Methods of Contraception

Contraception

Methods of Contraception

Although the various contraceptive methods differ in effectiveness and sophistication, the principle of contraception itself is quite simple. As described in a previous section, the process of conception involves the fertilization of an egg by a sperm inside one of the Fallopian tubes leading to the segmentation of the resulting new cell and the eventual implantation of a growing cell cluster in the uterus, thus starting pregnancy. Obviously then, the avoidance of pregnancy, or contraception, involves an interference with this process by preventing either ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. This interference can take several different forms:

1. Preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries ("the pill", the patch, the ring,
     implants, injections).
2. Preventing the passage of the egg through the Fallopian tube (tubal occlusion).
3. Preventing the sperm from becoming part of the ejaculated fluid (vasectomy).
4. Avoiding coitus at the time when an egg is available for fertilization (rhythm).
5. Preventing sperm from being deposited inside the vagina (withdrawal, condom).
6. Preventing the sperm inside the vagina from moving through and beyond the
     cervix (spermicides, diaphragm, cervical cap).
7. Hindering the process of implantation (IUD?, post-coital contraception).

[Course 2] [Description] [How to use it] [Introduction] [Conception] [Pregnancy] [Birth] [Infertility] [Contraception] [A Complex Issue] [Methods of Contracep.] [Abortion] [Additional Reading] [Examination]