What is contraception?

Contraception or birth control is the term used for the prevention

of pregnancy. There are numerous methods to prevent a
pregnancy: ‘coitus interruptus’
(withdrawal), the use of hormone
medications, contraceptive devices (barriers), periods of avoiding
sex and surgery. However, these methods are not all
equally reliable.

It is important to note that no birth control method fully protects

you against HIV infection or other sexually transmissable
diseases.

Contraceptive methods can be very reliable for preventing you

from becoming pregnant, but this does not necessarily mean that
they give you protection against HIV infection or other sexually
transmitted diseases. The following methods provide NO
PROTECTION against HIV-infection: the calendar method, intra-
uterine devices, the birth control pill and other hormonal methods
of contraception. Coitus interruptus (withdrawal) is unreliable,
both towards prevention of pregnancy and HIV infection.

The only contraceptive method offering protection against HIV is

the condom, when used in a correct

What are contraceptives?

 The term "contraceptive" denotes anything that is intended to prevent pregnancy during heterosexual
vaginal intercourse or, in the form of emergency contraceptives, to end a potential pregnancy within the
first few days after a sexual encounter. The most commonly used contraceptives are so-called "barrier"
contraceptives such as condoms, cervical sponges, diaphragms and spermicidal agents. There are also
certain hormonal medications, taken in the form of a pill, shot, patch or implant, which fool a woman's
body into thinking that it is already pregnant and keep her from actually becoming pregnant. There are
also IUD's (intrauterine devices), which are placed inside of the uterus to prevent a pregnancy from
occurring.

What are the advantages of contraceptives?

 There are many potential benefits of contraceptives. To begin with, they are used by many as a form
of family planning that allows for sex without the inevitable result of children. Some contraceptives, such
as condoms, can also help to keep sexually transmitted diseases from spreading. Contraceptives are also
useful tools in modern society as a form of advancement and liberation for women. Sexually active
women in modern society can use contraceptives to ensure that they are able to pursue a career or
education while also engaged in a heterosexual romantic relationship.

What are the disadvantages of contraceptives?

 Many argue that there are moral and psychological disadvantages to using contraceptives. There is
also the fact that contraceptives are not foolproof and pregnancy can occur, even when they are used
perfectly. Another disadvantage is societal ignorance toward their proper use and efficacy, which can lead
to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. It is also possible for contraceptives to have negative
health effects on those using them, such as allergic reactions or blood clots if using the birth control pill.

Read more: Advantages & Disadvantages of Contraceptives |

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Kinds of contraceptives

There are different kinds of methods that can prevent a woman from getting
pregnant, but not all method are suited for everybody. Therefore it is
important to choose the method that is suitable for you, and always
remember some that some contraceptives are more reliable than others. If
artificial methods do not suit you, consider natural family planning. Always
consult your doctor on this.
Barrier devices such as condoms, diaphragms and caps, physically prevent
sperm cells from reaching and fertilizing an egg. They work best when used
together with a chemicalspermicide, as there is always a slight risk of
sperm getting past the barrier.
Other contraceptives like pills, injections and subcutaneous implants prevent
ovulation and therefore contraception. Technically, intrauterine devices
(IUD's), such as "Copper-T", do not stop contraception but prevent a
fertilized egg from being implanted in the womb.

• Cervical cap and diaphragm - both devices block the entry of sperm
to the uterus. Users need to be fitted by a doctor or nurse and taught
insertion and removal. Reliability is good when used with a spermicide
and left in place for about eight hours after intercourse.
• Female Condom - one of the newer barrier methods uses a tube of
polyurethane plastic held in place by flexible rings to line the vagina. It is
bulkier than the male condom but does not require spermicide and can
be inserted any time before intercourse. Reliability is as good as for the
male condom.
• Contraceptive Pill - oral contraceptives contain female sex hormones
in doses that present ovulation. Taken regularly, they provide
outstanding protection, but there are long and short-term side effects
and users need regular medical checkups. Various types are available to
meet individual needs.
• Contraceptive injections - depending on the drug brand, injections
of synthetic progesterone can be given every 8 to 12 weeks. Like the pill,
they prevent ovulation and are highly effective. It is suitable for women
who cannot remember to take a pill everyday.

• Implants - soft tubes that slowly release synthetic progesterone are

inserted under the skin of the upper arm under local anesthetic. The
hormone makes a womb less likely to accept a fertilized egg and may
also stop ovulation. The contraceptive effect can last five years. The
procedure takes ten minutes and no stitches are needed. However, many
women suffer side effects such as irregular bleeding, headaches and
nausea. Removal can sometimes be difficult.
• Vaginal Sponge - a modern version of an ancient idea uses a disc of
polyurethane foam imprecnated with spermicide. Sponges are
disposable but need to be left in for six hours after intercourse. They are
not very effective. Spermicides -are available as creams, pessaries,
foams or gels. They destroy sperm chemically and most kill
the AIDs virus. On their own they are not very effective, but work well
with most condoms, diaphragms and caps.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) - a small plastic and metal device placed
in the womb provides extremely reliable contraception. Drawbacks can
include heavy periods and an increased risk of infection, so not generally
advised for women who have not had children. Doctor or nurse must do
the fitting. Condom - latex rubber condoms are simple, safe and
effective, particularly if used with spermicide. They also offer the best
protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Men may find sensation
is reduced, and some couples feel condoms interfere with spontaneity.