federal polynekede, on modern birth control

FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NEKEDE OWERRI P.M .B 1036, OWERRI IMO STATE ASSIGNMENT ON DISCUSS MODERN BIRTH CONTROL METHODS WRITTEN BY GROUP 8 NAMES: REG. NO: NZEJI EMMANUELLA CHIGOZIE DURU PRECIOUS CHINYERE 14E/0100/EM EDOM HARRIET UJU IBE EUNICE 14E/0092/EM OZODIMBU FELISTA ADAKU 14E/0040/EM DEPT: ESTATE MANAGEMENT LEVEL: NDI EVENING COURSE TITLE: CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION II COURSE CODE: GNS 128 LECTURER: HIS EXCELLENCY DATE: AUGUST, 2015. ABSTRACT “Birth control” is a term that covers a number of different drugs, devices, and procedures that aim to allow individuals to control their fertility and prevent unwanted pregnancies and births. As such this term covers all contraceptives, including barrier methods such as the male and female condom and the diaphragm and drugs taken to prevent conception (the contraceptive pill and longer-acting drugs administered as implants or injections). Sterilization, another form of birth control, is a medical procedure that aims to prevent pregnancy occurring either by closing the fallopian tubes (in women) or by cutting and closing the vas deferens (in men). Other birth control methods aim to end or prevent gestation rather than prevent conception. These methods include intrauterine devices, the morning-after pill, and abortion. INTRODUCTION Deciding when to start using birth control and choosing a method that will work for you is an important decision. This booklet outlines different birth control methods and issues to consider when deciding to become sexually active. More resources are listed at the end of this booklet if you want more information or need to speak with someone directly. Deciding to have sex is a very personal choice. Sex also involves how you feel about yourself and others, how you relate to people and the choices you make. Sex is healthy and should be enjoyable; however, it can also be risky. Protection needs to be used whenever you are sexually active to prevent pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs are usually passed through oral, vaginal or anal intercourse, and in some cases through contact with blood from an infected person The most effective methods of birth control are sterilization by means of vasectomy in males and tubal ligation in females, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implantable contraceptives. This is followed by a number of hormonal contraceptives including oral pills, patches, vaginal rings, and injections. Less effective methods include barriers such as condoms, diaphragms and contraceptive sponge and fertility awareness methods. The least effective methods are spermicides and withdrawal by the male before ejaculation. HORMONAL METHODS Hormonal methods are very reliable means of birth control. Hormonal methods use two basic formulas: • Combination hormonal methods contain both estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone). Combination methods include pills ("the Pill"), the skin patch, and the ring. • Progestin-only hormonal methods include pills, also called "mini-pills"; a shot (such as Depo-Provera); and implants (such as Implanon or Nexplanon). If you can't take estrogen, a progestin-only method may be an option for you. There is also a hormonal IUD that releases a type of progestin. Combination and progestin-only methods are prescribed for women for different reasons. Each type of method has its pros and cons. • Combination pills may reduce acne, pain during ovulation, and premenstrual symptoms. Both types of pill reduce heavy bleeding and cramping. Unlike the combination pill, the progestin-only pill can be taken by almost all women, including those who are breast-feeding. Depending on when you start taking either type of birth control pill, you may need to use a backup birth control method for the first week. • Patches or vaginal rings are similar to combination pills, but they don't require taking a daily pill. The patch is changed weekly, and the ring is changed monthly (with 1 week off after 3 weeks of use). • Some birth control pills reduce severe mood and physical symptoms that some women get before they start their monthly periods. These symptoms are called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). There are also birth control pills for women who want fewer periods or who want to stop having periods. • The birth control shot does not require taking a daily pill. Instead, you see your health professional once every 3 months for the injection. • The hormone implant releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for about 3 years. It must be inserted and removed by a trained health professional. The actual implant is about the size of a matchstick and is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm. PREGANCY In order to understand the different birth control methods and how they work, it is important to understand how natural pregnancy happens. This section reviews reproduction. The female reproductive organs are located in the pelvis, between the urinary bladder and the rectum. They include: • The ovaries • The Fallopian tubes • The uterus • The cervix • The vagina The ovaries are two small glands with 2 main functions: 1. The production of specialized hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. 