BIRTH

CONTROL
METHODS

By ADITYA MAHALI

 Introduction:
Birth control, or contraception, refers to the
methods and devices used to prevent pregnancy
and can include hormonal methods like pills,
implants, and IUDs, barrier methods such as
condoms, and permanent surgical options like
sterilization (vasectomy and tubal ligation). The
most effective methods are long-acting reversible
contraceptives (LARCs) and permanent
sterilization. Choosing the right method depends on
individual health, preferences, and needs, and a
healthcare professional can provide guidance.
Definition of birth control: Methods to prevent
pregnancy.
Importance: Family planning, population control,
maternal health.
There are many different types. Some are
reversible, while others are permanent. Some types
can also help prevent sexually transmitted
infections.
OBJECTIVES
OF BIRTH
CONTROL:
Birth control is important for various reasons,
primarily for family planning and overall health. It
allows individuals and couples to decide when and if
they want to have children, preventing unintended
pregnancies and promoting responsible family
size. Beyond pregnancy prevention, birth control
can also address specific health issues, such as
regulating menstrual cycles, managing symptoms
of conditions like PCOS, and reducing the risk of
certain cancers.

Birth Control helps in :

Family Planning and Reproductive Health:
Preventing Unintended Pregnancies.
 Spacing Pregnancies.
Reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality.
Reducing Unsafe Abortions.

Health Benefits Beyond Pregnancy Prevention:

Regulating Menstrual Cycles.
Treating Conditions.
Reducing Risk of Certain Cancers (ovarian and endometrial cancers)
.
Preventing STIs.

Social and Economic Benefits:

Empowering Women.
Economic Development.
Types of
Birth Control
Methods:
There are broadly two main categories of birth
control: reversible and permanent methods.
Within these, there are several types of birth
control, including:
Natural Methods.
Oral Contraceptives.
Injectable/Implant Methods.
Surgical Methods.
Barrier Methods.
Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs).
Natural
Methods:
Natural birth control, also known as Fertility
Awareness-Based Methods (FAMs), involves
avoiding intercourse or using protection during a
woman’s fertile window, identified through methods
like:
Basal body temperature (BBT) tracking:
A method of natural family planning or birth control by tracking your
body temperature to understand your menstrual cycle and identify fertile
days.

Monitoring cervical mucus, or using

electronic devices:
These methods help identify fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual
cycle, enabling individuals to time or avoid intercourse accordingly.

W ithdrawal method (Pull-out method).

The withdrawal method, also known as pulling out or coitus interruptus,
is a birth control method where the penis is withdrawn from the vagina
before ejaculation. While it can be a simple and readily available option,
it’s not very reliable in preventing pregnancy.
 Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM).
Lactational amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation
(amenorrhea) in women who are breastfeeding (lactating). It’s a
temporary period of infertility that occurs naturally after childbirth due to
hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding. This natural state
can also be utilized as a method of family planning, known as the
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM).
Injectable/
Implant
Methods:
Injectable and implantable birth control are long-
acting, highly effective, progestin-only methods
that prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and/
or thickening cervical mucus. The implant is a small
rod inserted under the skin of the arm that lasts for
about 3 years. The injection is a shot given every
few months (usually every 3 months). Both
methods require a healthcare provider for insertion
and removal and do not protect against STIs.
Contraceptive Implant:
What it is:
A small, flexible plastic rod placed under the skin of
the upper arm.
How it works:
It slowly releases progestin, a hormone that
prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to
block sperm, and thins the uterine lining.
Duration:
Can last for up to three years.
Effectiveness:
Over 99% effective, meaning fewer than 1in 100
couples using it will have an accidental pregnancy in
a year.
 Insertion & Removal:

Inserted and
removed by a healthcare provider using a local
anesthetic in a quick procedure.
Contraceptive Injection:
How it works:
A healthcare provider administers an injection of the
progestin depot medroxyprogesterone
acetate (DMPA) every three months.
Effectiveness:
Highly effective.
Administration:
The injection is given into the arm or buttocks.
Benefits:
Effective for most women and can be used while
breastfeeding.
Considerations:
Effectiveness may decrease if the injection is
delayed.
Surgical
Methods:
Surgical methods of birth control, also known as
sterilization, are permanent contraceptive
procedures. For women, this is typically tubal
ligation, where the fallopian tubes are blocked or
cut. For men, it's vasectomy, where the vas
deferens (sperm ducts) are blocked or cut. These
procedures are highly effective at preventing
pregnancy but are generally considered irreversible.

For Women: Tubal Ligation

Procedure:
Involves blocking or cutting the fallopian tubes,
preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
Effectiveness:
Highly effective and permanent.
Considerations:
Not easily reversible and requires general
anesthesia.
For Men: Vasectomy
Procedure:
Involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens,
preventing sperm from being ejaculated.

