How do contraceptives work? - NWHunter

Summary

This script provides a comprehensive explanation of how pregnancy occurs and the various contraceptive methods available to prevent it. It outlines three main approaches: blocking sperm, disabling sperm, and suppressing ovulation. The script covers barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms, spermicide use, and hormonal contraceptives such as the pill, patch, and IUDs. It also discusses the effectiveness and potential side effects of each method, emphasizing that the right choice depends on convenience, personal preferences, and health considerations. Ongoing research into new contraceptive options, including a male pill, is also mentioned.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sperm must swim through the vagina, cervix, uterus, and into the fallopian tubes to potentially fertilize an egg for pregnancy to occur.
• 😀 Contraceptives work in three main ways: blocking sperm, disabling sperm before they reach the uterus, and suppressing ovulation.
• 😀 Barrier methods, like male and female condoms, prevent sperm from entering the vaginal space and also protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
• 😀 Diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges are barrier methods that block sperm by covering the cervix.
• 😀 Spermicides, which immobilize and destroy sperm, can be used alone or in combination with barrier methods for extra protection.
• 😀 Hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill, patch, Depo shot, and vaginal ring, suppress ovulation by releasing synthetic hormones.
• 😀 Synthetic progesterone in hormonal contraceptives also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
• 😀 IUDs (intrauterine devices) may suppress ovulation and contain copper to disable sperm and prevent egg implantation.
• 😀 The effectiveness of contraceptives varies with correct usage: male condoms are 98% effective with perfect use, but only 82% effective in practice.
• 😀 Hormonal contraceptives, while 99% effective with perfect use, have a real-world effectiveness of 91% and may cause side effects like headaches, nausea, and high blood pressure.
• 😀 The choice of contraceptive method is personal and may change over time, with ongoing research into new methods, like a male pill to prevent sperm production.

Q & A

What is the process for pregnancy to occur after sexual intercourse?

For pregnancy to occur, sperm must swim up the vagina, through the cervix, into the uterus, and into one of the fallopian tubes. If an egg is present in the tube, one sperm may fertilize it.

How do contraceptives prevent pregnancy?

Contraceptives work by either blocking sperm, disabling sperm before they reach the uterus, or suppressing ovulation, thus preventing fertilization.

What is the simplest method of contraception?

The simplest method of contraception is blocking sperm, achieved by using male and female condoms. These prevent sperm from coming into contact with the vaginal space.

What is the benefit of condoms compared to other contraceptives?

Condoms not only prevent pregnancy but also reduce the transmission of certain sexually transmitted diseases, unlike other contraceptive methods.

How do barrier methods like diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges work?

Barrier methods like diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges are placed over the cervix, blocking the entrance to the uterus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

What role do spermicides play in contraception?

Spermicides are chemicals that immobilize and destroy sperm. They can be used alone or combined with barrier methods for added protection.

What are the types of spermicides available today?

Spermicides are available in forms like foam, cream, jelly, suppositories, and a dissolvable thin film that can be inserted into the vagina before intercourse.

How do hormonal contraceptives prevent pregnancy?

Hormonal contraceptives like the pill, patch, Depo shot, and vaginal ring release synthetic hormones that suppress ovulation, preventing eggs from maturing and being available for fertilization.

What are some advantages of IUDs in contraception?

IUDs offer multiple layers of protection, as they can suppress ovulation and may contain copper to disable sperm and make egg implantation more difficult.

How effective are contraceptives in real-life usage?

Effectiveness can vary. For example, male condoms are 98% effective with perfect use but only 82% effective with typical use. Other methods, like the pill and patch, are 99% effective with perfect use, but only 91% effective in practice.