, it relies on when ovulation is

most likely to occur and abstaining from sex in the days just before and just after that date.

A woman keeps a record of when she has her periods and then predict each month when ovulation should occur

Surgical method

Vasectomy, cut and tie the sperm duct (vas deferens).

Sterilisation (tubectomy), cut and block the oviduct.