Contraception Methods
Various types of contraception include:
Hormonal Methods of Contraception
This method uses hormones to prevent pregnancy by stopping the ovulation and making the cervical mucus thick to prevent entry of sperm. Ovulation is the biological process that occurs in females causing an ovary to release an egg. This egg then fertilises with sperm during sexual intercourse. Hormonal contraception can be taken by the women in the form of pills, skin patches, injection, vaginal rings, intrauterine system etc.
- Oral contraception: Inhibit conception by inhibiting the release of luteinizing hormone (LH)-releasing hormone. This is taken in the form of pills which contain synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. It can be of two types
- Combination pills: It contains a combination of synthetic hormones like estrogen and progestin which suppress the process of ovulation and also thickens cervical mucus layer to prevent sperm reach towards the egg.
- Progestin-Only Pills (PIP): These pills contain only progestin and can be also called mini-pills. They only make cervical mucus thick and block the entry of sperm. This progestin containing pills also make the uterus lining thin to prevent implantation of fertilised eggs.
- Injectable Birth control: This method involves progestin hormone injection known as Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), given to the women to stop ovulation, this may have various side effects including loss of bone density.
- Vaginal rings: It is a flexible and transparent ring which is inserted into the vagina where it releases estrogen and progestin hormone to suppress ovulation and entry of sperm. It is placed in vagina for continuously three weeks and removed in the fourth week followed by insertion of a new vaginal ring.
- Skin Patches: It is a thin patch applied to the skin which releases estrogen and progestin hormones into the bloodstream.
Also Read: Difference Between Sperm and Ovum
Barrier Methods of Contraception
This method creates a barrier to prevent entry of sperm into the uterus. They are removable and can be used by men and women during sexual intercourse. They are of three types:
- Male condoms: It is a thin sheath worn by the male partner which covers the penis to collect the secreted sperm and prevent the entry of sperm into the uterus. It can be disposed of after single use.
- Female condoms: It is thin plastic pouches which are inserted into the vagina of a female partner before intercourse to prevent the entry of sperm into the uterus. It is also a disposable condom and can be used once.
- Diaphragms: It is cup shaped, made up of latex which is flexible and can be inserted into vagina of a female partner before intercourse. It blocks the entry of sperm to enter the uterus.
Intrauterine Methods of Contraception
Intrauterine methods of birth control involve the insertion of a device into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types of intrauterine devices (IUDs) commonly used for contraception: Hormonal IUDs and Copper IUDs.
- Hormonal IUDs: Hormonal IUDs when placed into the uterus, release hormones like progestin which thickens cervical mucus, inhibit sperm movement, and may suppress ovulation in some cases. These IUDs remain effective for 3-5 years from the time of placement.
- Copper IUDs: Copper IUDs do not contain hormones. Instead, they release copper ions into the uterus, which are toxic to sperm and hence prevent fertilization.
What is Contraception? – Methods and Overview
Contraception methods help in preventing pregnancy. Contraception class 10 is an important topic in the biology syllabus It covers different types of contraception methods including barrier methods, hormonal methods, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization procedures.
Contraception plays an important role in family planning, allowing individuals to have control over their reproductive choices and prevent unintended pregnancies. In this article, we will study various contraceptive methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and the myths associated with them in detail.
Table of Content
- Contraceptives Definition
- What is Contraception?
- Contraception Method
- Emergency Contraception
- Importance of Contraceptive Methods
- Disadvantages of Contraception
- Myths About Birth Control