Biology XII:4 Reproductive Health(2 Birth Control)

Birth Control It is essential to ensure birth control to check population explosion. Successive governments have come out with various programmes that encourage smaller families by means of various contraceptive methods. Contraceptive methods are of two types: Natural means of contraception Artificial means of contraception Natural Methods Avoiding the coming together of ovum and sperm Periodic abstinence:Avoiding coitus from days 10 to 17 of the menstrual cycle Coitus interruptus: Withdrawal of penis before ejaculation Lactational amenorrhea: It is the absence of menstruation during lactation. So, in the lactation period, the chances of conception are almost zero. Artificial Methods Physically preventing the coming together of ovum and sperm Barriers: Include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults Intra uterine devices (IUDs): They release hormones to cause phagocytosis of sperms, or they release copper ions to decrease sperm motility. Oral contraceptive pills: They contain hormones—either progesterone or progesterone−oestrogen combination. Surgical methods: Include vasectomy (removal of a part of the vas deferens in males) and tubectomy (removal of a part of the fallopian tubes in females)