How to prevent pregnancy easily: All you need to know about contraception.

After sex, couples decide on these two things; whether to get pregnant or not.

If your answer is no, then you are in the right article.

Have you heard the word contraception before?

What is contraception?

Contraception is the deliberate use of artificial or natural methods to prevent pregnancy. The four forms of contraception are;

1. Hormonal contraception

2. Emergency contraception

3. Natural method of contraception

4. Non-hormonal contraception.

Hormonal contraception

Hormonal contraception changes hormone levels during a woman cycle by using a different method of synthetic hormones. These changes mimic the oestrogen and progesterone hormones produced naturally by the woman’s body. These changes in the hormonal level prevent ovulation.

Examples of hormonal contraception;

Oral Contraceptive pill: The pill alters the body’s hormone balance and stops the ovaries to ovulate. It causes the mucus

made by the cervix to thicken and form a mucus plug. The thickening mucus makes it difficult for sperm to get through to the uterus to fertilise an egg.

Contraceptive patch: the patch prevents pregnancy primarily by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg and thickening the cervical mucus. The patch can be worn on the buttocks, stomach, back or upper arms but not on the breast.

Vaginal ring: This also acts as the pill and the patch.

Intrauterine Contraception (IUC):

Injectable Contraception:

Bear in mind, all hormonal contraceptives work the same way, with just a slight difference.

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

1. Morning after pills: These pills contain progestin that prevents pregnancy after sexual intercourse.

2. Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD): The IUD device by a doctor within seven days of unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy.

NON-HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION

Non-hormonal contraception can create a barrier between the egg and the sperm. Some of the non-hormonal contraception are;

1. Male and Female condoms: Put male condoms on the penis during sexual activity to prevent sperms from entering the vagina. The external ring of the female condom at the open end of the condom sits outside the vagina, providing some protection. The internal ring at the closed end of the condom is inserted into the vagina and helps to keep it in place.

Contraceptive sponge

Cervical cap

Diaphragm: the diaphragm can be inserted into the vagina by the woman using it up to 2 hours before having sex.

Spermicides: is a surfactant that destroys the sperm cell membrane. The spermicidal film must be inserted into the vagina at least 15 minutes before intercourse.

Vasectomy: Vasectomy is performed on males to block the entry of sperms into the female vagina.

Tubal ligation and tubal occlusion:

Bear in mind, all non-hormonal contraceptives act as a barrier that prevents sperms from reaching the egg.

NATURAL METHOD
These methods of contraception do not involve medications or devices to prevent pregnancy. These methods use behavioural practices, observing the changes in a woman’s body and menstrual cycle.

1. Withdrawal (coitus interruptus): The male removes the penis from the vagina when releasing the sperms to prevent sperms from entering the vagina.

2. Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM): The more you nurse a baby, the less likely you are to ovulate.

3. The use of the free period in the menstrual cycle. Mind your calculation very well.

4. Fertility-Awareness Based method.

Which of these methods do you prefer and think will work best for you?

Which of these methods do you need much explanation?

Leave your comment below.