Different Methods of Contraception and Their Advantages and Disadvantages

The report discusses different methods of contraception such as oral contraceptives, surgical methods, natural methods, and barrier methods. It also highlights the history associated with each method and their advantages and disadvantages. The report emphasizes the importance of contraception in avoiding early pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. It also suggests that healthcare providers should be sensitive towards adolescents and their sexual health.

REPRODUCTION
Introduction
The main aim of contraception is to prevent pregnancy that is
a consequence of unprotected sexual intercourse. Birth control
or contraception is often used by individuals for safe and
effective family planning. The information and services about
contraception is a fundamental human right of all individuals.
This report highlights different methods of contraception
available with their advantages and disadvantages. The
discussion also revolves around the history associated with
each and every method along with additional information that
can be accessed during their administration.
 Oral contraceptives: In this method, pills are
administered orally in the form of drugs (Hilz, 2022).
These drugs contain hormones in small doses and
they prevent the release of eggs in the female body
thereby, preventing fertilization.
 Surgical methods: These methods are employed in
blocking the transfer of gametes. The blocking of
male gametes is called as vasectomy (blocking of vas
deferens) and for females it is called as tubectomy
(blocking the fallopian tubes).
 Implants: Contraceptive devices that are placed
inside the body to prevent fertilization are called
implants. Some contraception’s are placed inside the
uterus, such as Copper-T or loop, that act as
spermicides.
Different methods of contraception
Contraception’s prevent unwanted pregnancy by restricting
the production of the egg, preventing the meeting of sperm
and the egg and by stopping the egg from attaching itself to
the lining of the womb. There are many three different types
of contraception such as hormonal contraception, barrier
methods and emergency contraceptives. The broad
classification of the methods of contraception is given below:
Natural method: This method is also termed as sexual
abstinence, where sexual intercourse is avoided from the 10th
to the 17th day of the menstrual cycle. It is at this time that
ovulation occurs and also the possibility of fertilization is very
high.
Barrier method: There is involvement of physical barriers in
order to prevent fertilization process. Most commonly
available barriers are condoms that are made up of thin latex
sheath and are worn by both males and females.
History about birth control
Religious factors affect the administration of birth control in
different countries. The first method contraception that was
used in the 20th century was coitus interrupts. The barriers
methods were developed in the late 20th century. Some texts
from the roman literature and ancient Egypt suggest the use of
goat bladder as a female sheath along with the use of vaginal
pessaries as contraceptions. Condoms were made out of animal
intestines in the 17th century. It was in the 1920s that scientists
confirmed the role of ovulation and menstrual cycle in the
process of reproduction which lead to the development of safe
physical barriers such as condoms and contrceptive pills (Nimbi
and et. al., 2019). The use of IUDs came was introduced in the
1960s with the availability of flexible plastic. By the end of 20th
century, vasectomy and tubectomy were introduced as popular
methods of birth control.

Advantages and disadvantages of different
contraceptive methods
Additional resources about administration of
birth control
Condoms
Advantages: Effective against STDs, easily available and
cheap. Disadvantages: Can cause latex allergies and are not
fool proof.
Oral contraceptives
Advantages: Reduce acne, help in easing menstrual cramps
and safe and convenient way to avoid pregnancy.
Disadvantages: Increased risk of blood clots and breast
cancer
IUDs
Advantages: 99% success rate for over 5 years and no
hormonal side effects. Disadvantages: Does not protect
against sexually transmitted diseases.
Coitus interrupts or withdrawal technique
Advantages: Do not involve use of any artificial devices to
be inserted inside the body. Disadvantages: A man releases
fluid way before ejaculation in the form of pre cum and this
method can get in the way of sexual pleasure (Hassoun,
2018).
Tubal ligation
Advantages: Very effective and permanent, does not affect
sex drive. Disadvantages: It is irreversible and does not
protect from the risk of contracting STDs.
Hormonal ring
Advantages: Helps ease premenstrual syndromes and there
will be less bleeding. Disadvantages: Vaginal discharge and
breast tenderness are some common side effects (Long-
acting reversible contraceptives for adolescent females: a
review of current best practices, 2019).
Diaphragm cap
Advantages: These caps do not interrupt sexual intercourse
and do not contain hormones. Disadvantages: Prolonged use
can cause urinary tract infections.
Contraception’s are extremely useful for teenagers to avoid early
pregnancies and risks associated with sexually transmitted
diseases. However, for some adolescents, it becomes impossible
to have access to these contraceptives due to lack of awareness or
social stigma. This can lead to various health complications and
unsafe abortions (Larsen and et. al., 2020). The fear of complex
medical procedures and the inability to pay for these services can
have serious social and psychological consequences on the
quality of life of teens. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be
sensitive towards adolescents and their sexual health otherwise it
can act as barrier and prevent them from seeking professional
care. Information about development of certain reproductive
cancers should be made accessible to adolescents (Schickler and
Patel, 2020).
Conclusion
From the above report it can be concluded that birth control is a
boon to the society as it enables the individuals to take control of
their life and is specifically designed to prevent pregnancies. These
contraceptives work by preventing the sperm to fertilize with the
egg in a number of ways. They are also employed in lower the
health risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth in young
teenagers. Different contraceptive methods are available in the
market and have different mechanisms based on the requirements.
References
Hilz, E.N., 2022. Methods and considerations for the use of
hormonal contraceptives in rat models of
neurobehavior. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, p.101011.
Nimbi and et. al., 2019. A biopsychosocial model for the
counseling of hormonal contraceptives: A review of the
psychological, relational, sexual, and cultural elements
involved in the choice of contraceptive method. Sexual
medicine reviews, 7(4), pp.587-596.
Hassoun, D., 2018. Natural family planning methods and barrier:
CNGOF contraception guidelines. Gynecologie,
Obstetrique, Fertilite & Senologie, 46(12), pp.873-882.