Birth control

The population problem is assuming serious proportions in many
developing countries. In India, the population which was about 400 million in
1960 is now 100 crores or 1000 million. Realizing the dangers inherent in
population growth, the government of India has taken several measures to
check population growth and have given family welfare programmes an important
place in the five year plans. The World Health Organization (WHO)
has also stressed the importance of family planning in the Global Strategy for
Health for All by 2000 AD.

The National Family Welfare programme is a comprehensive scheme
which includes:

1. Maternal and Child Health Care (MCH)
2. Immunization of mothers, infants and children.
3. Nutritional supplement to pregnant women and to children.
4. Contraception with health education, to motivate couples to accept
contraceptive methods and to adopt small family norms.

Contraception :

Contraception is the prevention of pregnancy resulting from coitus.

Barrier Methods for Birth control

Prevents entry of sperms into vagina or uterus.

(a) The Condom: The male wears a condom which covers the erect
penis, and prevents deposition of sperms in the vagina. Condoms are made
of rubber from latex. Ejaculated semen is retained within the condom
preventing their entry into uterus. In India thin condoms called Nirodh, are
manufactured and widely used. Condoms can be combined with spermicides
inserted into the vagina. Condom also protects against sexually transmitted
diseases (STD) like syphilis, AIDS.

(b) The Diaphragm (cervical cap): Women can wear a vaginal
diaphragm fitting into the vagina or a cervical cap fitting over the cervix.
They prevent entry of sperms into the uterus. They are made of synthetic
rubber or plastic, and are used in combination with chemical spermicides.

Hormonal Methods for Birth control

Hormones are prescribed as pills, implants, or injections. Some
hormonal contraceptives contain only progestin, which is a type of female
hormone and some contain a combination of both (combined pill)
progesterone and oestrogen and prevents ovulation. Hormonal methods are nearly 99 percent effective. The effects of Hormonal method stops (interfere)
the mechanism of ovulation. They can also stop the mechanism of conduction
of ovum along the fallopian tubes. The hormones interfere in the thickening
of the endometrium and they may also cause the formation of mucus in the
cervix and vagina to prevent the penetration of sperms.

Mechanical Methods for Birth control

The intrauterine device (IUD) and intrauterine system (IUS) are
contraceptive devices inserted into the uterus. Copper-T is a synthetic T
shaped device made up of copper and plastic (non irritant), is placed inside
the uterus. This can remain for a period of 3 years. This also helps to give
adequate time inerval between pregnancies.

Surgical Methods for Birth control

Surgical contraception, or sterilization, is an operation that makes a
person infertile. This surgery can be carried out in men (vasectomy) and
women (tubectomy).

Vasectomy is the method of permanent birth control in male in which
the removal of a part of the vas deferens and ligations are performed. It is
simple in all aspects. Male sterilization is not immediately effective. The seminal
vesicles still contain sperm after the operation, and a condom must be used
until semen analysis shows that no sperm are left. Tubectomy is the method
of permanent birth control in female, here a portion of fallopian tube is cut of
and the cut ends are ligated to prevent fertilization. Female sterilization is
effective immediately, but the risk of ectopic pregnancy is slightly increased.

Birth control

Barrier Methods for Birth control

Hormonal Methods for Birth control

Mechanical Methods for Birth control

Surgical Methods for Birth control

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