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Briefly about Contraception

Contraception is a method of birth control, aimed at prevention of unwanted pregnancy during sexual intercourse.

There is currently number of methods and means for contraception, most of them is achievement of past half century. Debates are still not ceased on usefulness and acceptability from various methods of demographic, medical, ethical and other points of view, but the vast majority of experts agree that contraception is better than another "method of family planning" - abortion.

The most common are the following types of contraception:

biological barrier methods;

chemical;

implantation (IUD);

hormonal methods;

surgical birth control.

Efficiency of different contraceptive methods is evaluated by Pearl index. Pearl Index is number of pregnancies occurring in 100 women who use certain method of contraception within 1 year.

This article provides Pearl Index value based on results of foreign scoping study conducted in 2010 on basis of 139 different works analysis on contraceptive methods effectiveness.

Physiological Birth Control Methods

Biological (physiological) methods based on knowledge of female reproductive system functioning physiological rhythms - the oldest, safest and least effective of all.

There are two basic varieties:

actual biological method (calculation of "safe days");

interrupted sexual intercourse method.

Biological (calendar) method is based on ovulation period establishment (release of egg from ovary into abdominal cavity) by measuring the so-called basal body temperature (rectal temperature) and keeping a diary of menstruation.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse during expected ovulation period (10-18 day of cycle, the period before rise of basal temperature above 37 ° C, and the first 2-3 days after lifting) helps avoid pregnancy.

Positive moments - "calendar method" is easy to use and has no side effects. The reasons for low reliability are fluctuations in physiological parameters and lack of care when measuring basal body temperature.

Contraception Method | Calendar Method

Pearl Index in case of correct administration | 0.7-3.1

Pearl Index without strict observation | 3.8-20.4 

Calendar method reliability is increased when using portable electronic devices, measuring daily basal temperature. According to collected data, these devices are able to build mathematical model of individual menstrual cycle and accurately predict woman's fertility for the next day. 

Physiological and another traditional method includes breastfeeding (lactation). The contraceptive effect in the first 6 months after delivery can be achieved only with constant and frequent feedings in daytime and at night. The latest in modern conditions is extremely rare, so this method is unlikely to be effective.

Mechanical Birth Control Methods

Barrier method is based on use of means, mechanically preventing penetration of sperm into uterus and fallopian tubes. The advantages of technique include ease of use and reliable protection against pregnancy.The most common method: use of male condoms.

Contraception Method | condomn

Pearl Index | 2.5-5.9

Chemical Contraception Methods: Spermicide

Chemical contraceptive methods based on use of spermicides - substances that kill sperm. Spermicides are available in different form:

ointments;

creams;

gels;

suppositories, which is inserted into vagina 1 hour earlier and not later than 10 minutes prior to sexual intercourse. The method is preferably used in combination with barrier contraception (condoms and spermicide), because spermicides use alone is ineffective.

You should be aware of inefficiency and insecurity of attempts to use various materials as spermicides. So widespread it is still "popular" belief that pregnancy can be prevented by introducing into vagina lemon drops, tampons soaked in solutions of various acids, Coca-Cola and other ingredients, both before and after sexual intercourse. This is not only wrong, but also dangerous. The only result that can cause similar actions - burn mucous membrane and development of inflammatory processes as a result of vaginal microflora violations.

Intrauterine Contraceptive Methods

Intrauterine contraceptive methods are based on introduction into uterus different devices that impede contact of sperm with egg and introduction of fertilized egg into uterine wall when contact takes place. Until recently, most of these devices took form of spiral.This birth control method is abortifacient, increasing various diseases risk and has a number of contraindications.

Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control is very effective. The most common are combined oral contraceptives (COCs), ie tablet formulations for oral administration, containing two types of hormones. Other types of drugs include one of them.

The mechanisms of action of these drugs include:

inhibition of oocyte maturation;

increasing viscosity of mucus, hindering sperm penetration;

changing structure of uterus lining, preventing attachment of fertilized egg.

Contraception Method | COC

Pearl Index at correct administration | 0-1.26

Pearl Index average indicator | 1.26-2.18

Surgical Contraception

Surgical contraception (sterilization) is tubal ligation in women or spermatic cord (this operation is called a vasectomy) in men. This method has virtually 100% efficiency, but in most cases is irreversible. Read about Emergency Contraception on My Canadian Pharmacy.