Common Ways of Preventing Pregnancy

Preventing ovulation or killing the sperms (contraceptives)

These methods are interventions which suppress the generative functions which may or may
not leave the reproductive glands intact.

Breastfeeding is a natural method of child spacing. It stimulates natural hormones which

prevent ovulation. It also provides 98% contraceptive protection for up to six months after
delivery, provided that there is little or no supplemental feeding.

Surgical castration achieves permanent sterility (an infertile state) by removing the
reproductive organs. It may be considered a form of mutilation.

The hormones estrogen and progesterone administered as pills, injections, and skin implants
stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. Meanwhile, spermicides such as gels, creams, or
suppositories inserted into the vagina kill the sperms. Additionally, intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Induce an inflammatory reaction which kills the sperms as they enter the female genital tract.

Preventing sperm from reaching the egg in the fallopian tube (contraceptives)

For men, vasectomy is a surgical procedure that cuts the vas deferens, blocking the pathway
of the sperms and preventing their release when the man ejaculates. It is permanent
contraception. method of

Meanwhile, condoms are sheaths, often made of latex, worn over the erect penis during
intercourse. They trap the ejaculate with the sperms it contains. Condoms prevent pregnancy
in approximately 85% of the time if used correctly. Some sources say that condoms are less
effective in preventing the transmission of AIDS because they have holes of approximately
5microns. The sperms are more than 5 microns in diameter but the HIV virus is 0.1 micron.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published that the
consistent and correct use of condoms can greatly reduce, but not completely eliminate, the
risk of STD, including HIV transmission.

For women, tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that cuts the fallopian tube, blocking the
pathway of the egg from the ovaries and the sperm from the uterus so no fertilization can
occur. On the other hand, the diaphragm and cervical cap are cup-like structures covering the
vaginal or lower uterine orifice to obstruct the entrance of the sperm. Lastly, progesterone
hormones thicken the mucus in the vagina and the lower uterus to prevent the sperm from
reaching the egg.

Interrupted intercourse (coitus interruptus)

Interrupted intercourse, also known as the withdrawal method, refers to the pulling out of the
penis before ejaculation. This method is not totally effective as some semen may already be
secreted into the vagina before the actual ejaculation.

Preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall (abortifacients)

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) may be considered both a contraceptive and an abortifacient.

These are artificial structures inserted into the uterus that increase uterine contractions to
prevent implantation. Depending on the type, they may also alter fallopian tube motility,
hindering the movements of the egg and sperms (contraceptive). In the same category are
the hormonal contraceptives that keep the lining of the uterus thin to make it difficult for the
embryo to implant (contraceptive and abortifacient).

Another manner of abortion is by dislodging implanted egg or embryo. This process uses
drugs or mechanical devices which remove the implanted embryo from its nesting place in
the uterine wall and cause it to be prematurely delivered before it can survive. Abortion is
murder. It is immoral, illegal, unnecessary, and dangerous.
Risks of Contraception

Physical problems

Surgical procedures carry all the usual surgical and anesthetic risks. Hormonal contraceptives,
on the other hand, may cause side effects that include tumors; cardiovascular, blood, lung,
and gall bladder disease; weight gain; depression or mood disturbances; nausea; menstrual
disturbances; decreased sexual desire or response; or acne and breast tenderness. Its dreaded
complications are blood clots which can clog vital organs and cause death.

The IUD has associated risks of expulsion, cramping. menstrual irregularities, perforation of
the uterus, pelvic infection, and ectopic pregnancy.

Psychological and moral problems

The use of contraceptives has been associated with depression, divorce, sexual dysfunction,
and anxiety. Some studies show that this effect is due to the act of contraception itself. For
some people, practicing contraception weakens moral values and causes loss of respect for
women and children. For married couples, preventing pregnancy without acceptable opposes
the procreative good of the marital act and treats the child as something to be avoided or
disposed of as seen fit. Contraception may also lead to sexual permissiveness, marital
infidelity. premarital sex, and the accompanying risk of STDs. Some people even believe that
no justification is acceptable; couples who practice contraception merely want to enjoy the
sex act without consequences or even worse, to have a license to immorality.

Natural Family Planning

Description

Natural family planning (NFP) is a scientific method that respects life and life processes and
involves the systematic observation of a woman's bodily signs of fertility and infertility. The
date of ovulation is determined by the calendar record of the menstrual cycle, basal body
temperature rise (thermal method), or change in mucus (Billing's ovulation method).

Following NFP, the couple will only engage in sexual Intercourse during the infertile period (no
egg in the reproductive tract) and will practice abstinence during the fertile period (possible
egg in reproductive tract) which is 5 to 7 days before and 3 days after ovulation.

Benefits

Natural family planning strengthens the love and maturity of the married couple through
communication, cooperation, and self-control. It is safe, healthy (no side effects of hormones),
and inexpensive. Likewise, it neither interferes with the natural reproductive system nor
distorts the sexual act because it does not use mechanical devices, hormones, and unhygienic
or distasteful procedures. NFP is effective if used properly. It is reversible; couples can avoid or
achieve pregnancy anytime. Moreover, it is the Catholic Church's accepted method of
planned parenthood.

The choice of method to be used in planning for parenthood depends on the couple's health,
socio-economic conditions, and religious and cultural values.