Contraceptives

Having talked about STDs, let me move on the the other important complication of premarital sex. That is of unwanted pregnancies. To prevent this, one must use contraceptives. Contraeptives are mechanisms, devices, or medications that are intended to reduce the likelihood of a sperm cell fertilizing the egg which will deliberately prevent or reduce the chances of pregnancy or childbirth. Effectiveness varies depending on method.
The methods are mainly:
Abstinence - simply means no sex, 100% effective
Birth Control Pill -They contain two hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. They work by stopping ovulation and by inhibiting the movement of sperm. Quite effective when used consistently
Cervical Cap -It is a small cap made of soft latex which is placed by a doctor up into her vagina and onto her cervix. Suction keeps the cap in place so sperm cannot enter the uterus. The woman can also put spermicide in the cap. Women should obtain a new cap yearly. 9% accidental pregnancy. Can also prevent STDs
Condom -(refer to last post).
Contraceptive Film/ suppositories -These are medications with a chemical that kills sperm (a chemical called nonoxynol-9). It is placed on or near the cervix (the opening of the womb). It dissolves in seconds. Quite ineffective and does not work against STDs.
Contraceptive Sponge -It acts as a barrier to prevent semen from entering the cervix. Ineffective, but can prevent STDs because it is a barrier.
Contraceptive Implant -Implanon is an implant inserted into the upper arm. They give off small amounts of a hormone like the progesterone that stops the releasing of the egg. This effectively prevents pregnancy (but not STDs) for 3 years.
Diaphragm - It is a latex disc a woman places into her vagina. It blocks a man's semen from entering the cervix (the opening to the womb). A spermicide placed onto the diaphragm kills sperm. Quite effective
Fertility Awareness Method(the "rhythm" method) -It is a understanding a woman's reproductive cycle by observing and writing down fertility signs that determine when she can become pregnant. The signs are then used to decide when best to have sex.
Injectable Contraception (most commonly known as Depo-Prevera) -A shot given every three months. It is provides a hormone like the progesterone that stops the woman's ovaries from releasing an egg and have other contraceptive effects. Very effective but no STD protection.
Intrauterine Contraception (IUD) -It is a small device which is placed into the uterine cavity. the IUD gives off copper into the uterine cavity which stops sperm from making their way up through the uterus. Very effective, inexpensive and can last for long time.
The Patch -It is a patch that can be pasted anywhere on the body. The hormones it gives out is like that of a pill and it has the same effect. Quite effective and can last for 7 days.
The Ring -NuvaRing is a small, flexible device that a woman inserts into her vagina once a month. The ring releases combined hormones (estrogen and progestin) to protect against pregnancy. Same effect as a pill.
Withdrawal -It is the act of a man pulling his penis out before ejaculation into the vagina. Not very effective as pre-ejaculate fluid can also contain semen.
So from today, I have researched through the various methods of contraceptions. Though different, we see that the methods require consistency to work. Couples should consult each other before deciding on their method to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Remember that no method (other than abstinence) is perfect.
I thank http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/youth/health/contraceptives for the info.