Birth control (Contraception) (9)

Question 1

What is contraception?

Answer 1

Contraception is the prevention of fertilisation or implantation after sexual intercourse has taken place.

Question 2

All towns have Family Planning ___ where free advice and help is given.

Answer 2

clinics

Question 3

Although there is no single, ideal method of birth control, several types of ______ methods are available, each with its own advantage and disadvantages. The only method that is 100% sure is abstinence, i.e. not having sexual intercourse. Every baby must be a wanted baby.

Answer 3

contraceptive

Question 4

How do contraceptives work? (4)

Answer 4

1. Prevent egg being released, i.e. prevent ovulation
2. Prevent sperm reaching egg, i.e. prevent fertilisation
3. Prevent embryo implantation or development
4. Other methods

Question 5

What is the pill?

Answer 5

This pill contains two hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) that prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and thus fertilization. It is one of the most ommonly used contraceptive products and is a very reliable provided it is taken every day, and the instructions are followed very carefully.

Question 6

Is the pill suitable for all women?

Answer 6

However, the pill is not suitable for all women. Before taking it a doctor must be consulted. It does not protect against STI’s.

Question 7

What is sterilisation?

Answer 7

Sterilisation usually is permanent so individuals who plan to have more children do not use it. The advantages are that it does not affect the reproductive physiological processes, is not harmful and is cheap.

Question 8

Male sterilisation is called a ______.

Answer 8

vasectomy

Question 9

What happens during a vasectomy?

Answer 9

The sperm duct is cut, preventing the sperm from being expelled. The sperm that are made, after a while, are broken down and absorbed back into the body.

Question 10

What is tubal ligation?

Answer 10

Sterilisation in females is achieved by performing a tubal ligation. The fallopian tubes are tied off, which prevents the egg and sperm from meeting.

Question 11

What is condom?

Answer 11

A condom is a barrier device used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy and spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV

Question 12

What is a male comdom?

Answer 12

The condom is a non-porous, very strong rubber sheath. The condom fits over an erect penis and must be put on before sex begins. It catches the sperm and stops it from getting into the vagina. Properly used, a condom is an excellent and reliable method of contraception, especially if it is combined with a spermicide.

Question 13

What advantage do male condoms have?

Answer 13

It also has the great advantage of preventing not only sperm, but also viruses and bacteria from passing between the man and woman. Condoms, therefore, should be used for safe sex because they help to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STDs).

Question 14

What is a female condom?

Answer 14

This contraceptive device, known as Femodom TM, is similar to a small, elongated balloon. It fits inside the female and lines the vagina.

Question 15

What is the advantage of female condoms?

Answer 15

Its added advantage is that it gives women a means of protecting themselves against STDs.

Question 16

What are spermicides?

Answer 16

Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm. They, creams, foams or gels are put in the vagina and are often used with condoms. If they are used on their own they are not very effective at preventing pregnancy.

Question 17

What is diaphragm?

Answer 17

The diaphragm, also a barrier devise, is a shallow bendable cup placed over the cervix before sex and left in place for at least six hours after sex. It prevents the sperm reaching the egg. It is moderately effective.

Question 18

What is the morning-after-pill?

Answer 18

This is a course of pills, e.g. ‘Ovral 28’, which must be started within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. The oestrogen-progesterone combination completely confuses the normal hormonal signals. As a result, either fertilisation is prevented or a fertilised egg cannot implant.

Question 19

What is an IUD?

Answer 19

An intrauterine device (IUD), a small object made of plastic, copper or stainless steel, is inserted into the uterus. It prevents implantation of the blastocyst and is recommended for women who have already given birth. It is a fairly reliable method of contraception.

Question 20

What is a RU 486 (mifepristone)?

Answer 20

Another pill uses a substance called mifepristone (RU486). It must be taken within the first 7 weeks of pregnancy. It blocks the action of progesterone so that if implantation has occurred the endometrium will disintegrate resulting in a miscarriage. It has a success rate of between 96% and 98% with virtually no side effects.

Question 21

How do Injectables, e.g. Three-month injection work?

Answer 21

The injection contains progesterone. This hormone will prevent ovulation and increase the thickness of the cervical mucus to block the sperm from getting to the uterus.

Question 22

Injectable contraceptives are easy, mainly because one does not have to remember to take precautions against falling pregnant. They do not protect against _____.

Answer 22

STI’s

Question 23

What is rhythm?

Answer 23

The rhythm method is a form of natural family planning. To use this method the menstrual history must be tracked to predict when ovulation occurs. Unprotected sex over the period of ovulation must be avoided.

Question 24

Why is the rhythm method?

Answer 24

It is considered one of the least effective forms of birth control and it offers no protection against STIs. It also requires careful record keeping and persistence. Some women use this method if they cannot use traditional birth control options or for religious reasons.