Contraception

• Contraception

  • Methods which reduce the change of fertilisation of gametes and therefore decrease the change of pregnancy occurring
• • Natural
  • Ovulation detection
  • Lactational amenorrhoea
  • Coitus intteruptus
• • Artificial
  • Mechanical barriers
  • Spermicides
  • Hormonal contraception
  • Intrauterine devices
  • Sterilisation
  • Emergency contraception
• • Periodic abstinence - if the time of ovulation can be detected a couple can abstain from having sexual inter course
  • Rhythm method - if a female has. Normal menstrual cycle, ovulation is likely to occur on day 14. Sexual intercourse should not occur between 4 days before and 4 days after this time.
  • Temperature method -   Ovulation is accompanied by a sharp drop in body temp and the rise. Intercourse can. Be safely had 3 days after the temp rise
• • Mucus method - as ovulation approaches a clear mucus can be detected which becomes cloudy after ovulation. Intercourse can be had safely when there is no mucus or 3 days after the last day of cleat mucus.
  • Symptothermal method - a combination of rhythm, temp and mucus method. A fertility monitor has been developed to measure these daily changes.
• Lactational Amenorrhoea

  • Temporary infertility that follow the birth of a child
  • When a women is breastfeeding the production of hormones is affected which suppresses ovulation
  • This method can be affective but only if menstruation has not returned and the body is less than 6 months of age
• Coitus Interruptus

  • The withdrawal of the penis just before ejaculation
  • Highly unreliable method
  • Some sperm may escape in pre-ejaculatory fluid so fertilisation could still occur
• Mechanical barriers

  • Used to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg
  • Condom/female condom - this latex rubber sheath that is rolled onto the erect penis or inserted into the vagina
  • Diaphragm - this rubber cap that fits across the top of the vagina
  • Cervical cap - smaller than a diaphragm, fits directly over the cervix.
• Spermicides

  • Creams, tablets, pessaries, aerosol foam
  • Contain a substance that immobilise and destroys sperm
  • React with moisture in the vagina to form bubbles of CO2 gas which present a physical barrier
• Hormonal Contraception: the Pill

  • Combined pill - contains substances similar to oestrogen and progesterone. When taken daily for the first 21 days of the menstrual cycle, the substitute hormones;
  • Prevent ovulation
  • Make cervical mucus thick and sticky making sperm transport difficult
  • Alter the uterine lining decreasing the change of implantation
  • Mini pill -  contains the progesterone substitute only. Cervical mucus is thickened and the uterine lining is altered
• Hormonal contraception

  • Depo Provera Injection - latest for 12 weeks and works in a similar way to the mini pill
  • Implanon - matchstick sized capsule inserted into upper arm. Progesterone provides contraception for 3 years
  • Vaginal ring - a plastic ring is inserted into the vagina and delivers low doses of oestrogen and progesterone. It has the same effects as the pill however a tablet does not have to be taken each day.
• Intrauterine Devices

  • IUDs - small device inserted into the uterus
  • Hormonal IUD - slowly releases progesterone. Alters endometrium and thickens cervical mucus
  • Copper IUD - plastic frame with copper sleeves or wire. Affects movement of sperm and prevents implantation
• Emergency Contraception

  • Preventing pregnancy after sexual intercourse 
  • Morning after pill - prevents or delays ovulation, prevents sperm from reaching the egg, prevents implantation
  • Copper IUD can also be used
• Sterilisation

  • Permanent method of birth control
  • Vasectomy - a small segment of the vas deferens is removed through a small cut in the scrotum
  • Tubal ligation - the uterine tubes are cut or tied through an incision in abdomen
  • Essure - a device is inserted into the vagina and passes into uterine tube. The uterine tube grows around the device so sperm cannot pass through it.
• The Catholic Church + Contraception

  • According to the CCC (CCC2370)
  • Natural methods of contraception are considered morally sound
  • Any other means of physical, chemical or hormonal intervention os considered morally unsound and NOT acceptable