What is Contraception? – Methods and Overview

Contraception methods help in preventing pregnancy. Contraception class 10 is an important topic in the biology syllabus It covers different types of contraception methods including barrier methods, hormonal methods, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization procedures.

Contraception plays an important role in family planning, allowing individuals to have control over their reproductive choices and prevent unintended pregnancies. In this article, we will study various contraceptive methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and the myths associated with them in detail.

Contraceptives Definition

Contraception refers to the use of various methods or devices to prevent pregnancy by interfering with the process of fertilization or implantation.

What is Contraception?

Contraception, also known as birth control, is the use of devices, medications, procedures, to prevent pregnancy. The most appropriate method of contraception depends on an individual’s age, overall health, frequency of sexual activity, and number of children. It provides a wide range of benefits like reduced unintended pregnancies, decreased maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. It also protects from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases. Contraception prevents pregnancy by various means like:

• Creating a barrier to stop the sperm from reaching the egg.
• Preventing egg from being released from the ovaries.
• Contraception prevents the implantation of fertilised egg in the uterus.
• Killing sperms.

Contraception Methods

Various types of contraception include:

Hormonal Methods of Contraception

This method uses hormones to prevent pregnancy by stopping the ovulation and making the cervical mucus thick to prevent entry of sperm. Ovulation is the biological process that occurs in females causing an ovary to release an egg. This egg then fertilises with sperm during sexual intercourse. Hormonal contraception can be taken by the women in the form of pills, skin patches, injection, vaginal rings, intrauterine system etc.

• Oral contraception: Inhibit conception by inhibiting the release of luteinizing hormone (LH)-releasing hormone. This is taken in the form of pills which contain synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. It can be of two types
  • Combination pills: It contains a combination of synthetic hormones like estrogen and progestin which suppress the process of ovulation and also thickens cervical mucus layer to prevent sperm reach towards the egg.
  • Progestin-Only Pills (PIP): These pills contain only progestin and can be also called mini-pills. They only make cervical mucus thick and block the entry of sperm. This progestin containing pills also make the uterus lining thin to prevent implantation of fertilised eggs.
• Injectable Birth control: This method involves progestin hormone injection known as Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), given to the women to stop ovulation, this may have various side effects including loss of bone density.
• Vaginal rings: It is a flexible and transparent ring which is inserted into the vagina where it releases estrogen and progestin hormone to suppress ovulation and entry of sperm. It is placed in vagina for continuously three weeks and removed in the fourth week followed by insertion of a new vaginal ring.
• Skin Patches: It is a thin patch applied to the skin which releases estrogen and progestin hormones into the bloodstream.

Barrier Methods of Contraception

This method creates a barrier to prevent entry of sperm into the uterus. They are removable and can be used by men and women during sexual intercourse. They are of three types:

• Male condoms: It is a thin sheath worn by the male partner which covers the penis to collect the secreted sperm and prevent the entry of sperm into the uterus. It can be disposed of after single use.
• Female condoms: It is thin plastic pouches which are inserted into the vagina of a female partner before intercourse to prevent the entry of sperm into the uterus. It is also a disposable condom and can be used once.
• Diaphragms: It is cup shaped, made up of latex which is flexible and can be inserted into vagina of a female partner before intercourse. It blocks the entry of sperm to enter the uterus.

Intrauterine Methods of Contraception

Intrauterine methods of birth control involve the insertion of a device into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types of intrauterine devices (IUDs) commonly used for contraception: Hormonal IUDs and Copper IUDs.

• Hormonal IUDs: Hormonal IUDs when placed into the uterus, release hormones like progestin which thickens cervical mucus, inhibit sperm movement, and may suppress ovulation in some cases. These IUDs remain effective for 3-5 years from the time of placement.
• Copper IUDs: Copper IUDs do not contain hormones. Instead, they release copper ions into the uterus, which are toxic to sperm and hence prevent fertilization.

Emergency Contraception

It is a contraceptive method used after contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse. Usually, high doses of control pills are given to the female partner to stop the ovulation. Other options include inserting a Copper IUD (which is a non hormonal Intrauterine device) within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse.

Sterilisation

It is a permanent birth control method that prevents release of sperm in men and prevents women from getting pregnant. These methods are permanent and last lifelong. It includes :

• Vasectomy (For male): It is a surgical method that blocks or closes the vas deferens which is a path between testes and urethra in men. It prevents the sperm from leaving the testes and therefore it cannot reach the egg.
• Tubal ligation (For female): It is also a surgical method in which the fallopian tube which is a path between ovaries and the uterus is cut and sealed. It prevents the eggs being released to the uterus.

Copper IUDs

Copper IUDs are intrauterine devices that serve as long term reversible method of contraception. They are placed inside the uterus where they release copper ions. The major advantage of the Copper IUDs is that it is a non-hormonal method and has proven to be very much effective in long term prevention of pregnancy.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)

ECPs are pills that contain hormones which delay ovulation , fertilization, or implantation by altering the hormonal balance which support pregnancy. These are generally taken after unsafe intercourse or contraceptive failure. There are two main types of emergency contraceptive pills: progestin-only pills and combined estrogen-progestin pills. These are available as off the counter medicine in many countries. ECPs can have side effects if used for long time.

Natural Methods

This method does not involve any drugs or devices but uses methods like checking basal body temperature of women and identifying infertile periods. Predicting infertile period by menstrual dating and by checking the cervical secretion to identify the infertile period. Although this method is challenging for women having irregular cycles.

