Contraception: Forms, Options, Risks & Effectiveness

Contraception is a type of technique to prevent pregnancy. It helps couples to have healthy reproductive planning. By using different contraceptive methods, they can plan parenthood. It prevents fertilsation in humans and implantation. Contraception is an important part of Human Reproduction as it helps control pregnancy.

This Story also Contains

1. What Is Contraception?
2. Types Of Contraceptive Methods
3. Contraceptive Methods Effectiveness Rates
4. Common Myths and Facts About Contraception
5. Factors To Consider In Choosing Contraception
6. Contraception Possible Side Effects And Risks
7. MCQs on Contraception

There are many contraceptive methods used daily in life. These methods help in protecting from sexually transmitted diseases like HIV. The different types of methods are natural methods, barrier methods, hormonal pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and surgical methods. Contraception helps to maintain good reproductive health by preventing unwanted pregnancy.

What Is Contraception?

Contraception refers to the methods and techniques used in preventing the pregnancy-parturition-lactation cycle in humans. This remains an important factor in family planning, health, and reproductive physiology since it puts control over fertility in people's and their partners' hands. Contraceptive methods work by blocking fertilisation, preventing ovulation, or stopping implantation.

Types Of Contraceptive Methods

Contraceptive methods are used to prevent unwanted pregnancy and help individuals make informed decisions about reproductive health. These methods can be temporary or permanent and work in different ways. There are various types of contraceptive methods, such as:

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods are a physical prevention of sperm from getting to the egg. The commonest barrier options include: The oldest and most commonly used methods include

• Condoms: These guarantee high effectiveness against unintended pregnancy and STIs.

• Diaphragms: A barrier is placed over the cervix, used in conjunction with spermicide.

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal contraception works by altering the levels of some of a woman's sex hormones to prevent ovulation. They include:

• Oral Contraceptives: These are tablets taken daily that work in controlling the hormones, thus preventing ovulation.

• Hormonal Implants: The tiny rods are implanted under the skin. The rods slowly release specified hormones.

Intrauterine Devices

• The tiny devices inserted into the uterus are either hormonal or copper.

• They offer protection from getting pregnant for a long time.

Natural Methods

The natural methods require one to be able to monitor fertility signs. The methods are:

• Basal Body Temperature: The records of the elevation of the basal body temperature will confirm ovulation.

• Cervical Mucus Monitoring: Note changes in the cervical mucus to monitor fertile days

Contraceptive Methods Effectiveness Rates

Different contraceptive methods offer different levels of protection against pregnancy. The effectiveness of a method depends on how it works and how correctly and consistently it is used.

• IUDs and Implants: More than 99 per cent effective.

• Hormonal Methods: 91-99% effective, depending on use

• Barrier Methods: 82-98% effective, depending on correct use

Common Myths and Facts About Contraception

Due to a lack of knowledge, there are many people who have doubts and misunderstandings about contraception. The myths can lead to fear, wrong choices, or even unplanned pregnancies. It is important to separate facts from myths so that individuals can make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Factors To Consider In Choosing Contraception

Choosing the right contraceptive method depends on many personal factors. Health conditions, lifestyle, and future family plans all affect the decision. It's best to take advice from a doctor to find the safest and most suitable method. Some factors are discussed below:

• Health Factors

A patient should consult a healthcare provider about health factors that one is already living with and which would impact the choice of contraception.

• Lifestyle Preference

Among the factors that one considers in choosing contraception would be your lifestyle, how frequently one has sex, and how comfortable one may feel with a given method.

• Age and Future Fertility Plans

Younger individuals may prefer temporary methods. Couples who have completed their families may consider permanent options like tubal ligation or vasectomy.

• Cost and Availability

Some methods may be expensive or not easily available. Government health services often provide free or low-cost birth control.

Contraception Possible Side Effects And Risks

While birth control methods are generally safe and effective, it's important to be aware of the possible side effects and risks. These effects may vary depending on the type of contraceptive used and an individual’s health condition, which could be

• Hormonal imbalance (especially with pills, patches, or injections)

• Headaches or dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Mood swings or emotional changes

• Weight gain or possible changes in appetite

• Irregular menstrual bleeding

• Skin problems like acne or pigmentation

• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling)

MCQs on Contraception

Question: The birth control device used by women is

1. Diaphragm

2. Vault

3. Copper T

4. All of these

Answer: Diaphragms, cervical caps, and vaults are types of barrier contraceptives made from rubber that are inserted into the female reproductive tract to cover the cervix during coitus. Their primary function is to block the entry of sperm into the uterus, preventing conception. These devices are reusable, making them a cost-effective option for contraception. To enhance their contraceptive efficacy, spermicidal creams, jellies, and foams are often used in conjunction with these barriers, which further kill or immobilize sperm, reducing the likelihood of pregnancy. These methods offer a non-hormonal alternative to other forms of contraception.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) All of these

Question: Which of the following methods of birth control gives the additional benefit of protecting the user from contracting STIs and AIDS?

1. Lippes loop

2. Condoms

3. Progestasert

4. Implants

Answer: The method of contraception that also offers protection against sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is condom utilisation. Explanation for Condom Efficiency:

• Barrier Mechanism: Both male and female condoms establish a physical barricade, obstructing the transmission of bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal discharges, and blood.
• Defence Against STIs & HIV/AIDS: Condoms have been shown to significantly lower the risk of contracting STIs, including gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which leads to AIDS.
• Contraceptive Success Rate: When applied correctly, male condoms demonstrate approximately 98% efficacy in precluding pregnancy.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Condoms.

Question: Non-contraceptive advantages of condoms, cervical/vault caps, or diaphragm are:

1. No side effects

2. Non-hormonal side effects

3. Protection from STDs

4. All of them

Answer: The goal of the barrier techniques is to keep the ovum and living sperm apart. There are barrier techniques that are appropriate for both men and women.

• They offer benefits that are both non-contraceptive and contraceptive.

• The primary benefit of contraception is the lack of adverse consequences.

• Protection from sexually transmitted illnesses, or STDs, is the benefit of not using contraception.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Protection from STDs.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Temporary & Permanent Methods of Birth control
• Medical Termination of Pregnancy MTP
• Difference between ZIFT and GIFT