What are Contraceptives? Explain four different non-surgical contraceptive methods.

Explanation

The devices that are using for avoiding pregnancy are called contraceptives.
1. Natural methods
Natural methods avoid the chances of sperm and ovum meeting.
Periodic abstinence is one such method in which the couples avoid or abstain (keep away) from coitus from day 10 to 17 of the menstrual cycle when ovulation could be expected. The chances of fertilisation are very high during this period and is called fertile period.
Withdrawal method or coitus interruptus is another method in which the male partner withdraws his penis from the vagina just before ejaculation so as to avoid insemination.
Lactational amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) method is based on the fact that the cycle does not occur during the period of intense lactation following parturition.
2.Barrier Method
In barrier methods, sperms and ovum are prevented from physically meeting with the help of barrier. Such methods are available for both males and females.
Condoms are barriers made of thin rubber/ latexsheaththatareused tocoverthepenisin the male or vagina and cervixin female, just before coitus so that the ejaculated semen would not enter into female reproductive tract. This can prevent conception.
.Nirodh. is a popular brand of condom for male. Use of condom also protecting the users from contracting STDs and AIDS. Both the male and female condoms are disposable, and can be self inserted and thereby gives privacy to the user.
Diaphragms, cervical caps and vaults are also used as barriers made of rubber that is inserted into the female reproductive tract to cover the cervix during coitus. They prevent conception by blocking the entry of sperms through the cervix. Spermicidal creams, jellies and foams are used along with these barriers to increase their contraceptive efficiency.
3.Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs)
These devices are inserted by doctors or expert nurses in the uterus through vagina. These Intra Uterine Devices are presently available as the non medicated IUDs (e.g. Lippes loop), copper releasing IUDs (Cut, Cu7, multiload 375) and the hormone releasing IUDs (Progestasert, LNG-20).
IUDs increase phagocytosis of sperms within the uterus and the Cu ions released suppress sperm motility and the fertilizing capacity of sperms.
The hormone releasing IUDs, in addition make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and the cervix hostile to the sperms.
IUDs are ideal contraceptives for the fcmales who want to delay pregnancy and space children.
4.Oral Contraception
Oral administration of small doses of either Progestogens or progesterone-estrogen combinations is another contraceptive method used by females. They are used in the form of tablets popularly called pille.
Pills have to be taken daily for a period of 21 days starting preferably within the first five days of menstrual cycle. After a gap of 7 days it has to be repeated in the same pattern till the female desires to prevent conception.
They inhibit ovulation and implantation as well as alter the quality of cervical mucus to prevent entry of sperms.
Pills are very effective with lesser side effects and are wellaccepted by the females. Saheli., the new oral contraceptive for the females contains a non steroidal preparation. It is a .once a week pill with very few side effectsandhighcontraceptive value.
Explaining any one point under each headings