BIRTH CONTROL

DOC I NEED BIRTH CONTROL

Birth Control or Contraception is a term used to prevent pregnancy and control births.

There are different ways of preventing pregnancy:
1.men - includes:
a.condoms
b.withdrawal before ejaculation
c.abstinence during the fertile period
d.vasectomy

2.women - includes:
a.female condom
b.diaphragm
c.cervical cap
d.contraceptic sponge
e.spermicides
f.oral contraceptives
g.birth control patch
h.Progesterone injections
i.Nuva ring
j.IUD
k.sterilization by tubal ligation
l.Rhythm method

Basically there are two major methods of birth control :
1. barrier
2. hormonal.

Other birth control methods include
1.sterilization otherwise known as surgery,
2.withdrawal,
3.natural family planning
4.abstinence which is the simplest method.

In the barrier method , the male or the female uses

1.the condom to prevent the sperm from ever entering the female’s uterus.
The male condom comes in many brands, color and flavors and is usually made of latex rubber.
The condom is placed over the penis when it is erect prior to intercourse.

The female condom on the other hand is made of polyurethane and is seven inches long.
This protect the cervix, vaginal canal and the  areas surrounding the vagina.
The female condom is inserted into the woman’s vagina also prior to intercourse.
Effectiveness is 95%;Protection against certain STIs;May break or slip; makes noises during
intercourse

2. Another barrier method is to use spermicides which is a chemical designed to kill sperm.
The spermicide is available as foam, jelly, foaming tablet or vaginal suppository.
Effectiveness 82% is greatly increased when it is used with a condom, diaphragm or cervical cap;May provide lubrication; can be used by women who breastfeed or smoke;No protection against STIs; may cause allergic reactions in some people

3.the diaphragm that is a soft rubber dome which stretches over a flexible ring that contains
spermicides in the form or cream or jelly.This is inserted inside the woman’s vagina and
placed over the cervix.
The diaphragm should not stay inside the vagina for more than 3 hours prior to intercourse.
Effectiveness 94%;Protection against certain STIs;  Proper insertion is required; may dislodge during intercourse; may cause allergic reactions in some people (due to the spermicide used)

4.The cervical cap is a small cup made of polyurethane just like the condom.
The cup is filled with spermicidal cream and inserted into the girl’s vagina and placed over the
cervix.Effectiveness is 91% (for women who have not given birth) 74% (for women who have given birth before)     Protection against certain STIs; can be fitted 24 hours before intercourse;Proper insertion is required; may dislodge during intercourse; may cause allergic reactions in some people (due to the spermicide used); may cause vaginal discharge and odour

5.the contraceptive sponge is a soft saucer shaped device made from polyurethane like the female
condom.

Besides the above Barrier methods, there are the hormonal birth control methods.

1.Hormonal birth control method can be in the form of an implant, patch, pill or injection.
The purpose is to a.prevent the woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg monthly
b.thicken  the cervical mucus so the sperm will have a difficult time penetrating the egg

c.thin the lining of the uterus so that the chances of a fertilized egg implanting on the uterus wall
is reduced.
d.effectiveness is 98-99%