Any intervention to prevent pregnancy. Contraception can be achieved in many ways and a listing of contraceptive principles and various preventive methods follows.
- Prevent sperm formation. There is no way to do this yet, though hormonal methods are being studied. Keep sperm out of the semen by VASECTOMY (cutting, tying or otherwise blocking the spermatic ducts that lead from the testes to the penis).
- Keep semen out of the vagina by abstinence, COITUS INTERRUPTS (ejaculation outside the vagina), or by catching the semen in a condom.
- Keep semen out of the vagina when fertilization could occur by predicting when ovulation will take place and abstain from coitus for 7 days before and 2 days after that event, or by abstained from the beginning of menstruating until after ovulation. This method is called PERIODIC ABSTINENCE. The various ways of predicting ovulation include the Billings and other mucus methods, the basal temperate method, and the symptomatically (symptom and temperature) method.
- Kill sperm in the vagina by using SPERMICIDES.
- Prevent sperm from passing through the cervical canal into the uterus by inserting a SERVILE BARRIER (such as a diaphragm) or by using hormones the mint contraceptive pill, hormonal implants) to change the servile mucus so that it become semipermeable to sperm.
- Prevent sperm from reaching the ovum (egg) by cutting, tying or otherwise blocking the fallopian tubes, as in female tube ligation (STERILISATION). The INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD) is now believed to work mainly by interfering with the movement of sperm through the uterus to the tube.
- Prevent ovum development release by using hormonal contraception (the contraceptive pill, injection or implants). This occurs naturally during breast-feeding.
- Prevent implantation of a fertilized ovum by administration of hormones (‘morning-after’ pill).
Contraception, Emerges Morning Pills
There are two ways to prevent pregnancy from an isolated act of unprotected sexual intercourse. ‘MORNING-AFTER’ PILL The ‘morning-after’ pill is a short course of hormones (usually estrogen plus progestrone) that will prevent pregnancy if it commences within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. If it is started later or if the course is not completed, the treatment may not be successful.
Few queries on Contraception
In which condition should vasectomy not be encouraged?
Vasectomy should be avoided in the following cases :
1. When a man is equating his masculinity with fathering of the child.
2. When there are unresolved doubts and conflicts about the procedure and its outcome.
3. Under abnormal local conditions where surgery becomes difficult (infection, varicocele, large hydrolcele, inguinal hernia, scar tissues from trauma, burns or surgery).
Are there any complications after vasectomy?
Yes, occasionally. They may be surgical, immunological or psychological. Surgical complications include bleeding (scrotal) or infection. These complications usually occur a week later.
Immunological complications are extremely rare and no cause-and-effect relationship is known.
Psychological complications are common and occur chiefly because of indicate counseling prior to the operation.
What precaution should one take after vasectomy to prevent surgical complications?
An athletic supporter or a tight fitting jockey type underwear should be worn for a week to help relieve the sweeping and to support the scrotum, thereby parts, removing the misconception that touching the private parts is taboo. This activity also draws early attention to any local pathology and prevents the development of any interrogations, skin infection.
A man should clean the penis daily, especially after retracting the foreskin upto the base of the glans penis. A woman must wash her vagina in a direction away from the vagina and not towards it, to prevent faecal contamination of the vagina and urethra.
Should a virgin use a tampon?
The use of tampons in a young woman should be encouraged as it affords an opportunity for her to become acquainted with her own sexual anatomy and to overcome any doubts regarding handling her genitals. Moreover, the gradual minimal stressing of the humanely opening prepares her for later intercourse without difficulty. It would also give the young lady a healthier attitude towards her menstrual periods. However, one should know that the hymen may rupture while using tampons and may cause problems in those who harbour the misconception that a virgin must have an intact hymen!
Should a woman use vaginal douches or deodorants?
No. This is not necessary. In fact these items may cause irritating, inflammation and may increase the risk of infection by lettering the vaginal flora. Often, women use deodorants to mask offensive vaginal odorous (usually secondary to infection). The cause must be determined and treated accordingly.
Can one indulge in intercourse during menses?
Certainly. Sex during menstruation is absolutely safe. If both partners desire, they can most certainly indulge. Menstrual material is sterile. Many couples find coitus more enjoyable at this time mainly because there is freedom from possible pregnancy and also because of the enhanced pleasure due to a most vagina.
Many women are under the impression that intercourse during menses may lead to increase in bleeding. Women do report heavier bleeding initially but the duration is often shortened considerably and the rhythmic contractions of the uterus during orgasm help in evacuation of the menstrual material more rapidly. In fact, a satisfying sexual intercourse during the menstrual period reduces cramps and alleviates the feeling of heavy discomfort resulting from pelvic congestion.
Note : Some doctors do advise the use of condoms, especially in case of those women who do not keep their perineum clean. Menstrual material may become a rich source of culture medium for the growth of bacteria owing to its close proximity to the anus, and may facilitate an inflammatory reaction in the man’s urethra.
Does the use of lubricants hamper conception?
Yes, the use of lubricants while indulging in sexual intercourse may immobilize sperms and hamper conception.
