Contraception

• Contraception is the intentional prevention of conception or pregnancy by natural or artificial means.
• Physical methods -

  Barrier methods use a device to physically block the sperm from reaching the ova

  – Condom

  – Diaphragm

  – Cervical cap

  Other methods are;

  – Sterilisation procedures

  – Intra uterine devices (IUD)
• Chemical Contraception -

  Hormonal methods

  • The oral contraceptive pill is a chemical method of contraception. It contains a combination of synthetic oestrogen and progesterone that

  mimics negative feedback preventing the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.

  • The morning-after pill prevents ovulation or implantation.

  • The progesterone-only (mini) pill causes thickening of the cervical mucus.