Up until now, contraception is still a very controversial topic.

There are still many

opposing opinions about the said topic. Here in the Philippines, the church and the government
are the two main opposing parties regarding contraception. Some cultures limit or discourage
access to birth control and contraception methods because they consider it to be morally,
religiously, or politically undesirable. But first, what is contraception? Contraception is defined
as the deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy as a
consequence of sexual intercourse. The most common forms of contraception are the so-called
barrier methods, the most common is the condom, contraceptive pill, and intrauterine devices.
Different types and ways of usage but they all serve the same purpose; to prevent pregnancy and
to prevent life from forming inside the womb.
Unlike abortion, wherein the fetus or the embryo is deliberately terminated inside the
womb and then removed from the womb, contraception is preventing the pregnancy from
happening in the first place. Both are considered as taboo subject and a sinful act by some religion
and cultures. Pregnancy occurs when the egg and the sperm unite to create a new organism,
wherein the new organism will inherit the characteristics of the parents and will have both the
genetic material of his/her parents. With the use of current contraceptives, pregnancy will not
occur. There are many different types of contraception being used by women worldwide. First, we
have the intrauterine device (IUD), also known as an intrauterine system (IUS). It is a small, T
shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. An IUD can remain in place
and function effectively for many years at a time. There are two types of IUD, the first one is the
hormonal IUD or IUS which releases a progestin hormone inside the uterus. The released
hormone causes thickening of the cervical mucus, inhibits sperm from reaching or fertilizing the
egg, thins the uterine lining, and may prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. The next one is the
copper IUD which prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs, it can also prevent the
egg from attaching in the womb. Another type of contraceptives are hormonal methods. Hormonal
methods of birth control use hormones to regulate or stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy.
Ovulation is the release of the egg from the ovaries, and with the use of hormones, it will be prevented
and no pregnancy will occur. The barrier method is the method of contraception that is designed to
prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The barrier method is an option for those women who cannot use
or chooses not to use hormonal methods. Male condoms, female condoms, contraceptive sponges, and
spermicides are the different kinds of contraceptives under the barrier method. The male condom is a thin,
transparent sheath that covers the penis during intercourse to prevent the sperm from entering the
woman’s body. Female condoms are thin, flexible, and pouch-like condoms that are inserted inside the
vagina before sexual intercourse to block the sperm from entering the uterus. The contraceptive sponge
are soft spermicide-filled foam sponges, and are also inserted inside the vagina before intercourse. The
contraceptive sponge works by blocking the sperm as well as killing the sperms.

According to a research conducted by Charlson b. et.al (2016), the oral contraceptive is

the most used method performed worldwide. Compared to the other methods, the oral
contraceptive is also the most accessible way of contraception. According to a research
conducted by Charlson b. et.al (2016), the oral contraceptive is the most used method performed
worldwide. Compared to other methods, the oral contraceptive is also said to be the most
accessible type of contraception.
Although contraception is famously known to prevent pregnancy, there are also other uses of
contraceptives. Aside from preventing pregnancy, women also opt to use contraceptives to help
some of their reproductive health issues. For example, hormonal contraceptives are often used to
treat heavy menstrual bleeding. According to Lethaby, A. et al (2019), oral hormonal
contraceptives over six months reduce heavy menstrual bleeding to 'normal' levels. Studies have
shown that the hormone contraceptives helps reduce heavy menstrual bleeding by thinning out the
uterine lining, thus resulting in reduced blood loss. Oral contraceptives are also the most common
and effective option that is used to manage PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome. Although PCOS
have no known cure, oral contraceptives can help manage the PCOS symptoms.
Although there are still many controversies surrounding the contraceptives, it is
still widely used worldwide. According to (Kavanaugh & Anderson, et al 2013), access to safe,
effective contraception is both a public health and feminist imperative. Family planning products
and services are associated with a range of health benefits, including reduced unintended
pregnancies, improved infant health, and lowered pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality.
Successful fertility control also leads to many social and economic benefits for women, from
educational attainment and personal autonomy to relationship stability and satisfaction (Sonfield,
Hasstedt, Kavanaugh, & Anderson, et al 2013). Contraceptives are also supported by the
government here in our country because it will benefit population control, and can help the
family with financial stability, as well as those individuals who are not yet ready to be parents. If
I am asked if I am against the usage of contraception, my answer will be no. I am not against the
usage of contraception mainly because it is beneficial to a lot of people. Aside from helping them
prevent unwanted pregnancy, it also helps other women suffering from reproductive health issues.
In the end, it is also the choice of the individual if he/she will use contraceptive methods.