HEALTH SCIENCES

FACULTY

CONTRACEPTION
A MEDICAL ENGLISH PRESENTATION

ACADEMIC YEAR : 2022-2023

Contraception

DESIGNERS

MOUZOU Sètou Joseph

MOUMOUNI Boucharatou
LIASSIDJI Néhémie
KOUMA Bélinda
HOUNGNALO Koffi Davè Samuel
KANGNI Kayi Prisca
TCHA KOURA Malik
BIDIFAYI Abdoul-Manaf
BADJOLA L’banguiba Blandine
MAWOUGNON Déborah Marion
ALONOU Victor
GAGLO Kenneth
AMANA Esther
AMAVI Donald
AMEGANVI Abel
AMOUZOU Ama Déborah
BASMA BIVEGUE Jean Pierre,

2nd year students in Health Sciences Faculty at University of Lomé and taught by
Dr KPOBLAHOUN Avafia

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PLAN

INTRODUCTION

I- CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE PRODUCTION OR

EXCRETION OF GAMETES

II- CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS THAT PREVENT GAMETES FROM MEETING

III- CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS PREVENTING EGG IMPLANTATION

CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION
Contraception is the use of means to prevent sexual intercourse from resulting in pregnancy.
It is defined by the World Health Organization as "the use of agents, devices, methods or
procedures to reduce the likelihood of, or prevent, fertilization".
The various contraceptive methods have 3 main objectives, which we will use to study them:
- prevent gamete production or excretion
- prevent gametes from meeting

- prevent egg implantation

I- CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE PRODUCTION OR EXCRETION OF
GAMETES
These methods are used on men and women. Firstly, we'll talk about the fertilization process
to better understand contraceptive methods. Fertilization occurs in women genital organs.
The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. During the first 13 days, several oocytes develop in
the ovary and estrogen is produced. On day 14, the most developed oocyte is expelled into
the uterus. Progesterone is then released in large quantities. These sex hormones gradually
prepare the uterine lining, thickening it so that the egg can make its nest in the event of
fertilization.
If there is no fertilization, the ovary stops producing hormones, and this hormonal fall causes
the destruction of part of the uterine lining, hence menstruation. It is on the basis of this
knowledge of the physiology of the female reproductive system that the various
contraceptive methods have been developed.
➢ THE COMBINED PILL OR ORAL CONTRACEPTION
The combined pill is a tablet containing two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which
blocks ovulation. The inner lining of the uterus shrinks and the substance secreted by the
cervix - cervical mucus - thickens, preventing sperm and egg from meeting. The combined pill
must be taken regularly and without omission for optimum performance. All pills are available
on prescription.
In the event of an omission, it is imperative to take the missed pill and take additional
precautions (male condom) until the next pack is taken. When taken correctly, birth combined
pills are highly effective, with a failure rate of around 0.3%. However, perfect adherence and
consistent use is crucial for their optimal effectiveness.

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➢ INJECTABLE PROGESTINS
An injectable progestin, i.e. a hormone, is administered by intramuscular injection every 3
months by a doctor, nurse or midwife. This ensures continuous contraception for 12 weeks by
preventing ovulation. This method is highly effective, but can cause significant side-effects
(weight gain, delayed menstruation, etc.) for which nothing can be done, other than to wait
for the effects to cease.

➢ THE VAGINAL CONTRACEPTIVE RING

The vaginal ring, made of flexible plastic, releases an "estrogen-progestogen" solution to

block ovulation. It is inserted deep into the vagina and remains in place for three weeks,
before being removed for seven days. Its use is similar to that of the pill. Once the one-week
break has elapsed, a new ring is inserted at the bottom of the vagina, and so on.
The contraceptive vaginal ring is available in pharmacies on prescription.

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➢ CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
The contraceptive patch is a combination of 2 hormones. It is applied to the skin yourself, and
renewed every week at the same time, for 3 weeks. It prevents ovulation. The fourth week is
the one during which no patch is worn. This doesn't mean you're not protected: the
contraceptive effect is still present. If you stop wearing the patch, your period will start.
ADVANTAGES
As the patch works on a weekly basis, the chances of forgetting or misusing are very low. It
can also reduce menstrual pain.
DISADVANTAGES
Possible side-effects are the same as pill’s : nausea, migraines, painful swelling of breast…

➢ SUBCUTANEOUS IMPLANT
The rod-shaped implant contains etonogestrel, a progestin identical to that used in certain
pills. Placed under the skin of a woman's arm by a gynecologist, the implant regularly releases
a hormone that blocks ovulation and thickens cervical mucus, preventing the passage of
sperm.
Although it can be removed after a few days or months at the patient's request, the implant
is effective for three years and requires no pills. The implant may have drawbacks, such as
irregular or absent periods. It can also lead to heavy bleeding. There is a risk that the implant
may migrate to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications.

