Topic: Methods of Birth
Control
Integrated Science
Objectives
At the end of this lesson students will be able to:
Identify the four main methods of birth control
Discuss at least one advantage and one disadvantages
of each method of birth control
Conception
Contraception
Contraception is defined as the intentional prevention
of conception through the use of various devices,
sexual practices, chemicals, drugs, or surgical
procedures.
Thus, any device or act whose purpose is to prevent a
woman from becoming pregnant can be considered as
a contraceptive.
Contraception
Contraception allows people to choose when to have
children and to determine the size of their family.
This choice is called birth control or family planning.
Methods of birth control
The four main methods of birth control are:
Natural
Barrier
Hormonal/ chemical and
Surgical
Natural
Withdrawal (coitus interruptus)
Description
The male withdraws the penis from the vagina before
ejaculation.
Advantages:
No side effects
No cost
Disadvantages:
No protection from STIs, extreemly unreliable,
Fluid secreted before ejaculation (pre-ejaculate) may
contain sperm
Rhythm methods
Temperature: Relies on monitoring the menstrual
cycle for temperature rise associated with ovulation or
for the mucus secreted (at ovulation more mucus is
secreted and it is thinner)
Mucus (the Billing’s method): Relies on monitoring
the menstrual cycle for changes in mucus associated
with ovulation (at ovulation more mucus is secreted
and it is thinner)
Rhythm methods
Calendar method
Abstinence
Description
Refraining from sexual intercourse.
Advantages
100% safe
No side effects or costs
Disadvantage
Requires self-discipline
Barrier methods
Condoms
Male condom
A sheath of strong latex rubber is places over the erect penis before
intercourse to collect semen.
Female condom
A tube of synthetic material is inserted into the vagina and remains
there during intercourse. It prevents sperm from entering the vagina
Advantages
Nearly no side effects(a small amount of people may be allergic to
latex)
Easy to obtain
Offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV
*Not all condoms are made from latex
Condoms
Disadvantages
Can only be used once (cost)
Interrupts love-making
May reduce sensitivity of penis
Not as effective as the pill
More effective if used with spermicide
Female condom can be difficult to use
Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device
Coil, loop, copper-T
Description
A plastic or copper device which is placed into the
uterus by a doctor and remains there
It covers the cervix and prevents the entry of sperm
Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device
Advantages
Once inserted it can remain for 2-5 years without
further concern
It is fairly reliable and inexpensive
Disadvantages
It may lead to an increase in menstraul flow
Can cause uterine infections
No protection against STIs
Diaphragm (cap)
Description
A thin circular, domme-shaped sheet which is
inserted into the vagina six hours before sexual
intercourse and removed three hours afterwards
It covers the cervix and prevents entry of sperm
Diaphragm (cap)
Advantages
Few side effects
Offers protection against STIs
Disadvantages
May be damaged during intercourse
More reliable if used with a spermicide
Hormonal
Pill and injection
Description
The pill, hormonal patch: it contains estrogen and/or
progesterone. It is taken once daily.
Hormonal injection: it contains estrogen and/or
progesterone but is given once ever three months
Prevents production of ova
Prevents fertilization by changing the cervical mucus
so preventing the movement of sperm
Prevents implantation
Pill and injection
Advantages
Simple and easy to take
Convenient
Reliable
Disadvantages
No protection against STIs must be taken at precise time intervals
to be very reliable
Should not be taken by smokers
Increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure
Not reliable if vomiting or diarrhoea occurs within hours of taking
Not reliable if taken while on a course of antibiotics.
Spermicides
Chemicals which kill sperm and block sperm fromm
entering the uterus
Often used together with other methods
Available as creams, foams or gels
Spermicides
Advantages
Simple to use and easy to obtain
Provides extra lubrication for intercourse
Disadvantages
Very unreliable is used alone
May sometimes cause irritation
No protection against STIs
Surgical Methods
Sterilization
Description
In females the oviducts are cutand tied so that the
ovum cannot reach the uterus. This is called tubal
ligation.
In males the vas deferens is cut so sperm cannot leave
the scrotum. This is called a vasectomy.
Sterlization
Advantages
100% effective
Permanent control
No effect on virility in males
Disadvantages
Not often reversible
