A variety of methods are known for birth control. The birth control methods which deliberately prevent fertilization are referred to as contraception. These methods are of 2 main types : Temporary and Permanent.
1) Temporary Methods : These are of following types -
1) Safe period (Rhythm Mehod) : A week before and a week after menstrual bleeding is considered the safe period of sexual intercourse. The idea is based on the following facts -
a) Ovulation occurs on the 14th day of menstrual cycle.
b) Ovum survives for about 2 days.
c) Sperms remain alive for about 3 days.
This method may reduce the chances of pregnancy by about 80%. It has certain drawbacks also.
2) Coitus Interruptus : This is the oldest method of birth control. It involves withdrawal of the penis by the male before ejaculation so that semen is not deposited in the vagina and there is no fertilization. This method also has some drawbacks. Before final ejaculation male produces some pre-ejaculating fluid. This fluid may cause fertilization.
3) Chemical Means (Spermicides) : Foam tablets, jellies, pastes and creams, if introduced into the vagina before sexual intercourse, adhere to the mucous membrane and immobilize and kill the sperms.
4) Mechanical Means - These are of 3 types :
a) Condom is rubber sheath to cover the erect penis "Nirodh" which is the most widely used contraceptive by males in India as it is cheap and easily available. It is given free by government. It is a simple but effective method and has no side effect. It checks pregnancy by preventing deposition of semen in the vagina. Condom should be used regularly and put on before starting coital activity, otherwise sperm-containing lubricating fluid may be left in the vagina. Condom should be discarded after a single use. Condom is also a safeguard against AIDS and sexual disease.
b) Diaphragm and cervical cap are rubber plastic covers that are fitted on the cervix in the female's vagina and check the entry of sperms into the uterus. These must be kept fitted for at least six hours after sexual intercourse. The diaphragm and cervical cap are the counterparts of condoms of female.
c) Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) are plastic or metal objects placed in the uterus by a doctor. These include loop, cooper-T, Spiral, ring, bowl, shield, etc. They prevent the fertilization of the egg or implantation of the embryo. Their presence perhaps acts as a minor irritant and this makes the egg to move down the Fallopian tube and uterus rather quickly before fertilization or implantation. Drawbacks of IUCD include their spontaneous expulsion, even without woman's knowledge; occasional haemorrhage and change of infection.
5) Physiological (oral) Devices : Birth control pills (oral contraceptive pills) check ovulation by inhibiting the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteining hormone (LH) that are necessary for ovulation. Hence, no eggs are released in a women on taking the pill and conception cannot occur. The birth control pills have side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain and break through bleeding (slight blood loss between menstrual period). A combined pill is the most commonly used birth control pill. It contains progesterone and estrogen. The pill Saheli as taken weekly.
6) Other Contraceptives : Certain contraceptives are implanted under the skin of the upper arm. They prevent pregnancy for 3 to 4 years. Injectable one mouth contraceptives are made in Germany, Mexico and China. These are marketed to many countries.
7) Permanent Method : Surgical methods called sterilization are generally advised for males and females. Surgical intervention blocks gamete transport and prevent pregnancy. Sterilization procedure in males is called vasectomy and in female is called tubectomy.