2. Ovulation, which is the release of eggs needed for reproduction. Ovulation is controlled by many hormones. About once a month, an egg matures in a fluid-filled ovarian cyst called the follicle. The egg is released by one of the ovaries into the Fallopian tube. If the sperm ejaculated in the vagina after ovulation are healthy, they travel up the female reproductive track to the Fallopian tube and fertilize the egg. The fertilized egg then divides and becomes an embryo. The embryo travels down the Fallopian tube into the uterus where it implants in the uterine lining. The uterine lining is called the endometrium. If the egg is not fertilized, the endometrial lining that develops in preparation for pregnancy sheds. This is known as menstrual flow or period. All of the following must occur in order for a female to become pregnant: 1. The ovary must release (ovulate) an egg 2. The egg must be captured by the Fallopian tube 3. Sperm must travel through the vagina, into the uterus, and up into the Fallopian tube 4. Sperm has to fertilize the egg 5. The fertilized egg, or embryo, must travel down to the uterus 6. The embryo must implant in the uterine lining and begin to develop IMPLANTABLE DEVICE METHOD Implantable devices are another form of birth control. Implantable devices are inserted into the body and left in place for a few years. Some implantable devices work by releasing hormones that prevent pregnancy. Another type prevents pregnancy by releasing a very small amount of copper. The implantable rod is one kind of implantable device. It is a matchstick-size, flexible rod that is put under the skin of the upper arm. The rod releases a hormone that helps prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. It is effective for up to 3 years. Its failure rate is less than 1%. Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are another kind of implantable device. An IUD is a small device shaped like a “T” that goes in the uterus. Its failure rate is less than 1%. There are two types of IUDs: copper and hormonal. A copper IUD releases a small amount of copper into the uterus, which prevents the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. If fertilization does happen, the IUD keeps the fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus. A hormonal IUD is another form of IUD. It is sometimes called an intrauterine system, or IUS. The hormonal IUD releases a hormone into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A doctor needs to put in an IUD. A copper IUD can stay in your uterus for 5 to 10 years. A hormonal IUD can stay in your uterus for up to 5 years. Talk to your healthcare provider about the success rates and side effects associated with each type of implantable device. There are often new medications and technologies being invented for birth control. HORMONAL METHOD AND THE PILL METHOD Certain hormones can be used to prevent pregnancy. Hormones like progesterone and estrogen can prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation. They can also cause changes in cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus to keep the sperm from joining the egg. The birth control pill is a popular form of birth control that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. Women who use the pill often take it daily. In order for the pill to be effective, it must be taken as directed. The pill can be very effective, only failing about 1% of the time, if used correctly. However, on average, the failure may be as high as 8% because of incorrect usage. For many women, the pill has benefits other than preventing pregnancy, such as: • Fewer menstrual cramps • Lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, noncancerous ovarian cysts, and iron deficiency anemia • More regular and lighter periods Like any other medical pill, the birth control pill may have side effects. Most women may not notice side effects. For many women, the side effects usually go away after taking the pill for a few months. Common side effects include: • Changes in mood • Changes in menstrual periods • Dizziness • Upset stomach • Weight gain Women who smoke, are older than 35, or have a history of blood clots, breast cancer or cancer of the uterus have a higher risk of side effects and may not be able to take the pill. Check with your healthcare provider if the pill is recommended for you. Antibiotics may reduce how well the pill works in some women. Talk to your doctor about a backup method of birth control if you need to take antibiotics. Another type of hormonal method is the patch. The patch delivers hormones through the skin. It is worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, outer arm, or upper body. The patch can be as effective as the pill. A new patch is put on the skin once a week for 3 weeks. During the 4th week, no patch is placed on the skin. This allows for a woman’s period to happen. A shot, or injection, can also be used to deliver hormones that can prevent pregnancy. With the shot, you get a hormone injection in the buttocks or arm every 3 months. The shot is as effective as the pill and the patch. However, because