contraception

• Pregnancy starts with the stimulation of an egg in one of the ovaries by FSH, followed by ovulation triggered by LH, where the egg can combine with a sperm cell in the fallopian tube to form a fertilized egg
• Contraception aims to interrupt the process of fertilization and implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus
• Hormonal methods of contraception inhibit the production of FSH to prevent egg development and release, and stimulate the production of thick mucus in the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the egg
• Combined oral contraceptive pill contains estrogen and progesterone, over 99% effective if taken properly, may have side effects like headaches or nausea
• Progesterone-only pill is just as effective with fewer side effects
• Contraceptive patch slowly releases estrogen and progesterone, lasts for one week
• Contraceptive injection is a progesterone injection lasting two to three months
• Contraceptive implant is a device under the skin releasing progesterone for up to three years
• Intrauterine device (IUD) can be plastic (releases progesterone) or copper (kills sperm), both lasting over three years
• Non-hormonal methods of contraception prevent sperm from meeting the egg
• Condoms trap sperm and protect against sexually transmitted diseases
• Diaphragm is a plastic cup that blocks sperm from entering the uterus, needs to be used with spermicide
• Spermicides alone are not very reliable, working around seven out of ten times
• Sterilization in women involves cutting or tying the fallopian tubes, while in men it involves cutting and tying the sperm ducts, both methods are permanent
• Natural methods and abstinence are not recommended as reliable forms of contraception