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➢ VASECTOMY
Vasectomy or vas deferens ligation is a surgical procedure used as a method of sterilization,
also known as permanent contraception. It involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens,
which carry sperm, in male individuals. It is the most widespread method of male
contraception worldwide. Like many other contraceptive methods, it does not protect against
sexually transmitted infections. To allow the vas deferens to heal, a week's abstinence is
recommended.
➢ TUBAL LIGATION
Tubal ligation, sometimes called tubectomy, is a surgical sterilization procedure that provides
permanent, irreversible and reliable contraception for women. Various methods are used to
close the tubes, such as tubal sectioning and ligation, or plugging the tubes with an
instrument. It offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. It replaces the
condom only as a contraceptive method.

II- CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS THAT PREVENT GAMETES FROM MEETING

➢ COITUS INTERRUPTUS
Also known as "withdrawal", this technique involves interrupting sexual intercourse, i.e.
removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation, to prevent sperm from entering the
vagina. This method is highly unreliable.
➢ THE MALE CONDOM

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Male condoms are only effective if used correctly. They help prevent unwanted pregnancy,
and also protect against sexually transmitted diseases and the AIDS virus.
The male condom takes the form of a very thin sheath, usually made of latex, which must be
unrolled over the erect penis to cover it completely. This prevents any contact between
semen and the genital tract. Available without prescription from chemists, supermarkets and
public distributors, male condoms are not 100% effective. They should be combined with other
contraceptive methods.

➢ THE FEMALE CONDOM

It consists of a flexible ring at both ends which is placed in the vagina. It takes some learning
to fit and use the female condom... It's not widely known, but it has more advantages than
the male condom: it can be fitted several hours before intercourse, used with lubricants and
doesn't need to be removed immediately afterwards. They are available in pharmacies and
family planning centers.

➢ THE INTRA-UTERINE DEVICE (IUD)

Known for its "T" shape, the IUD is placed in the uterus by a doctor. Measuring 3cm, this soft
plastic contraceptive is fitted with two nylon threads at the end to enable women to check
for its presence.
Like the pill and implant, the IUD modifies the inner lining of the uterus. There are two possible
modes of operation. It may consist of a copper wire that affects spermatozoa, or a progestin
that blocks ovulation.

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Prescribed by a specialist, the IUD can be effective for up to 10 years (5 years for some
models). As with the implant, there is no risk of forgetting. However, the IUD can cause heavy,
painful periods.

➢ DIAPHRAGM AND CERVICAL CAP

The diaphragm is a cup of variable or unique size, placed at the bottom of the vagina to block
the passage of sperm towards the uterus. It is made of silicone. It is used in conjunction with
a spermicide (a product that destroys spermatozoa) to increase its effectiveness.

The cape is a very thin silicone dome that covers the cervix.

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The diaphragm or cervical cap can be applied at the time of intercourse, or several hours
before. It is important to keep them on for 8 hours after intercourse. They can be reused.
Both diaphragm and cervical cap have some advantages and limitations

ADVANTAGES
- Reusable : both devices can be reusable and are therefore cost-effective in long run
- Hormone-free : they do not contain hormones making them suitable for persons who
prefer non-hormonal contraceptives methods.

LIMITATIONS
- Preparation time : both devices require some preparation time before sexual
intercourse as they need to be inserted along with spermicides
- Protection against sexually transmitted infections : neither the diaphragm nor the
cervical cap provides protection against STIs
III- CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS PREVENTING EGG IMPLANTATION
Strictly speaking, these are not contraceptive methods, since they do not prevent a woman
from becoming pregnant (they do not prevent fertilization). The term used to differentiate
these methods from conventional contraception is contragestation. These methods are
highly controversial, and some believe they are no different from abortion. We will only
mention the morning-after pill or "emergency contraception", which can have either a
contraceptive or contragestational action.
➢ THE MORNING-AFTER PILL

These pills contain progesterone or estrogen+progesterone. There are 2 tablets to be taken:

the first within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse, and the second 12 to 24 hours after the
first. Taking these tablets will cause a sudden hormonal imbalance and, depending on the time
of the cycle, will prevent ovulation, fertilization (contraceptive action) or implantation
(contraceptive action).
WARNING !!!
No method of contraception is 100% reliable. Some are 99% or more reliable, but never 100%,
except of course for sterilization methods such as vasectomy and tubal ligation. An also 100%
reliable contraceptive method is sexual abstinence. A simply but so efficient method.

CONCLUSION

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Sexual relations are the means by which humans reproduce. However, not all couples want
to have children, or some couples who have already had children feel that they should not
have any more. To this end, there is a whole range of contraceptive methods available to
prevent pregnancy. Couples who want to use them can consult their doctor, who can help
them find a contraceptive method that is suited to their situation.

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