What is Contraception: Methods, Side Effects & Sample Questions

Contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy and birth control. This can be done in various ways such as oral pills, surgery, or the use of condoms during unprotected sex. Awareness of contraception is necessary to understand reproductive health. Contraception is an important part of family planning methods aimed at controlling the number of children and preventing sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. ​

The topic of contraception in class 12 covers birth control methods such as barrier, hormonal, and withdrawl methods along with their side effects. 

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What is Contraception?

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Contraception or birth control is the method that helps in avoiding unwanted pregnancy. It also serves as a preventive measure for sexually transmitted diseases, both for men and women. The primary method of contraception also include birth control pills such as i-pills, unwanted-72 which consists of combined dose of estrogen and progestrone. 

How Contraceptive Techniques Helps in Preventing Pregnancy?

The contraceptive techniques are very helpful in preventing sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. Contraception aids in preventing pregnancy by:

• Preventing sperm from contacting the eggs and enters into uterus of female.
• Altering the production of eggs in the ovaries of women.
• Preventing the development of the fertilized egg

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Methods of Contraception

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Various types of contraception methods are used widely which include the usage of devices or medicines available for both men and women. We will be discussing the three commonly used methods of contraception in this section namely:

1. Barrier Methods
2. Hormonal Methods
3. Emergency Methods

Methods of Contraception

Barrier Methods

As the name suggests, barrier methods are used to provide a barrier between the sperm and the egg. It includes the male condom, female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicidal foam, sponges, etc. These are considered one of the safest methods as they do not effect health conditions.

• These methods are used during sexual intercourse.
• It reduces the risks of sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
• One drawback is that this method has higher rates of failure.

Male Condoms:

Male condoms prevent the sperm from entering into the female body. These are made up of various materials like latex or polyurethane. These not only help in preventing pregnancy but also STDs and HIV. Synthetic condoms also help in preventing pregnancy and transmission of STDs. Condoms are disposable and are used only once. 

Female Contraceptive Techniques:

Female contraceptives include the diaphragm, cervical cap, and sponge. These devices are placed inside the vagina to form a barrier over the cervix.

• They also restrict the movement of sperm in the vaginal canal.
• The cervical cap is a small silicone structure that is inserted in the vagina before intercourse.
• The diaphragm, on the other hand has to be used with spermicides gels, foams, or creams. 

Hormonal Methods

The hormonal method of contraception generally involves the usage of hormones like progesterone to avoid pregnancy. This method of contraception is used before or after sexual intercourse. Contraceptive hormones are available as pills, IUDs, injections, implants under the skin, vaginal rings, skin patches, etc.

• Hormonal contraceptives are formulated by combining progestin and estrogen or simply using progestin.
• This thereby, disrupts the normal balance of hormones in women to prevent pregnancy.
• It also suppresses ovulation or thickens the cervical mucus inhibiting the movement of sperm.
• At times, it assists in thinning the uterine wall, preventing implantation of the fertilized egg.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is used only if contraception was used during sexual intercourse or if the birth control method failed, for instance, if a condom broke. Some examples of emergency contraception include intrauterine devices and emergency pills.

Intrauterine devices (IUD)

An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a device that is placed inside the uterus. These are normally T-shaped small pieces of flexible plastic. Copper IUDs and Hormonal IUDs are the most common types and should be inserted into the uterus by a trained healthcare provider.

• IUDs can be used within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse.
• It can stay in place for ten to twelve years.
• This method is highly effective with no side effects.
• Hormonal IUDs release the hormones gradually to prevent pregnancy.
• These act effectively as emergency contraception if fitted within five days of having unprotected sexual intercourse.
• The hormones prevent pregnancy either by thickening the mucus in the cervix, eventually blocking the sperm, or altering the ovulation.

Emergency Pills

Emergency pills prevent pregnancy for 5 days after intercourse. These pills can be taken in a single dose or twice every 12 hours.

• This also results in thickening of the mucus of the cervix.
• Chances of pregnancy are high if taken after ovulation.

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Side effects of Contraception

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Various types of contraceptives are used this includes, medicines, devices, surgery, etc. Having several advantages of birth control methods, there are many side effects of contraception as well, some of which are listed below:

• Irregular menstruation.
• Abdominal bloating.
• Dizziness.
• Mood swings
• Weight gain.
• Skin problems.
• Sore breasts.
• Frequent headaches.

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Things to Remember

• Contraception is a potent tool for preventing unwanted pregnancy.
• The common barrier method to prevent STDs is the use of male condoms.
• A permanent form of birth control is a sterilization implant.
• Headaches, weight gain, acne, and mood swings are some drawbacks of using contraceptives.
• A common example of emergency contraception is the use of copper IUDs.