Topic: Methods of Birth

Control

Integrated Science
Objectives
At the end of this lesson students will be able to:
Identify the four main methods of birth control
 Discuss at least one advantage and one disadvantages
of each method of birth control
Conception
Contraception
Contraception is defined as the intentional prevention
of conception through the use of various devices,
sexual practices, chemicals, drugs, or surgical
procedures.
Thus, any device or act whose purpose is to prevent a
woman from becoming pregnant can be considered as
a contraceptive.
Contraception
Contraception allows people to choose when to have
children and to determine the size of their family.
This choice is called birth control or family planning.
Methods of birth control
The four main methods of birth control are:
Natural
Barrier
Hormonal/ chemical and
Surgical
Natural
Withdrawal (coitus interruptus)
Description
The male withdraws the penis from the vagina before
ejaculation.
Advantages:
No side effects
No cost

Disadvantages:
No protection from STIs, extreemly unreliable,
Fluid secreted before ejaculation (pre-ejaculate) may
contain sperm
Rhythm methods
Temperature: Relies on monitoring the menstrual
cycle for temperature rise associated with ovulation or
for the mucus secreted (at ovulation more mucus is
secreted and it is thinner)

Mucus (the Billing’s method): Relies on monitoring

the menstrual cycle for changes in mucus associated
with ovulation (at ovulation more mucus is secreted
and it is thinner)
Rhythm methods
Calendar method
Abstinence
Description
Refraining from sexual intercourse.
Advantages
100% safe
No side effects or costs
Disadvantage
Requires self-discipline
Barrier methods
Condoms
Male condom
A sheath of strong latex rubber is places over the erect penis before
intercourse to collect semen.
Female condom
A tube of synthetic material is inserted into the vagina and remains
there during intercourse. It prevents sperm from entering the vagina

Advantages
Nearly no side effects(a small amount of people may be allergic to
latex)
Easy to obtain
Offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV
*Not all condoms are made from latex
Condoms
Disadvantages
Can only be used once (cost)
Interrupts love-making
May reduce sensitivity of penis
Not as effective as the pill
More effective if used with spermicide
Female condom can be difficult to use
Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device
Coil, loop, copper-T
Description
A plastic or copper device which is placed into the
uterus by a doctor and remains there
It covers the cervix and prevents the entry of sperm
Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device
Advantages
Once inserted it can remain for 2-5 years without
further concern
It is fairly reliable and inexpensive
Disadvantages
It may lead to an increase in menstraul flow
Can cause uterine infections
No protection against STIs
Diaphragm (cap)
Description
A thin circular, domme-shaped sheet which is
inserted into the vagina six hours before sexual
intercourse and removed three hours afterwards
It covers the cervix and prevents entry of sperm
Diaphragm (cap)
Advantages
Few side effects
Offers protection against STIs

Disadvantages
May be damaged during intercourse
More reliable if used with a spermicide
Hormonal
Pill and injection
Description
The pill, hormonal patch: it contains estrogen and/or
progesterone. It is taken once daily.
Hormonal injection: it contains estrogen and/or
progesterone but is given once ever three months
Prevents production of ova
Prevents fertilization by changing the cervical mucus
so preventing the movement of sperm
Prevents implantation
Pill and injection
Advantages
Simple and easy to take
Convenient
Reliable
Disadvantages
No protection against STIs must be taken at precise time intervals
to be very reliable
Should not be taken by smokers
Increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure
Not reliable if vomiting or diarrhoea occurs within hours of taking
Not reliable if taken while on a course of antibiotics.
Spermicides
Chemicals which kill sperm and block sperm fromm
entering the uterus
Often used together with other methods
Available as creams, foams or gels
Spermicides
Advantages
Simple to use and easy to obtain
Provides extra lubrication for intercourse
Disadvantages
Very unreliable is used alone
May sometimes cause irritation
No protection against STIs
Surgical Methods
Sterilization
Description
In females the oviducts are cutand tied so that the
ovum cannot reach the uterus. This is called tubal
ligation.
In males the vas deferens is cut so sperm cannot leave
the scrotum. This is called a vasectomy.
Sterlization
Advantages
100% effective
Permanent control
No effect on virility in males
Disadvantages
Not often reversible