How/Methods to avoid Pregnancy

 Prevent an unwanted pregnancy with

1- Total Abstinence
2- Use of contraceptives

To prevent unwanted pregnancy always use a form of contraception when you are sexually active.

Contraception methods 
No method of contraception gives a 100% protection.
The male latex condom is the only contraceptive method considered highly effective in reducing the risk of STDs. Birth control pills, Implant and IUDs do not protect against STD infection.

DIAPHRAGM is a rubber disk with a flexible rim that covers the cervix and must be used together with spermicide. It is available by prescription only and must be sized by a health professional. The diaphragm protects for six hours and should be left in place for at least six hours after the last intercourse but not for longer than a total of 24 hours.

ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES protect against pregnancy by the combined actions of the hormones estrogens and progestin. The hormones prevent ovulation. The pills have to be taken every day as directed and do not work after vomiting or diarrhoea. Side effects of the pill can be nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight gain, irregular bleeding, and depression.

DEPO-PROVERA is a hormonal contraceptive injected into a muscle on the arm or buttock every three months. The injection must be repeated every 3 months. The menstruation can become irregular and sometimes even absent.

IMPLANTS (such as Norplant or implanon) are made up of small rubber rods, which are surgically implanted under the skin of the upper arm, where they release the contraceptive steroid levonorgestrel. Their protection lasts from 3 to 5 years. Side effects include menstrual cycle changes, weight gain, breast tenderness and loss of bone mass.

IUD is a T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health-care professional. The IUD can remain in place for 5- 10 years. IUD’s have one of the lowest failure rates of contraceptive method. Sometimes the IUD can be expelled and a woman has to check each month after her period with her finger if she can still feel the threads of the IUD. Other side effects can include abnormal bleeding, and cramps but this occurs mostly only during and immediately after insertion.

FEMALE STERILIZATION is done surgically. The tubes are ligated as a result of which the egg-cells can not encounter the sperm cells anymore and thus the woman can not get pregnant. It is a permanent form of contraception.

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex in order to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. A woman must take 1 Norlevo and a second pill 12 to 24 hours later. Beside Norlevo, most combination (estrogens and progesterone) birth control pills can also be used. Take within 72 hours of unprotected sex. One dose 100 µg ethinylestradiol + 500 µg levonorgestrel (2-4 birth control pills), 12 hours later a second dose.

MORNING-AFTER IUD must be inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. The IUD can stay for 5 to 10 years.

Method For avoiding Pregnancy:

       Calendar Method

The calendar method is based on the hypothesis that the minimal possibility for a woman to become pregnant is on 11^th up to 15^th day of her menstrual cycle.

Disadvantages: This method is effective only if a woman has a steady menstrual cycle that lasts 28 days. Besides, this method cannot protect a woman from sexual infections.

·      Syringing

Syringing is washing out vagina with different solutions killing spermatozoon.

Disadvantages: Frequent syringing can wash out not only sperm but also wholesome micro flora that can result in dysbacteriosis, thrush, and other health problems.

    Interrupted Coitus

This method consists in pulling out penis right before ejaculation, thus, avoiding the possibility for sperm to get to vagina.

Disadvantages: This method cannot guarantee avoiding pregnancy. During the coitus, spermatic liquid containing about 10 – 20 million spermatozoon is released. Besides, it is impossible to control the release of this liquid. What is more, interrupted coitus in the most “dramatic” moment can also cause impotence or frigidity.

    Suppositories, Gels, Creams, Tampon-Spermicidal Devices

These remedies are placed into vagina in some time before coitus. Usually, functioning phase of these remedies lasts about 40 minutes, and tampon-spermicidal devices function 10 – 12 hours. This method is perfect for infrequent coituses.

Advantages: Apart from pregnancy preventing effect, most of these remedies can prevent from microbes and viruses.

Disadvantages: The frequent use of chemical contraceptives can make an unhealthy impact on micro flora of vagina.

    Male Condoms

It is rather a popular and reliable method of contraception. If used correctly, condoms can prevent pregnancy up to 95 – 99%.

Advantages: No doubts, condoms are very reliable and can be used as an element of erotic games.

Disadvantages: Sometimes condoms can be torn, especially if used incorrectly.

    Female Condoms

A female condom is a small sack made of polyurethane, the one end of which is placed into vagina and its edges are placed on vulva lips.

Advantages: Female condoms can prevent you from pregnancy and you don’t have to change them frequently.

Disadvantages: It is quite difficult in use.

    Diaphragms

It is a barrier, the one edge of which is placed above the pubic bone, and the other one at the back vault of vagina. It should be extricated in 3 – 4 hours after coitus.

Advantages: A highly-effective means of avoiding pregnancy. This should not be changed before any new coitus.

Disadvantages: Does not prevent contracting sexual infections.

   Hormone Pills

Hormone pills prevent the ovigerm from maturing and getting out of ovary.

Advantages: Highly-effective method of avoiding pregnancy. It is easy to use and can also be used for curing abnormalities of menstrual cycle, acne and PMS.

Disadvantages: Hormone pills do not prevent contracting sexual infections. They can have side effects including depressions, headaches, breast aches, etc.

    Hormone Injections

The hormone injections affect the same way as hormone pills. It is recommended only to parous women.

Advantages: You don’t have to use pills every day.

Disadvantages: The effect of hormone injections cannot be neutralized.

    Intrauterine Device

The foreign body (intrauterine device) in uterus intensifies peristalsis, the ovigerm moves through uterine tube and cannot connect spermatozoon.

Advantages: A highly-effective method for couples having regular coitus.

Disadvantages: A high possibility of extrauterine pregnancy. The foreign body in the uterus can cause erosive and inflammatory processes.