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Birth control, as the name suggests is the control of reproduction (that is birth). For both female and male humans, there exists different methods through which chances of reproduction can be stopped partly or completely. The effectiveness of each method depends on how they are implemented and whether there are any errors.
Class 12 biology birth control methods are very important for the exam. Below are given the definition and the different types of birth control methods available to humans.
| Table of Content |
Keyterms: Birth control, Reproduction, Human, Drugs
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Birth Control Definition
The application of different methods or tools which may include drugs, surgical procedures in either males, females or both to prevent conception is known as birth control.
Different Types of Birth Control Methods
| Types | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The natural way of birth control | This type of birth control can be achieved in two ways. Total abstinence, that is no presence of sexual intercourse between the female and the male. The second method involves having sexual intercourse only when the female is not fertile. This is usually a window of 9 days during which a female is most likely to conceive. The fertile period starts about 5 days before ovulation and continuous till 3 days after ovulation. |
| The barrier method | As the name suggests there is a presence of a barrier between the female and the male reproductive cells namely the ova and the sperm. If by the use of the barrier the sperm is prevented from reaching the ovary, fertilization can be prevented. It is used by both females and males. For females’ different methods like contraceptive sponge, diaphragm, female condoms, cervical cap or cervical shield is present for birth control. Males can use male condoms. |
| The Hormonal method | Hormonal method involves changing the hormonal chemical composition in the female’s body to prevent the condition of a successful fertilisation even when the sperm has reached the ovary. Thus, fertilisation is itself prevented or even ovulation. The most common method involves using contraceptive pills. Other methods are also present like oestrogen and progestin releasing patches or vaginal rings. Some people also use birth control hormonal injections. |
| Intrauterine devices or IUD | They are small T-shaped devices that are surgically placed inside the uterus. Two types exist, Copper IUD: With the release of small amount of copper inside the uterus it achieves preventing sperms from getting inside the ovary. Hormonal IUD: It is like the hormonal method the only difference is that it is placed inside the uterus. This IUD releases small amounts of progestin delaying or preventing the formation of eggs. |
| Other surgical methods | Tubal litigation can be operated on females where the fallopian tube is cut in some cases or sealed to prevent the eggs from reaching the uterus. Vasectomy is operated on males which involves the cut and seal procedure of the vas deferens. This prevents the sperm from accessing while ejaculation. |
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Birth Control Important Points
- Barrier method is also known as protective sex and the male condom is the most common method. It also prevents Sexually Transmitted Diseases apart from serving the function of a birth control method.
- Side effects of contraception
- All types of contraception have side-effects.
- For females the IUD has the least severity of side-effects. It is a long-term method which can be taken out at any time.
- For males the cheapest and the most common is the male condom. It is also very easy to use. The only drawback, it is not 100 percent efficient in preventing pregnancy.
- Unlike popularly understood a hormonal pill taken by a female doesn’t kill the egg. It generally operates in three ways,
- The cervical mucus is thickened by the pill, making it difficult for the sperm to reach the uterus.
- It can prevent the release of egg in the body.
- The lining of the uterus is made unsuitable for any fertilised egg to thrive in it.
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