Definition of Birth Control
The involvement of certain devices, drugs, or surgical procedures in males and females to prevent conception is known as Birth Control.
Birth control measures are taken by various devices and procedures that help in preventing conception. Among the several methods, only a few are reliable, and the effectiveness depends upon the usage of the methods and their reliability.
Birth Control Methods
Birth control techniques are opted for when someone has an unexpected pregnancy or any other issue which makes them delay the pregnancy.
Some of the most used methods for birth control are as follows.
Natural Birth Control: This method includes total and continuous abstinence and the rhythm method. This method follows no intercourse or protected intercourse when the fertility rate of women is high. Every woman has 9 days in a month where the fertility rate is high, and the chances of conceiving are also high. This period can be determined as 5 days before ovulation and continues for 3 days after ovulation.
Barrier Method: In this method, the barrier is placed between the male and female sex cells. This prevents the sperm from reaching the ovary which results in no fertilization. Both men and women can use this method to prevent fertilization leading to pregnancy. Products like a Contraceptive sponge, Diaphragm, Cervical shield, or Cervical cap are used by women in this method. Men use condoms as a barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the ovary.
Hormonal Method: In this method, the hormonal balance in a woman’s body is used to prevent fertilization. Contraceptive pills, estrogen, and progestin-releasing patches or vaginal rings are followed here.
Intrauterine Devices (IUD): These are small T-shaped devices that are planted in the uterus. There are two types of IUDs:
Copper IUD– A small amount of copper is released in the uterus which prevents sperms from reaching the ovary.
Hormonal IUD– Progestin is released into the body which prevents the formulation of the egg.
Surgical Methods: Surgical operation is performed to prevent fertilization. In women, the process is known as Tubal Ligation and for men, it is called Vasectomy.
In tube ligation, A fallopian tube is cut or sealed to prevent the eggs from reaching the uterus. In Vasectomy, cutting and sealing of vas deferens is performed to prevent sperms from entering the ejaculation stream.
Devices for Birth Control
Male Condom: Condom is made of Polyurethane or Latex. This creates a barrier for the sperm and avoids it entering into the ovary. This is placed over the penis before sexual intercourse. This should be mainly used to avoid any Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
It is proven to be 82% effective and studies show that women get pregnant despite men using condoms.
Female Condom: This is also made of Polyurethane and is also called Femidom. It has a flexible ring at each end. One ring is used to place the condom in the right position and the other remains outside the body. This is not available widely like male condoms.
Sponge: A contraceptive sponge is placed in the female genitals and the depression present on the sponge enables it to hold in place over the cervix. Foam is placed in the genitals, which is a spermicide that cleans male sperm, and the sponge acts as a barrier to stop sperm from reaching the egg.
Diaphragm: A dome-shaped device which is of rubber material that is inserted into the female genitals and is placed over the cervix. This fits into a woman’s pubic bone and has a firm but flexible ring which helps to press against the vaginal walls.
Cervical cap: A thimble-shaped, latex rubber barrier device that fits over the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus.
Injections: A contraceptive Injection, or “the shot” is a progestin-only, long-acting, reversible, birth control drug which is known as Depo-Povera or the Depo shot or DMPA. This is injected every 3 months by a doctor, and it prevents pregnancy by stopping the woman from releasing an egg.
Pharmaceutical Devices: These are the pills that can be used to prevent pregnancy.
Contraceptive Pill: A pill is taken daily which contains two hormones, estrogen, and Progestin. These stop the release of egg or ovulation and also make the uterus lining thinner.
Contraceptive Patch: This is a transdermal patch applied to the skin which releases synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones. This patch is worn every week for 3 weeks continuously. It is placed on the lower abdomen or Buttocks. It is later removed for the menstrual period.
Vaginal Ring: This is a flexible, plastic ring that releases a low dose of progestin and estrogen over 3 weeks. This prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus which hinders the movement of sperm. This is inserted into the woman for 3 weeks and removed later for the menstrual period.
The Implant: It is a rod with a core of progestin, and it releases slowly. This is inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm.
Emergency “Morning-after” Contraception: These are pills that prevent pregnancy after intercourse as it prevents ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of an embryo.
Myths About Birth Control
Myths regarding birth control have persisted throughout history, but science has corrected some of the most widespread fallacies.
You can not get pregnant while on your period: It is not true that a woman can not get pregnant while on her period. Although she may be less fertile during the first few days of menstruation, pregnancy is still possible because sperm can live inside the female body for several days.
If you have intercourse in a hot tub, you cannot become pregnant: Sexual activity in a hot tub or pool does not prevent pregnancy. In addition, there is no sexual position that prevents pregnancy.
Urinating or douching after sex prevents Pregnancy: Douching with any substance after sexual intercourse does not prevent pregnancy.
Non-medical Approaches: Putting toothpaste or seeds in the vagina does not prevent pregnancy and should never be used as a method of contraception.
It is safe to have sex without penetration, ejaculation, or orgasm: The woman can become pregnant even if the father does not ejaculate. Pregnancy is possible when the penis or the sperm enters the vagina. Whether or not a woman experiences orgasm or is in love with the man, she can become pregnant.