it is more likely to be used correctly, it can be more effective. For instance, some individuals may forget to take the pill daily, making it less effective than the shot in preventing pregnancy. The shot should not be used more than 2 years in a row. It can cause a temporary decrease in bone density. Bone starts to grow after this method is stopped, but the risk of fracture and osteoporosis increases if the shot is used for a long time. The vaginal ring is another way to deliver hormones that prevent pregnancy. It is a thin, flexible ring that is placed inside of the vagina. The ring is as effective as the pill and the patch. The vaginal ring should be kept in place for 3 weeks. After that time, it should be taken out for a week so that the period can happen. After the week of the period, a new vaginal ring should be inserted. Different hormonal methods have different side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about the success rates and side effects associated with each type of hormonal method recommended to you. BARRIER METHODS Barrier methods involve putting up a block, or barrier, to keep sperm from reaching the egg. There are several forms of barrier methods. Some of the most popular forms are presented in this section. The male condom is a popular barrier method that is worn by the man. Male condoms are a thin sheath of material placed over an erect penis that keeps sperm from entering a woman's body. Condoms can be made of latex, polyurethane, or "natural lambskin." The natural kind do not protect against STDs. The failure rate of a male condom is 15%. The failure rate is only 2% if it is used correctly all the time, but this does not happen. Male condoms work best when used with spermicide. Condoms should only be used once. A new condom is required for each sex act. Condoms are either: • Lubricated, which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable • Non-lubricated, which can also be used for oral sex. It is best to add lubrication to non-lubricated condoms if you use them for vaginal or anal sex. When adding lubricant to a condom, use a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y® jelly. You can buy lubricants at a drug store. Oil-based lubricants like massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break. Keep condoms in a cool, dry place. If you keep them in a hot place like a wallet or glove compartment, the latex breaks down. Then the condom can tear or break. The female condom is another type of barrier method that a woman can wear inside her vagina. It prevents sperm from entering into her body. Its failure rate is 21%, but can be as low as 5% if used correctly. The female condom is made of thin, flexible rubber and is packaged with a lubricant. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before having sex. It must be thrown away after it is used. Do not use it and a male condom at the same time. It may cause them to tear or break. The contraceptive sponge is another type of barrier method used by women. It is a soft, disk-shaped device made out of polyurethane foam. It contains the spermicide nonoxynol-9. It is effective for more than one act of intercourse for up to 24 hours. The sponge’s failure rate varies depending on whether a woman has had a previous birth or not. The failure rate for women who have had a previous birth ranges from 20 to 32%. A woman who has not had a previous birth has a lower failure rate of 9 to 16%. The contraceptive sponge needs to be left in for at least 6 hours after having sex to prevent pregnancy. It must then be taken out within 30 hours after it is inserted into the vagina. Women who are sensitive to the spermicide nonoxynol-9 should not use the sponge. The diaphragm, cervical cap, and cervical shield are different barrier methods that block sperm from entering the cervix and reaching the egg. They are placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix. Diaphragms, cervical caps, and cervical shields have a failure rate of 26 to 32% for women who have given birth before and 9 to 16% for women who’ve never given birth. The diaphragm and cervical cap come in different sizes. You will need a doctor to "fit" you for one. The cervical shield only comes in one size, and you will not need a fitting. Before having sex, spermicide to block or kill sperm may be added to the devices. Spermicide gel or foam can be bought at a drug store. Different barrier methods have different side effects. Side effects may include: • Allergic reactions • Irritation • Toxic shock if left in for too long • Urinary tract infection Talk to your healthcare provider about success rates and side effects associated with each type of barrier method. SPERMICIDE METHOD Spermicide is another form of birth control Spermicide can be purchased over-the-counter and works by killing sperm. Spermicide has a failure rate of 18% when used correctly. However, the failure rate may be as high as 29% when it is not being used as it should. Spermicide comes in many forms, including: • Cream • Film • Foam • Gel • Suppository • Tablet Spermicide is put in the vagina no more than 1 hour before having sex. If you use a film, suppository, or tablet, wait at least 15 minutes before having sex so the