Methods of birth control

1. Methods of birth control

2. Aims • Lets couples (husband and wife) decide whether or not to have children and how many

3. Methods of birth control • Stop the sperm from reaching the egg • Stop the egg from being made, or • Stop the fertilised egg from implanting and developing in the uterus

4. Mechanical methods • The IUD (Intra-Uterine Device), prevent sperm pass through the uterus and may also prevent an embryo from implantation. • It also contains progesterone that makes cervix thick and sticky

5. Mechanical method • The cap or diaphragm, placed over the cervix before intercourse, prevents sperm enter the uterus. It should be used with sperm-killing cream or foam

6. Mechanical method • Condom, a thin rubber tube. It is rolled over the man’s erect penis before intercourse. It stops the sperm from entering the woman’s body. It also gives protection against STD. • Femidom, female condom and inserted into the vagina

7. Chemical method • The pill, an oral contraceptive as it is taken by mouth. They contain the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. There are also progesterone-only pills. These work by preventing ovulation. Has to be taken every day • Side effects: sore breasts, weight gain, depression and painful periods

8. Chemical methods • Spermicidesare chemicals (foam, cream or jelly) that kill sperm. The woman puts the cream into her vagina before intercourse.

9. Natural methods • Rhythm method, it relies on when ovulation is most likely to occur and abstaining from sex in the days just before and just after that date. • A woman keeps a record of when she has her periods and then predict each month when ovulation should occur

10. Surgical method • Vasectomy, cut and tie the sperm duct (vas deferens). • Sterilisation (tubectomy), cut and block the oviduct.