ARTIFICIAL CONTRACEPTION
Artificial contraception refers to the conscious prevention of impregnation or conception by using different drugs, devices, or other scientific techniques. It is also known as a birth control or a fertility control method. As a
matter of fact, selecting a method of contraception is always considered as a very personal and, at times, a confusing decision. It takes into account various factors that need to be contemplated before opting for an artificial birth control procedure. These factors include health of the person, the desire for kids, spiritual and moral beliefs, and also convenience.
Before you read further, it is important to know that none of the artificial contraception methods are 100% effective.
Methods of Artificial Contraception
Some of the most popular methods of Artificial Contraception are:
The Pill
The introduction of contraceptive pills is, by far, one of the most imperative breakthroughs in the fieldof clinical research. The pills used for artificial contraception are commonly a mixture of estrogen andprogestin steroids, which prevent pregnancy during intercourse. These pills need to be regularlyconsumed by a woman at night before sleeping.
Contraceptive pills are sold with different names and quantities in the market, so it is always advisableto not take these pills without the consultation of a qualified practitioner. The contraceptive pills arealso designed to help women with recurring menstrual cycles and/or to cut down the contingency ofanemia.
However, there are limitations of using contraceptive pills for breastfeeding mothers, if the child isunder the age of six months. Besides, the success rate of contraceptive pills in most cases is 92%.
Condoms
Synthetic rubber is the main component of condoms and they are commonly categorized as “barrier”contraception. Apart from the regular male condoms that can be worn on the penis, recently a newvariety of female condoms have been introduced in the market. These condoms are made of softplastic and need to be partially inserted inside the vagina.
The success rate of male condoms is 85% while that of female condoms is 79%.
Diaphragm
Unlike male or female condoms, the diaphragm is reusable. It is composed of rubber and is directlyinserted into the vagina with the application of spermicide. It mainly covers the cervix.
The diaphragm has an effectiveness rate of around 84 percent.
It is also considered as a ‘’barrier’’ contraception as it averts the sperm from entering the uterus.However, it does not give protection against STIs.
An individual opting for this type of artificial contraception needs to have a medical prescription alongwith a detailed demo from an expert doctor for directions of using a diaphragm. It is always advised toput diaphragm into the vagina six hours prior to sex. It needs to be removed after 24 hours to properlyclean the area.
Sponge
Sponge is an updated method of the diaphragm and has the same process of working as the former. Itis inserted vaginally in order to prevent the sperm from entering into the cervix. There is a soft andflexible strap on the sponge, which makes it easier to remove. The difference between a diaphragmand a sponge is that it comes with an already applied spermicide that is liberated for about 24 hours.
The effectiveness of sponge entirely depends on the frequency of its usage. Besides, if you have givenbirth to children, its success rate is about 68% and its 91% for the women who have not given birth tochildren.