spermicide can dissolve. Do not douche or rinse out your vagina for at least 6 to 8 hours after having sex when using spermicide to prevent pregnancy. You will need to use more spermicide each time you have sex. Spermicide works best if used along with a barrier method, such as a condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. It can then be much more effective. Some spermicide is made just for use with the diaphragm and cervical cap. Check the package to make sure you are buying what you need. Spermicide contains sperm-killing chemicals. Some contain nonoxynol-9, which in addition to ‘killing’ the sperm irritates the tissue in the vagina and anus. This irritation can cause the HIV virus to enter the body more freely and may increase the risk of getting HIV from a partner who has HIV. Some women are sensitive to nonoxynol-9 and need to use spermicide without it. Medications for vaginal yeast infections may lower the effectiveness of spermicide. Also, spermicide does not protect against sexually transmitted infections and may increase the rate of urinary tract infections. STERILIZATION METHOD Permanent birth control methods are for people who are sure they never want to have a child or they do not want more children. These methods are barrier methods; they do not allow the eggs and the sperm to meet. For women, the Fallopian tubes are either cut or scarred to prevent the egg from making it to the uterus. In men the aim to prevent the sperm from reaching the seminal vesicles in the male’s reproductive system, making the male’s ejaculate or semen void of sperm. Essure is a non-surgical method to permanently prevent pregnancy in women. A thin tube is used to thread a tiny spring-like device through the vagina and uterus into each Fallopian tube. This causes scar tissue to form around the coil that blocks the Fallopian tubes and stops the egg and sperm from joining. It can take about 3 months for the scar tissue to grow, so it's important to use another form of birth control during this time. Then you will have to return to your doctor for a test to see if scar tissue has fully blocked your tubes. Surgery can also be used to permanently prevent pregnancy. For women, surgery is used to close the Fallopian tubes. The tubes may be cut, tied, or sealed. This stops the eggs from going down to the uterus where they can be fertilized. For men, surgery can be used to cut the duct that carries the sperm made in the testicles to the seminal vesicles. The man will still produce semen, but the semen will not have any sperm in it. This type of surgery is known as a vasectomy. Sperm can still be found in the ejaculate for about 3 months after a vasectomy. During that time, use a backup form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. A simple analysis of the semen is usually done to check if all the sperm are gone. Like any form of surgery, surgery to prevent pregnancy in women and men has risks and possible side effects. If these permanent forms of birth control are recommended for you, ask your doctor about their risks. SUMMARY In summary the best way to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy among women who are sexually active is to use effective birth control correctly and consistently. Among reversible methods of birth control, intrauterine contraception and the contraceptive implant remain highly effective for years once correctly in place. The effectiveness of the contraceptive shot, pills, patch and ring, and barrier and fertility awareness-based methods, depends on correct and consistent use—so these methods have lower effectiveness with typical use. For each method of birth control, effectiveness with typical use is provided below. We present this as the percent of women who experience an unintended pregnancy within the first year of typical use (also known as the failure rate). CONCLUSION Birth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy. There is no "best" method of birth control. Each method has some benefits and some drawbacks. Your health care provider can help you select the best form of birth control for you. Birth control methods may work in a number of different ways. These include preventing sperm from getting to the eggs; keeping the woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs that could be fertilized; and sterilization, or permanently preventing the ability to become or get someone pregnant. Keep in mind, even the most effective birth control methods can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lowest if the method you choose is always used correctly, every time you have sex. Be sure you know the right way to use them. RECOMMENDATION We therefore recommend that birth control methods are selected based on their expertise in thromboebolic disease, hematology, and family planning . Hormonal birth control methods are commonly recommended by providers instead of requested by women. Partner preferences are taken into account mostly when their cooperation in the use of the method is needed. As fertility care is a male and female issue, there is still more room for actively involving both women and men in the process of choosing a birth control method. 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