Experiment No.
– 12
Aim: Study of Family Planning Devices, Newer Advancement in Family Planning Devices
Including Emergency Contraceptive Pills.
Theory:
Family planning refers to the practice of controlling the number and timing of pregnancies
through various methods, including contraception, fertility treatments, and reproductive
health education. It allows individuals and couples to achieve their desired family size and
spacing of children while ensuring maternal and child health.
Methods of Contraception:
1. LARC- IUD
2. Hormonal Contraceptives
3. Barrier Methods
4. Emergency Contraception
5. Fertility Awareness
6. Permanent Contraception
Long –Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC):
LARC methods provide effective, long-term birth control and are easily reversible when
discontinued. These include intrauterine devices (IUDs) (hormonal and copper) and implants
(such as etonogestrel implants). They offer protection for several years (3–10 years), require
minimal maintenance, and have a high efficacy rate of over 99%. LARC methods are
preferred for their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and ability to prevent unintended
pregnancies.
Hormonal Contraceptives:
Hormonal contraceptives are birth control methods that use synthetic hormones to prevent
pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining.
Common types include oral contraceptive pills, injectable contraceptives, hormonal
intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive patches, and vaginal rings. These methods are
highly effective when used correctly and may also provide benefits like regulating menstrual
cycles and reducing menstrual cramps.
Barrier Methods:
Barrier methods stop sperm from entering the vagina. The two barrier methods are:
i) Male Condoms
ii) Female Condoms
Condoms protect against sexually transmissible infections as well as unintended pregnancy.
Emergency Contraception:
Emergency contraception is a method
used to prevent pregnancy after
unprotected intercourse or contraceptive
failure. It includes emergency
contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as
levonorgestrel (Plan B) and ulipristal acetate, and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs). EC is
most effective when taken as soon as possible after intercourse, ideally within 72 hours for
pills and 5 days for copper IUDs. It does not induce abortion and should not be used as a
regular contraceptive method.
Fertility Awareness:
Fertility Awareness, also known as Natural Family Planning (NFP), is a contraceptive method
that involves tracking a woman's menstrual cycle to determine fertile and non-fertile days. It
includes techniques like the calendar method, basal body temperature method, and cervical
mucus monitoring. Couples can use this method to either achieve or avoid pregnancy. While
it is hormone-free and cost-effective, its effectiveness depends on accurate tracking and
consistency in practice.
Vasectomy:
Vasectomy is a permanent male sterilization procedure in
which the vas deferens (the tubes carrying sperm) are cut
or sealed to prevent sperm from mixing with semen. It is a
safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure that
does not affect testosterone levels, sexual function, or
ejaculation. Vasectomy is a highly reliable form of birth control, but it should be considered
irreversible, as reversal
procedures are not always successful.
Tubal Ligation:
Tubal ligation, also known as female sterilization, is a
permanent contraceptive procedure in which the
fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or sealed to prevent eggs
from reaching the uterus for fertilization. It is a highly
effective method of birth control and does not affect
menstrual cycles or hormone levels. While it is
considered irreversible, some surgical reversal options
exist, though they are not always successful.
Vaginal Ring:
Vaginal ring is a flexible, hormone-releasing contraceptive device
inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. It releases estrogen
and progestin, which inhibit ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining.
The ring is worn for three weeks, followed by a one-week break. It is easy to use, reversible,
and highly effective when used correctly.
Diaphragm:
A diaphragm is a barrier contraceptive method made of
soft silicone or latex, shaped like a dome. It is inserted
into the vagina before intercourse to cover the cervix and
prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. It is used with
spermicide for increased effectiveness. The diaphragm is
reusable, hormone-free, and provides moderate
protection, but it must be fitted by a healthcare provider
and used correctly for best results.
Results:
The different conventional & advanced family planning devices were studied.
Reference:
Dr. Mahesh Prasad, Dr. Antesh Jha., & Ritesh Srivastav (2018). A Practical Book of
Human Anatomy and Physiology-II. Nirali Prakashan,2018.