Breastfeeding Protects against Pregnancy: While breastfeeding, a woman can become pregnant, though the chances are slim.
Using two condoms provides more Protection: Using two condoms or a tight condom provides no more protection than one. Because they can shear and break, using a male and female condom together may increase the risk of conception.
FAQs on Birth Control
1. What is birth control and why is it important in the context of reproductive health?
Birth control, also known as contraception, refers to the methods or devices used to deliberately prevent pregnancy. Its importance in reproductive health is immense, as it allows individuals and couples to plan their families, space pregnancies, and avoid unintended pregnancies. This contributes to better maternal and child health, helps in managing population growth, and empowers individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive lives.
2. What are the main categories of contraceptive methods mentioned in the NCERT syllabus?
According to the CBSE/NCERT syllabus for Biology (2025-26), contraceptive methods are broadly classified into the following categories:
Natural/Traditional Methods: Based on avoiding intercourse during the fertile period.
Barrier Methods: Physically prevent sperm from reaching the ovum (e.g., condoms, diaphragms).
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Devices inserted into the uterus by medical professionals.
Oral Contraceptives: Hormonal pills taken orally.
Injectables and Implants: Hormonal methods administered via injection or under the skin.
Surgical Methods (Sterilisation): Permanent methods like vasectomy and tubal ligation.
3. How do hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, function to prevent pregnancy?
Hormonal contraceptives, like the commonly used pill, primarily work by introducing synthetic hormones (progestogen or a combination of progestogen and estrogen) into the body. This prevents pregnancy through a three-fold mechanism: 1) they inhibit ovulation, preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg; 2) they thicken the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus; and 3) they alter the lining of the uterus (endometrium), making it unsuitable for a fertilised egg to implant.
4. What are barrier methods of contraception and can you give some examples?
Barrier methods are contraceptives that work by creating a physical barrier to block sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg. They are typically removable and used during intercourse. Key examples include:
Condoms: Thin sheaths worn over the penis (male condom) or placed inside the vagina (female condom).
Diaphragms: Dome-shaped silicone cups inserted into the vagina before sex to cover the cervix.
Cervical Caps and Vaults: Similar to diaphragms but smaller, fitting tightly over the cervix.
5. What is an Intrauterine Device (IUD) and how does it work?
An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a doctor or trained nurse for long-term, reversible contraception. There are two main types: 1) Copper-releasing IUDs (e.g., CuT, Cu7), which release copper ions that are toxic to sperm (spermicidal) and suppress sperm motility, and 2) Hormone-releasing IUDs (e.g., Progestasert, LNG-20), which release a hormone to make the uterus unsuitable for implantation and thicken cervical mucus.
6. What are the surgical or sterilisation methods of birth control for males and females?
Surgical methods, also called sterilisation, are highly effective, permanent forms of contraception intended for individuals or couples who have completed their family. For males, the procedure is called a vasectomy, where the vas deferens (sperm-carrying tubes) are cut and tied. For females, it is called tubal ligation (or 'tubectomy'), where the fallopian tubes are cut and tied to prevent the egg from reaching the uterus.
7. What is the crucial difference between the 'perfect use' and 'typical use' failure rates of contraceptives?
The difference is critical for understanding real-world effectiveness. 'Perfect use' failure rate measures how well a method works when used correctly and consistently every single time, as per medical instructions. 'Typical use' failure rate reflects how effective it is in real life, accounting for common human errors like forgetting to take a pill, incorrect application of a condom, or other inconsistencies. The typical use failure rate is almost always higher than the perfect use rate.
8. Why are condoms considered a method with dual benefits?
Condoms offer two distinct and important benefits, making them a unique contraceptive method. The first benefit is preventing pregnancy by acting as a physical barrier that stops sperm from entering the vagina. The second, equally crucial benefit is the protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. By preventing the direct exchange of genital fluids, they significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission, a feature most other contraceptive methods lack.
9. How do non-hormonal birth control methods like copper IUDs differ from hormonal methods in their mechanism of action?
The primary difference lies in their mechanism. Hormonal methods (pills, implants, hormonal IUDs) work by altering the body's endocrine system to prevent ovulation and/or make the uterine environment hostile to sperm and implantation. In contrast, non-hormonal methods like the copper IUD do not interfere with the body's natural hormone cycle. Instead, the copper IUD works by creating a localized inflammatory reaction within the uterus that is toxic to sperm and eggs, effectively acting as a spermicide and preventing fertilisation.
10. Are permanent birth control methods like vasectomy and tubal ligation reversible?
While surgical sterilisation methods like vasectomy and tubal ligation are designed to be permanent, reversal procedures do exist. However, these reversal surgeries are complex, expensive, and not always successful. The chances of regaining fertility after a reversal depend on various factors, including the type of procedure originally performed and the time elapsed. Therefore, sterilisation should be considered a terminal method, chosen only when an individual is absolutely certain they do not wish to have children in the future.
