Question

Describe the various method of contraception used by females.
 

Answer 1

Family Planning Welfare:

• Population control can effectively be done by using family planning technique. It is nowadays called “Family Welfare”.
• It involves the use of contraceptives and by making the public families aware of the methods of conceptions that they can decide when to give birth to young and what number they want.
• The various family planning methods are as follows:

1. Barrier Methods:

1.1. Condom:

• In this method, the process of fertilization between sperm and ovum is restricted using a physical barrier such as a condom. Condoms are barriers made up of rubber or latex sheath that are used to cover the penis in male and vagina in the female. This method is used to prevent semen from entering the female vagina.
• The use of condoms had increased since the last few years. For males, the brand “Nirodhi”, a condom is very popular.
• Use of condom also prevents sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS besides preventing pregnancy.
• Both male and female condom has to be discarded after use. It can be used by an individual by its own and in this way, it can remain personal.

1.2. The diaphragm, Cervical Cap & Vault:

• The diaphragm, Uterus convex cap, vault, rings etc., are other contraceptives made of rubber and which are put into female reproductive tract to cover Uterus cervix and they stop the entry of sperm into the female tract.

1.3. Spermicidal:

• Spermicidal serum, jelly and foam are also used as contraceptive measures.

2. Intra-Uterine Device (IUD):

• Intra-uterine devices are small devices that are inserted into the uterus by doctors.
• Examples:
  1. Non-Medicated IUD – Lippes Loop.
  2. Copper Releasing IUD – Cut, Cu7, Multiload 375 etc.
  3. Hormone Releasing IUD – LNG 20, Protestant etc.
• These devices promote phagocytosis of sperms to prevent fertilization. They are used to delay pregnancy. Cut, Cu7 are devices containing copper. The release of copper ions inhibits the motility of sperms & fertilisation. These are considered as ideal contraceptives for females. IUD hormones prevent implantation in the uterus two children IUD is an ideal method. It is widely used in India.

3. Contraceptive Pills:

• These Pills are used as oral contraceptives. These pills contain small doses of estrogen or progesterone or a combination of both. These oral contraceptives should be taken for a period of 21 days.
• After a gap of 7 days, that is, at the time of menstruation, these pills should be avoided. After this gap, these pills should be taken again in the same pattern until and unless female desires conception or fertilization.
• Progesterone or combination with estrogen may also be given to females via injections. They work similarly to orally taken pills.
• Saheli is a new oral contraceptive without any steroids hormone. It contains a chemical called centchroman. It is higly effective contraceptive pill.
• Emergency pills Contain a chemical called Levenorgastril. This pill is to be taken after forced sex or unplanned sex within 72 hours. It prevents ovulation. It is also called a pill – 72.

4. Surgical methods:

• Surgical methods are also being used to control birth. These methods are also known as Surgical methods. 
• These methods are used to terminate any further pregnancy. 
• These methods block gamete transfer and thus prevent conception.