FREE ESSAY ON BIRTH CONTROL

BIRTH CONTROL

Birth Control is defined as various ways used to prevent pregnancy from occurring. Birth
Control has been a concern for humans for thousands of years. The first contraception
devices were mechanical barriers in the vagina that prevented the male sperm from
fertilizing the female egg. Other methods of birth control that were used in the vagina
were sea sponges, mixtures of crocodile dung and honey, quinine, rock salt and alum. We
have come a long way from past time times of contraceptives, although some of the same
concepts are still used.
The least effective form of birth control used today is The Natural Method. This method
is also the cheapest because the woman monitors her menstrual cycle. The average cycle is
28 days, ovulation occurs 14 days prior to the woman's period. She then must avoid sex or
use a method of contraception on her fertile days. The effectiveness of this method is
around 72%. This methods is also one of the hardest method because the woman must
maintain a good record of her menstrual cycle. 
Another form of birth control are spermicidal jelly, cream or foam. Spermicide can be
used without medical supervision, and must be used with each act of intercourse. These
have no side affects but must be used exactly according to instructions. Spermicides can
be up to 94% effective if used correctly.
Contraceptive pills or oral contraception are a common form of contraception for women.
They contain two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, which prevent an egg from being
released by a woman's ovary each month. There are several different types of pill so if
one does not suit you then another one might. It can reduce pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
and period pain. There is evidence that the pill offers some protection against cancer of
the uterus and ovaries. You don't need to worry about any devices or spermicides and it
does not interfere with spontaneity of sex. A full medical history is essential, as this
pill is not suitable for women who have certain conditions such as high blood pressure,
circulatory disease, and diabetes. Those women over 35 years who smoke or are overweight
may be advised to use another method of contraception. The combined pill is not reliable
if taken over 12 hours late, or after vomiting and diarrhea. It may have some side
effects such as nausea, headaches and weight gain. Some drugs, such as antibiotics may
affect its reliability. Contraceptive pills do not protect against sexually transmitted
infections and HIV. If taken correctly the pill is 99% effective.
The diaphragm or cap is a circular dome made of rubber, which is fitted by the woman over
her cervix before sex. It acts as a barrier to stop sperm getting through to the uterus.
It should be used with a spermicide cream or jelly, which contain a chemical that
destroys sperm. These must be worn for a few hours after sex before it can be removed.
The effectiveness of this is 87%.
Male condoms are made of very thin latex or plastic and work by being placed over a man's
erect penis. They act as a physical barrier and trap sperm at the point of ejaculation.
Condoms are readily available from chemists and free from family planning clinics. Women
can carry them as well as men. They help to protect against cancer of the cervix and
reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.The male condom has to
be put on the penis as soon as it becomes erect and before any contact takes place with
the vagina. They also have to be used with care as they can slip off or split. Men need
to withdraw as soon as they have ejaculated and be careful not to spill any semen.
Condoms should never be used with oil based products such as Vaseline and suntan oil, as
these will damage the rubber. They are 94% - 98% effective depending on how correctly
they are used. 
Female condoms are made of thin polyurethane plastic and work by being placed in the
vagina also covering the area outside, to stop sperm from entering the vagina. A female
condom can be put in any time before sex and has many of the advantages of the male
condom, as well as being stronger and can be used with oil based products. It is
especially good for women who suffer from allergic reactions to the spermicidal
lubricants used with condoms. It can slip, so you need to be sure that the penis enters
the condom and isn't inserted between the condom and the vaginal wall. If used correctly
it is 95% effective.
Male and female sterilization are permanent methods of contraception. They are for anyone
who feels that their family is complete or who are certain that they will never want to
have children. Many couples find greater sexual freedom once the risk of unwanted
pregnancy has been removed. Whatever your age, you should consider sterilization to be a
permanent step and you should not undergo the procedure if you have any doubts. Female
sterilization works by stopping the egg and the sperm meeting by cutting and blocking the
fallopian tubes. It can be carried out at a hospital, usually a small incision is made
just below the naval to reach the fallopian tubes which are then clipped. Sterilization
does not interfere with sex and it works immediately. Some doctors are not happy to
sterilize young and/or single people who do not have children. While sterilization is a
very safe operation, there is a very small risk of damage to other organs during the
procedure. Sterilization also offers no protection against sexually transmitted
infections and HIV. There is a risk of ectopic pregnancy at a later date if the procedure
is carried out when you are young. This method has a 99% effective rate.
Male Sterilization (vasectomy) is a permanent surgical technique in which the vas
deferens (tubes which carry the sperm) is sealed, so that sperm are no longer present in
semen when a man ejaculates. Orgasm and ejaculation are not affected. Sperm continues to
be produced by the testicles but its passage to the penis is blocked, so it is
re-absorbed by the body. Vasectomy has no effect on the production of male hormones or
the sex drive. The procedure takes 10 - 15 minutes and can be done at a hospital as
outpatient surgery. Male sterilization takes longer to work than female sterilization and
sperm can take a few months to disappear from semen. Therefore you need to use another
method of contraception until you have had tests to show that you have no sperm in the
semen. Sterilization offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections and
HIV. Effective rate is 99%. 
IUD (Intrauterine Device) is a small plastic and copper intrauterine device, usually
shaped like a 'T' that is fitted into the uterus by a doctor. This only takes a couple of
minutes. It works by stopping sperm meeting an egg, or by stopping an egg settling in the
womb. Works from the moment it is placed in the uterus and can stay in place for five
years. Some IUD's can stay in place for eight years. Can be used as an emergency method
of contraception within five days of unprotected intercourse or five days after expected
ovulation. It is unsuitable for women who have more than one sexual partner as this can
increase the risk of infection. IUD's may cause periods to be heavier and more painful.
The IUD offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections and HIV. It has a
98% - 99% effectiveness.
Widespread use of emergency contraception could prevent an estimated 1.7 million
unintended pregnancies and 800,000 abortions each year. Women should only use emergency
contraceptives as a back up to their usual birth control method. Millions of women around
the world have used emergency contraceptives safely and effectively. Emergency
contraceptive pills are taken in two doses. The first dose should be taken within 72
hours of unprotected intercourse, and the second dose, 12 hours later. Although this pill
works it is very discomforting to the individuals. Vomiting and sickness often occurs
when this emergency contraceptive is used.
Nearly half of America's 6 million annual pregnancies are accidental. Unintended
pregnancies result in 1.4 million abortions annually, as well as 1.1 million births that
women either did not want to have until later or did not want at all. Eighty percent of
teen pregnancies are unintended, and each year, one in nine young women aged 15-19 become
pregnant; more than half become mothers. With knowledge of these contraceptive the
numbers of unintended pregnancies will go down.