CONTRACEPTION

Fertilization occurs when a man’s sperm penetrates a woman’s egg during sexual intercourse, leading to the possibility of pregnancy if conditions are favorable. Contraception aims to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, impeding the fertilized egg’s implantation and, ultimately, averting pregnancy.

Barrier Methods: Popular barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, contraceptive sponges, and cervical caps. These methods create a barrier, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms, made from various materials, also offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Diaphragms, sponges, and caps require spermicide, must be inserted before intercourse, and remain in the vagina for hours afterward. Proper fitting and adjustment by a healthcare professional are crucial for diaphragms.

Natural or Sympto-Thermal Method: This method relies on tracking fertility signs, such as monitoring cervical mucus and daily basal body temperature readings. It allows women to make informed choices about conception based on their menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, and ovulation time. It is hormone-free, lacks adverse effects, and does not interfere with breastfeeding but demands discipline.

Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM): Effective only if conditions include the absence of the menstrual period, exclusive or almost exclusive breastfeeding, and an infant under six months old. Protection decreases when any condition changes, necessitating an alternative contraception method.

Hormonal Contraception: Includes oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing estrogen and progestin, preventing ovulation. Advantages include cycle regulation, reduced cramps, acne, and hirsutism, lowered cancer risk, and ease of use. Progestin-only pills exist for estrogen intolerance, and other options include patches, rings, and injectable progestin contraceptives.

Certain medications may reduce hormonal contraceptive effectiveness, requiring additional contraception or method change during their use.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD): Two types, copper and progestin, hinder sperm mobility and create an unfavorable environment for implantation. Progestin IUDs may prevent ovulation in some women. Inserted by a healthcare provider, more commonly used by women who have had children.

Emergency Contraception: Used when primary methods fail, including the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP or “morning after pill”) and copper IUD. ECP, taken orally within 5 days of unprotected intercourse, reduces pregnancy likelihood by 75-90%. It may cause nausea, and vomiting prevention is advised. The copper IUD can be an effective emergency contraception method within five days after unprotected intercourse or the expected ovulation date.