CONTRACEPTION INFORMATION
Taken from NHS Websitehttp://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Contraception/Pages/How-does-it-work.aspx
Contraception information taken from the NHS using the following link:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Contraception/Pages/How-does-it-work.aspx
Barrier methods
Barrier methods of contraception include diaphragms, condoms and cervical caps. They work by preventing sperm from reaching an egg by creating a physical barrier between the two. Male condoms cover the penis, female condoms line the vagina and caps and diaphragms cover the cervix (neck of the womb). The condom offers protection against infections, as well as serious sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
Hormonal methods
This form of contraception affects the hormone balance in a woman's body to stop her getting pregnant. It may be taken orally (by mouth) in the form of the combined or progestogen-only pill, or by an injection every two to three months.
The combined pill contains both oestrogen and progestogen. These prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary each month). The mucus in the neck of the womb (cervix) becomes thicker, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg. The lining of the womb also becomes thinner, making it more difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the womb after being fertilised.
The combined pill can cause side effects such as weight change and mood swings, but these often disappear after the first few months of use. It may also cause a slight rise in blood pressure, and there is a very small increase in the risk of heart attack or stroke. This risk is also increased in the following circumstances:
- if you have already had a blood clot,
- severe obesity,
- immobility (e.g. wheelchair bound),
- severe varicose veins,
- poorly controlled diabetes,
- high blood pressure,
- if you have a close family member who has had a thrombosis, heart attack, or stroke before the age of 45,
- severe migraine, and
- smoking, particularly if you are over 35.
Your GP will consider your medical history and current state of health when prescribing the combined pill. Before you start taking the pill, you may wish to discuss with your GP the latest knowledge regarding risks.
The progestogen-only pill has fewer side effects and risks but is less reliable. It works by thickening the mucus in the cervix (neck of the womb) to make it difficult for sperm to travel through. It does not prevent ovulation, but often causes lighter periods and can make the menstrual cycle irregular.
Injections of progestogen are reliable and offer long-term protection. They are injected into a muscle and are usually effective for up to 12 weeks, after which another injection is given. Most women stop menstruating while they are receiving injections, although periods may be heavy and irregular at first. Injections can also cause weight gain.
Contraceptive implants are another option for women. The contraceptive implant is made up of one or more small tubes that are implanted under the skin of the upper arm by a doctor or nurse. This procedure requires a local anaesthetic and should only take about ten minutes to complete.
Implants and injections work by releasing a steady dose of progestogen into the body. The progestogen thickens the mucus from the cervix and makes it difficult for sperm to reach an unfertilised egg. It may also result in the lining of the womb becoming thinner, making it unable to support a fertilised egg.
Mechanical methods
Intrauterine devices (IUDs), sometimes known as a coil, are rigid contraceptive devices that are inserted into the womb by a doctor. An IUD works by stopping sperm from reaching the egg. It does this by releasing copper into the body, causing an increase in white blood cells in the cervix, which kill sperm. IUDs also make it harder for the egg to travel along the fallopian tubes and settle in the womb.
IUDs give immediate protection and last for several years. They are useful for women who have already had children and want to defer or prevent future pregnancies. The device may increase your susceptibility to infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease. There is also a slight risk that the device will be rejected from the womb, or pierce the womb and cause serious inflammation.
Intrauterine systems (IUSs) are small T-shaped devices that are made of plastic and contain the hormone progestogen. They stop sperm fertilising an egg and make the womb lining unsuitable for implantation. IUSs are inserted into the womb and start to work as soon as they are in place. They can last for up to 5 years but can be removed at any time.
Surgical methods
Surgical contraception, or sterilisation, is an operation that can be performed on both men and women to make them infertile. It is suitable only for those who are certain they do not want to have any more children. Male sterilisation (vasectomy) is not immediately effective, and a condom must still be used until an analysis shows there is no sperm left in the semen.
Natural methods
Natural family planning does not affect the body, but is the least reliable form of birth control. It involves working out when the woman is fertile and avoiding sexual intercourse at these times. It requires a regular menstrual cycle and is most effective in a long-term relationship.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy occurring after unprotected sex has taken place, for example when usual contraception has failed or has not been used. If you have had sex within the previous three days, you will be given a hormone similar to an oral contraceptive. Alternatively, an IUD may be inserted, depending on when you had unprotected sex and the date of your last period.
For more information on any of the above methods of contraception, please see useful links.
Glossary of terms
Fallopian tubes
Fallopian tubes (also called oviducts or uterine tubes) are the two tubes that connect the uterus to the ovaries in the female reproductive system.
Ovary
Ovaries are the pair of reproductive organs that produce eggs and sex hormones in females.
Local anaesthetic
A local anaesthetic is a drug that is injected by needle or applied as a cream, which causes a loss of feeling in a specific area of the body.
High blood pressure
Hypertension is when the pressure of the blood in your bloodstream is regularly above 140/90 mmHG.
Veins
Veins are blood vessels that carry blood from the rest of the body back to the heart.
Heart attack
A heart attack happens when there is a blockage in one of the arteries in the heart.
Dose
Dose is a measured quantity of a medicine to be taken at any one time, such as a specified amount of medication.
Womb
The uterus (also known as the womb) is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman where a baby grows during pregnancy.
White blood cells
White blood cells are the part of blood that fights infection and disease.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Obesity
Obesity is when a person has an abnormally high amount of body fat.
Blood
Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.
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