Effectiveness:
Very effective, though not immediately effective
after the procedure.
Considerations:
Usually performed under local anesthesia and is
generally less invasive than tubal ligation.
Important Considerations:
Permanent:
Both procedures are intended to be permanent, and
reversal is often difficult and may not be successful.
Not for everyone:
These methods are best suited for individuals or
couples who are certain they do not want to have
children in the future.
Consult a doctor:
 Consulting
with a healthcare professional is crucial before
undergoing either procedure to understand the
risks, benefits, and suitability for individual
circumstances.

Barrier
Methods:
Barrier methods of birth control are a category of
contraception that physically prevent sperm from
reaching an egg, thus preventing fertilization. These
methods often also provide protection against
sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They include
condoms (internal and external), diaphragms,
cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges.

Types of Barrier Methods:

Condoms (External/Male & Internal/
Female):
These are the most common barrier methods. Male
condoms are worn on the penis, while female
condoms are inserted into the vagina. Condoms are
effective at preventing pregnancy and also protect
against many STIs.
Diaphragms and Cervical Caps:
These are shallow, dome-shaped devices made of
silicone that are inserted into the vagina to cover
the cervix. They must be used with a spermicide for
maximum effectiveness.
Contraceptive Sponges:
These are small, round, foam devices that contain
spermicide and are inserted into the vagina.
How they work:
Barrier methods physically block sperm from
entering the uterus and fallopian tubes, where
fertilization typically occurs.
Some barrier methods, like condoms, also act as
a physical barrier against the exchange of bodily
fluids, reducing the risk of STI transmission.
Spermicides, used in conjunction with
diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges, further
enhance their effectiveness by immobilizing or killing
sperm.
Advantages:
Protection against STIs:
Condoms offer significant protection against many
STIs, including HIV.
Non-hormonal:
Barrier methods do not involve hormones, making
them a good option for individuals who cannot or
prefer not to use hormonal contraception.
Intermittent use:
Barrier methods can be used only when needed,
making them convenient for some couples.
Over-the-counter availability:
Some barrier methods, like condoms and
spermicides, are available without a prescription.
Disadvantages:
Lower effectiveness than some other methods:
Barrier methods are generally less effective at
preventing pregnancy than hormonal methods or
IUDs.
Requires correct and consistent use:
Effectiveness depends on proper use each time,
which can be challenging for some individuals.
 Potential for user error:
Diaphragms and cervical caps require proper fitting
and insertion technique.
Spermicide allergies:

Some individuals may be

allergic to spermicides.

Intra Uterine
Devices
(IUDs):
An IUD (Intrauterine Device) is a small, T-shaped
device inserted into the uterus to prevent
pregnancy. It's a long-acting, reversible
contraception method, available in two main
types: hormonal (releasing progestin) and
copper. Both are highly effective, with failure rates
below 1% .

Types of IUDs:
Copper IUDs:
Effective for up to 10 years and contain no
hormones.
Hormonal IUDs:
Effective for 3 to 6 years, depending on the brand,
and release progestin.

How IUDs work:

Copper IUDs:
Prevent fertilization by releasing copper, which
affects sperm movement and viability.
Hormonal IUDs:
Prevent fertilization by releasing progestin, which
thickens cervical mucus, thins the uterine lining, and
can also stop ovulation.
Effectiveness:
Both types are highly effective, with failure rates
of less than 1% .
The copper IUD is effective as soon as it's
inserted, while hormonal IUDs take effect within a
week.
Advantages:
Long-acting and reversible.
Highly effective.
Hassle-free, as they require no daily or weekly
maintenance.
Cost-effective in the long run.
Some hormonal IUDs can reduce heavy or painful
periods.
Safe to use while breastfeeding.

Disadvantages:
Insertion requires a clinic visit.
Potential side effects include cramping, spotting,
or changes in bleeding patterns, especially with
copper IUDs.
Rare risks include infection, expulsion, or
perforation.
 Copper IUDs may cause heavier and more painful
periods for some.
Hormonal IUDs may cause side effects like mood
changes or headaches.
IUD Insertion and Removal:
A healthcare professional inserts the IUD into the
uterus.
The procedure takes about 15 minutes but
involves a longer clinic visit.

Removal can be done at any

time by a healthcare provider.
Important Considerations:
Discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare
provider to determine if an IUD is the right choice
for you.
Be aware of potential side effects and when to
seek medical attention.
IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted
infections.
Bibliography:
For Data: (Websites)
Wikipedia.
Medline Plus (.gov).
Meitra Hospital.
World Health Organization
(WHO).
Medical News Today.
National Institute of Health (NIH).
Healthline.
Planned Parenthood.
Regency Healthcare.

For Images/ Photos:

(Websites)
 UCDAVIS.
inviTRA.
Healthdirect.
Premier Women’s Health of
Minnesota