Birth control
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| − | '''Oral contraception''' | + | '''Oral contraception''' is a pill filled with hormones taken by the female. Due to this, the anterior pituitary does not release FSH ([Wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cycle|Follicle Stimulation Hormone]), and the ovary does not prepare to release an egg. Unlike the previously mentioned techniques, this method carries a possible risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis. This method is around 99% effective if the medication is taken as prescribed. |
'''Depo Provera''' is a series of four injections of a progesterone-like steroid for women, repeated annually, funtioning like the other hormonal methods mentioned above. This method is about 99% effective. | '''Depo Provera''' is a series of four injections of a progesterone-like steroid for women, repeated annually, funtioning like the other hormonal methods mentioned above. This method is about 99% effective. | ||
Revision as of 04:40, 7 October 2008
| Part of the series on |
| A baker's dozen on sex |
Birth control, also known as contraception or family planning, is the practice of taking steps to prevent pregnancy whilst engaging in sexual activity.
There are several broad groups of birth control methods, including barrier methods, hormonal suppression of ovulation, surgical sterlization, and wishful thinking.
Methods are listed in order of decreasing approximate effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.
Contents |
Methods and effectiveness
Almost perfect
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For those of you in the mood, RationalWiki has a fun article about Birth Control. |
Abstinence (voluntary or involuntary) is completely refraining from sexual intercourse. It works by depositing no sperm within the vagina to fertilize the egg cell. This method is almost 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, with only one possible exception. Generally, abstinence carries no risks, but may cause a degree of psychological frustration and short sightedness. In fact, this method may lead to more pregnancies as it provides for no means of preventing pregnancy should passion unexpectedly get the upper hand.
Vasectomy is a procedure in which the Vas Deferens (the ducts that carry sperm from the testes to the prostate gland in the male) are cut, a small section removed, and the resulting ends sealed off with small stainless steel clips. It is nearly 100% effective. This method prevents sperm from entering the semen, but carries the obvious risk of (nearly) irreversible sterility. If performed incorrectly, however, sperm can still reach the prostate.
Tubal Ligation is a similar method of sterilization for females. The oviducts are cut and sealed, preventing eggs from reaching the uterus. Although having nearly a 100% effectiveness, as with a vastectomy, if performed incorrectly, an egg can still pass through. This is harder to test for than a failed vasectomy. Tubal ligation is also an invasive abdominal surgery, with higher risk factors, while vasectomy is a much simpler outpatient procedure.
Highly effective
Oral contraception is a pill filled with hormones taken by the female. Due to this, the anterior pituitary does not release FSH ([Wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cycle|Follicle Stimulation Hormone]), and the ovary does not prepare to release an egg. Unlike the previously mentioned techniques, this method carries a possible risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis. This method is around 99% effective if the medication is taken as prescribed.
Depo Provera is a series of four injections of a progesterone-like steroid for women, repeated annually, funtioning like the other hormonal methods mentioned above. This method is about 99% effective.
Contraceptive implants are tubes of progestin implanted into the ovary surgically. This functions similarly to oral contraception, but without the need for daily pill ingestion. This procedure, however, carries with it the normal risks of surgery. This is generally about 90% effective.
Reasonably effective
The intrauterine device, or IUD, is essentially a plastic coil inserted into the uterus by a doctor, triggering an immune system response that prevents implantation of any fertilized eggs. As with contraceptive implants, this procedure carries a risk of uterine infections, and is about 90% successful in preventing pregnancy.
Another female method for preventing pregnancy is the diaphragm, which is a latex cover inserted into the vagina before intercourse, covering the cervix. The diaphragm prevents sperm from entering the uterus. Combined with an application of spermicidal jelly, mentioned later, the effectiveness is around 90%.
Taking the diaphragm a step further is the cervical cap, which is a cap held by suction to the cervix, also buttressed with use of a spermicide. This 85% efficent method has a possible link to cancer of the cervix, owing to the application of cell destroying chemicals right onto the cervix.
The most well-known form of contraception is the condom, which is a latex (or "lambskin", or other synthetic plastic) sheath rolled over an erect penis, which traps sperm before it can reach the vagina, as well as most bacteria and viruses. The previous statement only applies to latex condoms. The usage of sheepskin condoms, although still effective at preventing sperm from reaching the vagina, have pores large enough to allow viruses, such as HIV, to pass through. This method carries around an 85% success rate, with no presently known risks provided the sheath is not torn or broken.
The female condom is a liner fitted into the vagina before intercourse, which prevents the sperm from progressing past the cervix. This method carries the benefit of preventing STDs, but as mentioned above, only latex works effectively in disease prevention. This is not to be used in conjunction with a male condom, as the two latex surfaces will stick together and possibly tear, removing the protection. As with a male condom, this method carries about an 85% success rate.
Less effective
Withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation, also known as coitus interruptus, is self-explanatory, preventing sperm from even entering the vagina. The main problem this method runs into is that, even before ejaculation, some sperm is pre-ejaculated due to stimulation, which could still be enough to allow for pregnancy to occur, leading to only 75% effectiveness.[citation needed] This method also depends on good timing on the part of the male at a moment when he is least likely to be thinking about timing. Apart from its problems as a birth control method, withdrawal may also detract somewhat from the joy of the occasion.
Spermicides, as mentioned above, are products designed to create a hostile enviroment for sperm, which kills a large enough number to prevent the egg from being fertilized. Presently, there is no signifigant risk known. Spermicides are usually used in conjunction with the various barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms.
The rhythm method (a.k.a. "Vatican roulette") involves keeping track of the day of ovulation, and limiting intercourse to certain days of the month. It is the only method other than abstinence that is approved by the Catholic Church. The problem this method runs into is that sperm can survive within the fallopian tubes for up to five days, and in some cases, up to seven. This is about 70% effective. There is no known risk with this method of birth control.
Almost useless
A douche is a method of washing out the vagina and uterus with water or other substances after intercourse, and is the least effective method of birth control, if it can even be considered a method at all. By inserting a liquid medium into the vagina, you have actually propelled the sperm closer to their target. Although this does remove some sperm, not enough is removed to make this a useful form of birth control, and is less than 60% effective.
Opposition to contraception
The prohibition on most methods of birth control by the Roman Catholic Church is based on a faulty understanding of human biology which dates back to the Middle Ages. It was once believed that male seed contained a complete (but microscopic) human being, and the only contribution of the woman was to provide fertile ground to allow it to grow to the size of an infant. The Church no longer holds this to be true, but opposition to the practice remains due to inertia.