Importance of Contraceptive Methods

Contraception provides a wide range of benefits including reducing abortion rate, unintended pregnancy and facilitating family planning. Male and female partners can also regulate their fertility and also limit their family with the use of contraception. It also promotes women’s health by making choices of their reproductive health. Most of the contraceptives are easily available over the counter and easy to use while others need instructions from medical practitioners. Significance according to the types of contraception method used are described below in the table.

Importance of Contraceptives
Contraception Types	Significance
Oral Contraception method	Fertility will be reverse after stopping the pills Non intrusive method It reduces the risk of ovarian colon and uterine cancers
Hormonal Injection	It is ideal for women who unable to take contraceptive due to health conditions like cardiac disorder, liver disease It is for lactating women
Vaginal Rings	It is 99% effective It shows lesser side effects than oral contraception
Skin Patches	Easy to use Stomach does not absorb the synthetic hormone
Intrauterine devices (IUD)	It prevents pregnancy for a longer time, up to 5 to 10 years. Pregnancy may occur as soon it is removed
Male and female condoms	Help to prevent sexually transmitted infection including HIV Inexpensive and easy to use
Diaphragm	Unlike condoms which are used only once, it can be used for up to 2 years.
Male and female sterilisation	Permanently prevents the Pregnancy. Low failure rate
Natural Method	Economical method No health risk and side effects

Disadvantages of Contraception

Although contraception provide wide range of benefits, there are also some challenges associated with the it usage like:

• Side effects: Many contraception methods, mainly hormonal methods include various side effects like changes in menstrual bleeding, headache and mood change.
• Health risk: Long term use of some contraception may cause health risk.
• Expensive: Most of the contraception methods are not cost effective.
• Permanent prevent pregnancy: Sterilisation method in male and female permanently prevents the pregnancy.

Trustworthy Sources on Contraceptive Methods

Source	How to Find Information	Why Trustworthy	Website
World Health Organization (WHO)	Visit the WHO website and use the search bar to look for “contraceptive methods.” WHO provides guidelines, data, and research on various contraceptive methods globally.	WHO is a leading authority on international public health, including reproductive health.	WHO
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)	Go to the CDC website and search for “contraceptive methods.” The CDC offers detailed information on contraceptive effectiveness, guidelines, and recommendations.	The CDC is a leading national public health institute in the United States, providing health information based on rigorous research.	CDC
Planned Parenthood	Visit Planned Parenthood’s website and search for “birth control” or “contraceptive methods.” They offer comprehensive information on various birth control methods, including benefits, side effects, and how to use them.	Planned Parenthood is a respected provider of reproductive health care, education, and information.	Planned Parenthood
PubMed	Use PubMed, a free search engine accessing primarily the MEDLINE database of references and abstracts on life sciences and biomedical topics. Search for “contraceptive methods” to find scientific studies and reviews.	PubMed is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and provides access to peer-reviewed scientific papers.	PubMed
Mayo Clinic	Visit the Mayo Clinic’s website and search for “contraceptive methods.” The site provides detailed articles on various methods, their effectiveness, and considerations.	Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit American academic medical center focused on integrated health care, education, and research.	Mayo Clinic

Myths About Birth Control

Although medical science has advanced to great extent but still there are certain myths that remain prevalent in the society till date. Some of the myths about birth control methods are as follows:

1. Birth Control Pill Causes weight Gain: While some people may experience slight weight changes when using hormonal birth control methods, scientific studies have shown that the majority of individuals do not experience significant weight gain as a result of birth control use.
2. Birth Control can cause Cancer: It is believed that birth control methods can cause cancer. However, researches have suggested that cancer can be caused in some cases where combined pills are taken but it is not frequent.
3. Birth Control methods can lead to infertility: There’s no scientific basis for the claim that birth control leads to long-term infertility. Fertility usually returns shortly after discontinuation.
4. Birth Control Methods can Prevent STI (sexually transmitted infections): People think that using contraceptives can prevent STIs but there is no solid evidence to support this fact. Having an intercourse with a person having STI always raises the risk of getting STIs.

Conclusion – What is Contraception

Contraception is the method of preventing pregnancy with the help of devices, pills, procedures which stop ovulation and prevent sperm from fertilising the egg. There are various methods to stop pregnancy which include hormonal method, barrier methods, Intrauterine devices, sterilisation and Natural methods. Hormonal methods prevent pregnancy by giving synthetic estrogen and progestin in the form of pills, injection, skin patches and IUDs. Barrier methods include male/female condoms and diaphragm which is easy to use and prevent pregnancy during intercourse. Intrauterine devices can be hormonal and non hormonal which are placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

What is Contraception – FAQs

Define Oral Contraception ?

It is defined as a method which is given in the form of pills which contain synthetic hormones like estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, entry of sperm into the uterus and preventing implantation of fertilised eggs in the uterus.

Is Contraception Effective?

Yes, contraception can be highly effective when used correctly and consistently, significantly reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies.

Define the Process of Vasectomy.

It is the process of cutting the vas deferens which is the tube to carry sperm from the testes. It is the permanent method of preventing pregnancy.

Mention a Few Methods of Hormonal Contraception.

Hormonal contraception include oral contraceptive pills, skin patches, hormone injection, hormonal Intrauterine devices, vaginal rings.

What are Intrauterine Devices (IUD)?

It is a contraceptive device placed in the uterus which prevents the plantation of fertilised ova. It may be hormonal or non hormonal. Hormonal IUD releases progestin hormone to prevent pregnancy. Non-hormonal IUD releases copper ions which is toxic to sperm.

What is Contraception Class 10?

Contraception refers to methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the fertilization of an egg by sperm or interfering with the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.